PeterDavid.net

Assuming you've received it and had a chance to listen to it ... what did you think of the CD I sent you?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jason Powell

Haven't listened to it yet. Sorry.

I'm gonna go into fanboy mode and ask if you have any upcoming projects for next year?

If by that you mean unannounced, yes. But I don't want to say anything about them yet. Not until contracts are signed and such. Rest assured, though, that this is the place to be to find out about them.

At the end of your Spider-Man 2099 run, you had Xina heading off into the desert with the Net Prophet (John Tensen). I was wondering if you could tell us where this subplot was heading? Were they gonna get romantically involved with one another? Did you have any specific adventures planned for them?

Thank you,

Lee

Nothing worked out at that point. We were still in deep discussion about where we were taking the entire line in general, so eveything was very much in flux. I had no idea the whole line would be totally fluxed with the firing of Joey.

Leaving aside Picard, and having not yet read Stone and Anvil, I can't remember reading that Calhoun has met Sisko or Janeway. So what does Calhoun think of the "other" Captains in the Star Trek Canon: Kirk, Sisko and Janeway?

I think in many respects Calhoun looks up to, and identifies with, Kirk. He sees himself very much in the cowboy mold that Kirk personified. He's met Sisko and considers him a very powerful personality. He doesn't know Janeway.

In the abandoned X-Factor abortion storyline from several years back, what was originally planned for it and what did Marvel want edited out from that?

The original concept was that a test had been developed that could determine whether a fetus carried the gene for mutation. My story had it that parents were then using that information to decide whether to have the child brought to term or aborted (modeled on the real-world tests that inform parents about birth defects). There was also heated discussion among the X-Factor characters about a woman's right to choose, with Rahne coming down squarely Pro-Life while Lorna was squarely pro-choice. Later on Lorna would confess to Rahne that she, Lorna, had had an abortion when she was much younger and very scared. All of that was gutted. Instead it became that parents could choose to have the gene for mutation "extracted." Yeah, you read that right. In utero genetic manipulation. The rest of the dialogue was also toned down or removed outright.

Okay, maybe this one has been posed already, but: what do you think is the future of comic books, format-wise? Even though there have been significant changes in price and content over time, they're basically the same pulp-paper-and-staples items they began as 70 years ago. Do you see them evolving into CD-ROMs, downloadable files, or whatever?

I simply don't see how the 22 page stapled magazine can continue to survive with the escalating prices. I suspect comics will eventually go the digest route. But pure electronics instead of printed material? I doubt it.

Back on your blog in October, you said you were writing an article, and needed an exact quote from Amazing Spider-Man #33 for it. Where/When will this article be appearing?

Corey

Can't tell you yet.

Maybe you are the wrong person to ask but I've always wondered why the art in comic books often has people shaking left-handed or saluting with the wrong hand? Is it something in the process or just artists making mistakes? It seems to happen way to often to be artist laziness.

Really? I hadn't noticed it myself. Yeah, I'd attribute it to artist laziness, 'cause I sure can't think of anything else unless someone's flipping the negatives on a regular basis.

More st "rift" tales to come?

Not to my knowledge.

Are you getting the FIREFLY DVD set when it comes out on December 9th?

Definitely.

Is the New Frontier graphic novel, "Double Time," ever going to be released again? I've searched for it everywhere but can't locate it. Why wasn't it on the CD Rom that came with "Stone and Anvil?"

I think "Double Time" is scheduled to be on a CD rom that will be part of the next NF hardcover, "After the Fall" next year.

- What computer games do you like to play? Do they include "real time strategy" games?

I don't really play any computer games, aside from an occasional bout of Solitaire or Bejeweled. As for the rest of your questions...sorry. I said one each. If I answer all of yours, then I'll just annoy everyone else who kept it to one as I asked.

- Do you take suggestions for topics and other subjects to write on the weblog? I was wondering if you could do a write-up on impostors, or what I thought once to call "Gilderoy Lockharts", after the wizard in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets who turned out to be a fraud.

- Is there any chance you'll be assigned by DC or Marvel to write any of their flagship series any time soon?

- Have you ever written any Batbooks? If not, then is that something that you'd be up to working on?

I have long felt that sales for Captain Marvel were lagging behind because people will not give it a chance ("no jump on point," or so they claim), and that more marketing (obviously) and more cameos in other titles would held the cause. Any plans for either of those anytime soon?

More marketing? Not up to me, but based on the amount of promotion done for books that aren't mutant or Spider-Man related, I'd say not likely. As for "no jump on point"...that's bull. There's the trade paperback collections. There's the fact that I'm keeping the continued stories shorter. There's the summaries at the beginning of every issue. If they're not giving it a chance, it's simply because they're not interested in the character, period, close quote. And not all the cameos nor all the marketing in the world will change that.

any plans to bring back the pantheron? i'd love to see them again.

No plans to bring back the Pantheon at this time. Sorry.

IF I were to ask you to be a guest on my comic book radio show, what are the chances that you would agree? I'll save all my other questions for the con on saturday.

Depends on a variety of things. When. Where. Call-in versus in-studio. Time of day/night. Etc.

I am a die hard Quintin Stone fan from "Rock and a Hard Place". I know there are alot of similarities in Calhoun, but are there any plans to bring him back for a visit? I can imagine a Calhoun/Stone meeting...

Nope, I have no plans for revisiting Stone. Which isn't to say he might not return if I come up with the right story for him.

Alright PAD, I'll play.

I asked you this question last time, but I misspelled the question so you didn't really answer (it's not my fault, I swear, I was on pain killers for hurting my back).

Is there any chance that you might write a story arc for the Buffy comic book (assuming it hasn't been cancelled.)

It'd be fun to write one, sure. Actually, I know exactly what I'd want to do. When Spike first encountered the vengeance demon, Hally, the two of them recognized each other as William (the writer of bloody awful poetry) and Cecily (his disinterested, above-him lady love), respectively. Why? Same actress played both Hally and Cecily. I'd love to do a story following up that meeting, set some time in season 6.

What was the Paramount's reasoning for having you change Janos from a Mugato?

No reason was ever given.

New Frontier is the best, and only, Star Trek I read anymore. How long do you continue to write this?

And also, how is it decided that one book is paperback, and another hardcover?

Thanks!

Well, I'm contracted to write three more books. After that we'll see what Pocket wants to do. As for what decides it, pretty much Pocket decides the format.

Settle an bet between my girlfriend an me. One of her favorite shows is a cartoon from MTV called "Daria." She thinks you wrote an episode of that show called "Boxing Daria." She also thinks, because of that, that you may be involved in the MTV Spider-Man cartoon. I say no way.

I hope she bet you something really good, because you're right. Although I've enjoyed the series "Daria" from time to time, I've never written for it. And I'm not at all involved in the MTV Spidey cartoon.

Hi, Pad.

I was wondering if you might know, off the top of your head, (don't sweat it otherwise) of any publication that accepts unsolicited fiction. I've tried every search method I can think of and keep coming up with ziltch.

Salutations from a man with no contacts whatsoever,

Mitch

The best reference source I've used is a book (yes, a book) called "The Guide to the Writer's Market." It's updated annually and has exactly what you're looking for. If you don't want to plunk down money for one, libraries generally have it.

I was curious if you could explain how the writing process goes for a typical issue of SOULSEARCHERS. I know you and Richard Howell work together on it, but I was curious as to who does what, and what your working relationship was like on the book. (Which I enjoy a great deal, by the way!)

D

Richard and I discuss overall plots and general directions. Richard then generally writes the plot, and I do the script. On occasion, I'll do a full script. Thanks for reading.

A while back, you mentioned that you'd yet to find a UK publisher for your Sir Apropos novels. Has there been any progress there, or toward allowing your American publisher to export the book into the UK?

No progress whatsoever. Despite all the positive reviews and sales success, no UK publisher has expressed the slightest interest in publishing the series, which is a huge disappointment to me.

Here's a question- Given the chance, would you ever consiter being the editor for a line of Star Trek related comics?

Heck,for that matter-does any publisher have the rights to STAR TREK at the moment?

I'd hate to think ENTERPRISE would be the only Star Trek never presented in comics form.

I'm not interested in being the editor of any line. To the best of my knowledge, no one has the comic pub rights to Trek.

Have you been reading JLA/Avengers? Whadya think?

Read the first issue, liked it well enough, have bought but haven't yet read the subsequent issues.

BTW I love Stone as well and would like to see him again

My question is any chance of you doing another Q Novel? I love Q and I am sure the only way we'll see him again is in the novels and you write Q stories so well.

There were some discussions about John and I co-writing another Q novel, but terms couldn't be worked out. There's no immediate plans on the horizon as a result.

Tom Brevoort recently said:

"...Peter's still writing CAPTAIN MARVEL, and we're talking to him about something else..."

Are you still talking about that, and can you give any hints about it?

Yes indeed, it's still in discussion. All I'll say is that it involves doing a series about a character who I've written before (and no, it's not HIM.) But nothing's definite yet.

Nacho F. asked: Is the New Frontier graphic novel, "Double Time," ever going to be released again? I've searched for it everywhere but can't locate it. Why wasn't it on the CD Rom that came with "Stone and Anvil?"

I'm not Peter, but I can tell you that a) Double Time is available in trade paperback form, along with the DS9 miniseries n-Vector and the TOS one-shot All of Me in a trade paperback entitled Other Realities, and b) it wasn't included in the CD because Pocket Books doesn't have the rights to publish (in any form) comic books published by DC Comics.

---KRAD

I just wondered if you own any original art either from stories you written or just in general? But if you have some specific stuff from your own writing and want to share why you wanted those pieces in particular, that would be jolly good too!

Thanks in advance

John Popa

Yes, I own artwork from some series I've done. The one I have the most from is "Supergirl" as Leonard Kirk and Robin Riggs were extremely generous in giving me artwork even though they were under no obligation to do so. I have some other pieces as well.

I'm sure you're always asked this but...

Do you think New Frontier ever be seen as a TV series?

No, I don't.

Sorry if this question has already been asked and answered but I remember when "Soulsearchers & Co." first came out, there was a text page that said it had originally been pitched as a team of mystical characters in the DCU. Have you ever said which characters became which when it went from its original form to its published form and generally how it would have been different as a DC series?

(And I still want to know if I'm the only one who noticed how similar the role Lorraine played in CM a few years back was to the way Spike was handled in the first few eps. of "Angel" this season...)

The Soulsearchers question is well-answered by others further down the thread. As for Lorraine, just think: Something else for fans to accuse me of ripping off from Joss Whedon even though I did it first...

Creepiest Buffy TV moment ever?

Oooh. Probably the arrival of the Gentlemen in Sunnydale as they floated down the street. A close second would be the (I know I'm spelling this wrong) Kinderschtadt anytime he would lean over a victim and those suckers would come out of his eyes.

In THE CAPTAIN'S DAUGHTER, Janice Rand discusses a child she had years ago, and that the pregnancy was tied into her reasons for leaving the Enterprise. At the time I read the book, I got the impression that she was strongly hinting that Kirk was the child's father (though I can't remember why; it been a long time since I read the book). Was this your intent or did I read way too much into that scene?

You read it right. That's what I was insinuating.

Your take on the Photon characters was much more interesting than the TV series itself, and I would love to see more. Do you have any desire to write more stories set in that universe, and if so, do you think you could get the rights to do so?

Not that much of a desire, no. Nor do I think I could get the rights, and even if I could and then could find a publisher, we'd probably sell about twenty copies.

Is there any news on the future of Sir Apropos?

Not at this time.

What Character, in all of the Star Trek Series, is your favorite one to write?

Mackenzie Calhoun.

Similar-but-not-quite-the-same-question-as Michileen's:

I was somewhat blindsided by the ending of Tong Lashing, although the trilogy as a whole is, I think, the best thing you've ever done. Is this how you envisioned the story to end, or did you always plan (sales figures aside for the moment) to continue the character?

I had two more books I wanted to write. I didn't know that Pocket was going to discontinue publishing original fantasy novels. Kind of frustrating, really.

PAD--

Having just viewed "Wings of Desire" again for the first time in over 20 years, I thought I'd pose to you the most intriguing question asked in that movie, especially since it seems like something right up a sci-fi writer's alley: "When did time begin and where does space end?"

Time began at the very moment that the first living creature attempted to keep track of the passing of days. Space ends when we run out of time.

No question, just wanted to say thanks for answering the "rumor about Robin Lefler as Wesley Crusher's wife" question in the last thread. (For those of you who missed it, PAD's reaction to the rumor that Ashley Judd might appear as Robin Lefler Crusher in "Star Trek: Nemesis" was screaming, followed by attempts to figure out how it might work in the New Frontier storyline -- none of which he liked.) I'd been curious about your reaction ever since I first heard the "news" a couple of years ago -- because I know *my* first reaction was, "Oh, geez, that's going to mess up the Peter David books!"

I just finished Stone & Anvil, which by the way was great. How long did it take to write?

A few months.

I'm an 'Imzadi' junkie and you are the king of all Trek storylines left dangling and without satisfactory treatment. (Like Sela, Tom Riker, the 'where did the imazadi connection come from' question, etc, etc.) THANK YOU! That said, would you ever consider writing Beverly Crusher's backstory? You know, the whole 'Jack Crusher died under Jean-Luc Picard's command and Picard fancied the redheaded wife' intrigue? It'd be a devilish good read in your hands...

Actually, I think Pocket already has someone writing that.

I probably could come up with a more interesting question, but...

You mentioned earlier that the publisher of the "Sir Apropos" novels is no longer doing original fantasy (or something like that, I can't find the original post). What I'm wondering is, will they still eventually publish "Tong Lashing" as a mass-market paperback? I only ask because I own the first two in paperback, and have a bizarre, obsessive habit of wanting all the books in a series in the same format.

(And if I'm mis-remembering what you said, and this is no concern at all, I apologize for wasting your time -- and my question!)

Yes, I imagine that Tong Lashing will be out in paperback next year. If I hear differently, I'll certainly let everyone know.

To Mitch who asked about markets accepting unsolicited fiction: Sure, I'm no Peter David, but if you write SF/F or the like, you can try a terriffic website at http://www.ralan.com, which has tons and tons of markets from the non-paying to the pro-paying and includes books, anthology and short story markets. Lots of good stuff. Also many other similar websites.

In the latter issues of Supergirl, there was a scene that had Buzz visiting Linda in the hospital where he bumped into what looked like an older version of himself, and they mutually said something along the lines of, "Sod off." Where you planning a time travel story, did you put it in just in case you needed an out somewhere and planned to spin it into something? It was such a curious scene, I had to think it was foreshadowing of some kind. Thanks-JimO

That was an in-joke. I'd gotten sick of fans whining that Buzz was just a rip-off of Spike from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," particularly since Buzz predated Spike by some months, and Buzz's romantic interest in the blonde heroine predated BtVS's plot development along those lines by several years. So just for laughs, I wrote in a walk-by where Spike and Buzz bump into each other in the pages of Supergirl. But the visual wasn't exactly on model and it went past a lot of people.

The BBC has the Britons favourite fiction book (http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/bigread/) . What would be in your top 5?

To Kill a Mockingbird. Tarzan of the Apes. The Princess Bride. The Essential Ellison. A Confederacy of Dunces.

Why no inker on Captain Marvel? Is it to save the cost of an inker? It makes the art look fuzzy and hard to read.

--your pal, Hoy

Editorial choice.

Hey PAD,

I'm a fallen-away "Trek" fan. It seems to me that for the last 10 years or so, "Trek" has been the most mismanaged franchise ever. What, if anything, can be done to make "Star Trek"cool again?

Launch an incredibly fascinating and powerful storyline and then take the series off the air, thereby driving fans nuts. Fans always want what they don't have.

To answer Mitch's question about publications that accept unsolicited fiction, I would encourage him to pick up the Writer's Market, which lists both book and magazine publishers and gives details as to what they do and do not accept, whether they're print or online (or both), word counts and other information. The book is published annually and also has an online edition which is updated as needed.

As a general rule, unlike book publishers, magazine publishers do not require either a query letter or and agent for fiction submissions. Though, again, those that do will say so in the Writer's Market entries.

I would also encourage Mitch (and anyone else interested in writing) to read the Writer Magazine, the longest running (since 1887) magazine for writers, and in my opinion, the best of the lot. One of the great things about the magazine is that I can pick up any issue from 1887 on and still find something of relevance.

I hadn't planned to ask PAD a question this time, but my own response to Mitch has piqued my curiosity. PAD, who or what influenced your decision to become a writer and what (other than the need to pay the bills) keeps you going?

Rick

One becomes a writer because one can't really imagine being anything else. The compusion to write is too strong. Pardon the double negative, but a writer cannot not write. What keeps me going is the same thing that got me started.

Just wondering at what point do you decide to go ahead with a story idea or scrap it? Do you stop if it takes too much "work" to make it work out logically/logistically or do you just go until the publisher says "stop"?

All of the above, really. Ideally, I scrap a storyline by realizing in advance that it's not going to work, rather than be in the middle of it and suddenly discover, Crap, this isn't working at all. Then there are times when it's editorially demanded. My storyline for "Supergirl" was designed to continue past the "resolution" in #80, particularly in regards to the villain. He was supposed to remain as a nemesis for Linda. But when I learned that #80 was to be the last issue, I had to find a way to cram a resolution for the bad guy into #80. But I never quit something if I think it's "too much work." Too much work is a challenge.

Out of the collaborators you've worked with, be they artists or actors or fellow writers or any combination thereof, which was the most satisfying? I mean, where both parties said, "Yeah, that was what we were both looking for." And what project was this?

Sorry Peter, you can't get away with naming your children as the your best project. We all know they're your absolute best job ever.

Thanks,

Jay

Probably George Perez on "Future Imperfect."

Wouldn't a Calhoun/Q match-up be cool?

That OTHER John Byrne

Yes, it probably would.

Hey PAD, who was Thanatos supposed to

be, originally? You told us that he was a manevolent spirit from the age of heroes who occupied the body of Aaron Delgado, which really doesn't track with the Captain Marvel plot.

So, who was this spirit that took over his body?

I always had several thoughts as to who Thanatos could be. The malevolent spirit one was the way I was initially thinking of. Part of me always thought it was Venom. But when the opportunity to resolve the story presented itself, I went with the more streamlined "future Rick" version. I left the whole Delgado thing about because, really, how much 2099 elements did I really need to drag in? I was juggling enough already.

So just how did you manage to end up writing Snapper Carr and Rick Jones at the same time? There's got to be some cosmic rule about that.

Matt

Kind of weird out that worked out, yeah. Actually I wasn't planning to bring in Snapper, but my first choice for the new adult mentor wasn't available (and no, I don't remember who it was off hand). Still, I think Snapper worked out just fine. When Marvel and DC were doing those merged characters during the Marvel vs. DC limited series, I *so* wanted to do one called "Snapper Jones, Sidekick for Hire." But I couldn't sell them on that.

Have you ever written an opinion piece that you regretted, or wanted to take back? Specifically, it seems that it would be hard to mend fences with someone after you disagree with them in print.

Years ago, I did a "Top Ten Rejected Disney Characters" bit for BID. And the number one rejected character was "Daisy Dyke." Much to my surprise, this unleashed a virtual sh*tstorm of criticism, mostly from outraged heterosexuals on behalf of lesbians everywhere. Thing was, it wasn't even my gag. A friend of mine had come up with it during a brainstorming session. I felt badly not because of all the crap that rained down on my head. I was the one who printed it, the buck stopped with me. What upset me was that my friend felt terrible about it. He wanted to publicly state that he was the one who came up with the gag so that I wouldn't have to take the hit for it. I told him not to do so. It was my column, and I'd take the heat for it. But I felt bad that he felt bad. Other than that, no.

What is the correct pronunciation of Burgy's full name. I've been reading the New Frontier series since it started and I have a feeling I've butchering hir name the whole time.

Thanks

Nothing fancy about it. Burr-GOYNE (rhymes with "loin.")

Is there any chance in Hell you will ever get to write another New Frontier comic like the excellent Double Time?

Sure, if someone gets the pub rights and asks me.

Thanks for doing this, Peter. (I’m unclear on the etiquette here—I’m assuming first-name basis is okay.) The effort you put into this blog and communicating with your fans is much appreciated.

On to the question… it seems as though every time you post any entry that references George Bush in any way, you get stomped by a large number of the readers of this blog. I get the impression that there's the black-and-white posters (either Bush Is Good or Bush Is Bad), and there's the people who actually try to legitimately discuss the topic, though they tend to get drowned out in the vitriol. People have even suggested (“threatened” seems too strong a word) to stop visiting the blog if you keep posting your opinions on world affairs. It just strikes me as so much bluster over so little provocation.

Is this an example of why so much of entertainment today is dumbed down? I’m thinking specifically of comics, though this can be applied to most of television, movies, etc. I work customer service at the moment, and people threaten to boycott the company over the stupidest things, and unlike this blog, that boycott translates into dollars, which worries The Powers That Be. If any comic character you write has a strong opinion on an issue (or is interpreted to have a strong opinion based on misreading what was said), that could translate into revenue loss, which results into general unwillingness or actual written edicts to avoid anything of substance which could potentially offend, well, anyone. So instead, we get plain vanilla plotlines and utterly unengaging stories primarily written not to tell a story, but simply not to offend.

Would you consider this at all an accurate reading of the situation, that this sort of thing goes on, and that some of the discussions on this site are a fair example of it on a smaller scale?

I think that's pretty accurate, yeah. We've come a long way from the 1970s. A character such as, say, Archie Bunker, likely wouldn't survive more than a few episodes (if that.) People seem intimidated or even angry by strong opinions in movies, TV, blogs. These places, it is said, are where people go to turn their brains off and just have fun. I'm sorry. If people want that, that's why amusement parks and video games exist. But if you want to dwell in places where thoughts hold sway, don't whine about it if some of those thoughts make your head hurt.

Sorry if this question has already been asked and answered but I remember when "Soulsearchers & Co." first came out, there was a text page that said it had originally been pitched as a team of mystical characters in the DCU.

I'm not PAD, Pack, but I'd heard that Soulsearchers was going to be a MARVEL book originally, with Son of Satan, Hellcat, Impossible Man, Harold H. Harold, Howard the Duck and the teenage witch from "Vision & Scarlet Witch" that Mooney drew to look like Supergirl. Which character matches which Soulsearcher I leave as an exercise for the reader.

First, to whomever asked it above: the Soulsearchers characters are based on Marvel Universe characters, not DC, as PAD explains in his introduction to the first collection. I've asked him the question before and he's wisely demured, choosing not to enter those potentially murky legal and creative waters.

Now, my question: PAD, what are your thoughts on Disney' "Kim Possible," on how great you'd be writing a KP comic, and on how doubly great it would be to have you write a KP/Spy Boy crossover?

(Hey--you said one question. You didn't specify how many dependent clauses...)

Haven't watched the show. Which pretty much screws the pooch on the dependent clauses...

Without going into the many weakness of the story/setting what did you think of Travis Fimmell as Tarzan? Were you like me and wish they would put him in the jungle and see where it went?

(I know that was actually two questions but it only requires one response so I don't think it broke the intention of the rule...Man, I've been around too many lawyers)

Basically they tried to do Beauty and the Beast with Tarzan, totally forgetting that Vincent had a whole underground society filled with fascinating denizens...plus Catherine loved Vincent. TV Guide had it pegged: Too often, Tarzan came across as a stalker...paradoxically, a boring stalker. I've got ceramic paperweights that had more charisma. Without the jungle, without the loincloth, without the animals, the yell...it had nothing to do with Tarzan. "Tarzan's New York Adventure" worked because he was still identifiably Tarzan, who found elements in the civilized world that paralleled the world he had left. In this case, he just came across like a constipated hunk. Yes, absolutely, I wish they'd put him in the jungle. Hell, what if his place of residence had been Central Park, even? That might have played better.

What artist/artists ( whom you have never worked with ) would you like to work with you?

oo

Jackson Guice would be cool to work with. And Alex Ross, beyond the back and forth we did on Marv's costume. Oh, and Will Eisner. Dare to dream, right?

Peter, I'm always interested in hearing your opinion on sci-fi or fantasy films\television programmes, what did you think of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines?

Liked it a lot better than I thought I would. It was tricky switching focus: The first two films were really Sarah's story, and with her out of the picture (literally) I never thought they could pull it off. But they did, including a haunting ending they didn't shy away from. And besides, let's face it, it never made sense that Sarah got rid of Judgment Day. If it never happened, Reese never came back to modern day and John was never conceived. The only thing is, with no knock on the actor who played the older John, it would have been nice to go with the original actor.

Hi PAD!

Firstly, thanks for doing this (again!), and thanks for all your great work over the years - you've brightened up many a dull and dreary train journey into London for me with your material.

Recently, when you were commenting on a certain poster's message on another board (see "Threats" post), you used some quite disturbing imagery to get your point across:

"And you don't have to be worried that you'll be standing at a convention holding your one year old daughter in your arms, chatting with someone, and suddenly some guy is going to come up to you and take a shot at you and he misses you and you're standing there covered in your child's blood."

Which got me thinking ... have you ever considered penning a book with a darker, more "adult" tone than the usual Star Trek / Apropos etc. subjects? (I believe this would open up your name to a wider audience too, and am sure many people would enjoy it too!)

And, at the risk of being berated for posting a second question (be gentle) what subject matter would such a book possibly contain.....?

Thanks ever so much!

...Simon Mott (London, UK)

I dunno, man...if I wrote material that was darker than "Apropos," particularly the third book, I might very well end up blowing my brains out or something. There's humor in those novels to offset it, but "Apropos" goes to some very, VERY dark places. I don't think I'd care to go darker than that.

hey PAD- I do love this feature. :) glad i finally caught it.

here's the thing- I was a big Space Cases fan in its heydey, guess I still am- it's how I first got to know your work, actually. I remember reading the newsgroups at the time of its cancellation, and it was said that somehow or other, you would be getting the story arc that was planned out to the fans. did that ever happen? one can only assume at this point that the christa made it home. :)

Hasn't happened yet, but I haven't given up hope.

I just read Supergirl 75-80 (loved them, btw!) and since they were the first I've ever read about her I wanted to know what trades or issues I should read to fully understand the backstory of her character. My favourite aspect of the story arc was the fact that she went ahead and married Superman(sigh). . .will you ever do a more expanded story about her life as well as her daughter's in that timeline? Okay, that was two questions, sorry and thanks in advance! :)

Only the first eight issues and the last storyline were collected in trade paperback (in other words, everyone before Leonard Kirk and Robin Riggs and everyone *after* Leonard Kirk and Robin Riggs, which must just thrill Leonard and Robin.) The Supergirl storyline really divides with issue #50. If you pick up the trade of the first issues and like it, then just go for the gusto and dive into the back issues. If not, you can start with issue #51. As for an expanded story...not likely, no.

I know you were into fandom when you were younger, but with 20 years in the industry and Harlan Ellison, George Takei, and Bill Mumy among your friends, do you still have "fanboy" moments when meet certain people?

Well, it was really cool meeting Parker Bohn III and Walter Ray Williams and various other pro bowlers. I was pretty fanboy encountering them.

Peter,

You and I both like the same shows. We almost always agree when a good show goes bad-- or vice versa.

So what's up with you starting to really get into "Tru Calling"? I know we're both watching TV on Thursday nights... I just cannot believe we're watching the same show.

Oh, I get it. It's Eliza Dushku isn't it?

Fess up! :-)

I for one can't wait for the cancellation axe to fall on this train wreck (if I hear Tru's brother slur his words one more time...).

But then again-- in a perfect world-- Eliza could do this show for a couple of years... and then, after running out of ideas... "Tru Calling" and "Angel" could be cancelled in the SAME YEAR and Eliza could come back the following year in the "Faith" spin-off she should have been doing already--- with James Marsters as her sidekick Spike... Ironically making James the longest employed actor in "Buffy" Franchise history!!

I absolutely agree it's Eliza Dushku. Not because I think she's especially hot or anything--Tru is a far less sexy character than Faith--but because she's very appealing and I like watching her act. If this show featured a star I'd never heard of or wasn't vested in, I don't know that I would have stuck with it. What I don't understand, though, is when people say they "can't wait" for something to be cancelled. As if the existence of the show (or comic book for that matter) is an affront to God and Man. You can't stand Tru's brother, whose line readings I have no trouble with? You think the program's a trainwreck? Fine. Don't watch it. No skin off my nose. See the difference in attitudes? I see that you don't like the show while I do, and I say, Okay, then you don't have to watch it. You see that I do like the show and you don't and, rather than no longer watching it yourself, you anticipate the day when *I* can't see it anymore. Weak, dude.

I have often heard you referred to as one of the three high verbals. I know that Harlan Ellison is also one of the three high verbals. Who is the third high verbal, and where did the moniker come from?

The Three High Verbals was the brainchild of Harlan, who came up with the notion when he was invited to do a talk and he decided it would be really cool if it was him and a couple of friends instead of just him. The third high verbal was Neil Gaiman. Harlan coined the group name.

Which of your Star Trek novels have sold the most?

Probably Imzadi.

hi Peter..i know there isnt too much you can do about this due to your busy schedule but can you please find some time this year to come to one of Toronto's many conventions?

I did a couple of years ago. I'll see if I'm invited to another one.

SPOILER: Who'll pilot the Excalibur now that McHenry's gone? (I miss him loads already, he was my absolute favorite)

Well done with those book.

sna

Tania Tobias

which series will your story from the tales of the dominion war book be from?

New Frontier

I think your version of Supergirl is the best there ever was. I really loved #1 - 74, liked #75 - 80. What worries me are the unresolved storylines. What were your plans for:

- Buzz? He just disappeared when he became an interesting character. There was a clear character development that stopped too sudden. C'mon, he loved Linda, and Linda felt something.

- Twilight? I had a feeling that there was a big storyline to come. But it never did...

- Mattie & Cutter? I'm so sure there was something in your head besides a future wedding.

These are three questions, sorry for that. But they just don't let me sleep...

Pascal

I didn't have any immediate plans for any of them. The dictate from DC was that I should start fresh with issue #81. The constant, incessant knock on the book was that it was too complicated for newcomers to follow (no moreso than such DC titles as "Sandman" was, of course, but when you don't bother to back up a series with trade paperbacks these days, that's the flack you get) and they wanted me to start fresh with the series. So issue #81 was going to see a total relocation for the character, a brand new storyline, and new supporting cast. Which I agreed to...and then got the boat shot out from under me while still writing the final Leesburg storyline.

I can't believe that I've actually managed to post my question before the deadline was called...

Peter, at one time you were quoted as saying you could undo the whole Death of Betty Banner in (I think) one page without resorting to dream sequences or the like.

What would you have done?

Thank you

Remember, Betty took ill after she returned from New York. I would have said a switch was done there and the Betty who died wasn't really Betty. LMD, clone, Skrull, something else...take your pick. Hey, I didn't say it was brilliant. But since I never intended to do it, I didn't work out much beyond that.

PAD,

Is there going to be a follow-up novel to One Knight Only?

Brian

That's still in discussion, actually.

Mr. David first off I wanted to let you know that you are my favorite trek author and have set the standard as far as trek fiction is concerned in my opinion. My favorite trek novel is Q-Squared and I was wondering if Trelane was a character that you felt was so great and enigmatic that he needed to be expanded upon (as did I) or if you just thought he would be fun to write. Thank you very much.

Actually it stemmed from a widely held belief (other fans as well as me) upon first seeing Q. The general belief was that he was so similar to Trelane, there had to be a connection. General thought was that Q was Trelane's son; I decided to reverse it.

Mr. David,

So have you ever created a one-shot villian based on someone that was giving you hell in the real world so you could get the hero/heroine (like the Hulk or Supergirl) to smash the fool out of them, and who might this person be?

For giving me grief personally? Not that I recall. But guys who have treated loved ones badly, they've suffered at my hands. My sister was dating one fellow and I warned him. I said, "You break my sister's heart, I'm going to throw you in the warp core of the Excalibur." And he did, so I did. I named a crewman after him and he fell into the warp core and died horribly. I even called up Mike Okuda for technical advice so the guy could suffer for as long as possible rather than just incinerate. The scene was so graphic, Paramount asked for rewrites because I think it made the approvals folks barf or something. Then there was the guy who jilted one of my daughters. I turned a guy with the same name into a tree in an issue of "Captain Marvel" and reduced him to ash. It's petty, but sometimes petty revenge is better than no revenge at all.

Where is S.H.I.R.T.S. headquarters now? It used to be between the twin towers of the World Trade Center because the reflective surfaces on the towers created an illusion that it wasn't there. Now that the towers are kinda, well, gone it has to be somewhere else.

Perhaps I should just wait until the next Spyboy project and see if my question gets answered.

That was covered in "Spyboy/Young Justice," actually. SHIRTS HQ was moved to the top of the Citicorp building. You know how that building has a roof that slants down at a 45 degree angle and it seems there's nothing in the vacant area? Well, there is.

OK, I know you are a man of many talents and it would be impossible to list everything you have done in your biography. People think of you in so many different ways, as a writer, bowler, Dad... Here at the comic shop you are known for writing comics by most and Star Trek by some but am I the only one who thinks of you as "Peter David the singer of Secret Agent Man"?

The first time I saw you was at San Diego Comic con with Bill Mumy and Sudction of the Innocent and I thought you were awsome. People should know that not only do you have a great mind but an amazing voice as well!

Well shucks, thanks. As for you being the only one who thinks of me that way...you might well be, yeah.

Given that there isn't a current publisher of Trekcomics (nor is there likely to be one in the near future), would you be willing to release the script of the second New Frontier comic that you had planned? (And while I'm at it, that for Double Time as well?)

It hadn't gotten to full script stage. I had an outline and was about to start on the script when it was cancelled. And I've no plans to release it; who knows, I might be able to make an NF novel out of it. As for the script to "Double Time," I could probably bring it for sales to a convention if you're interested, since I do sell scripts in person.

Can you talk to Paramount to try secure a deal to make New Frontier a TV series or something? It would be better that than thier new series ENTERPISE. Most readers here would no doubt concur.

It'll never happen. Look, bottom line: Whoever creates a Trek series gets huge money for it. Huge. Put your kid through college huge. Now...you're one of the PTB at the Star Trek offices. You're in a position where either you can create a TV series yourself, or kick all that money over to some schmuck in New York. What are *you* gonna do? Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the reader support. But again, it'll never happen.

Peter,

Where would you have gone with Young Justice if You'd been able to continue it for another year?

Thanks

I would have explored a new job and living situation for Superboy, would have built up a Superboy/Wonder Girl romance, would have had Impulse working harder to be taken more seriously. Beyond that I hadn't given it much thought, because I learned the series was going to be going away right when I was starting to work up the next six-month arc.

Since there seem to be multiple questions on the same topic, here are two on the HeroClix game. What do you think of this game, both in terms of the characters and the mechanics? And if you play, what is your favorite/best team?

I haven't played it, but I think the little pieces are pretty nifty.

PAD, on the Oct. 24 edition of the "Destinies" radio show you mentioned that you and Kathleen are collaborating on scripts for Del Rey's upcoming line of manga reprints, taking literal translations and putting them in more colloquial, entertaining terms. Can you provide any more information, such as titles or release dates? It sounds like an intriguing project.

I'm not sure of the release dates, but the series itself is called "Magister Negima," from the same creator who produced "Love Hina." We've completed work on the first one, telling the adventures of a young sorceror and his adventures at (this being manga, naturally it's) an all girl's school.

My question is similar to the one Mitch posted wa-ay above me:

As a hope to be published someday writer, how can I go about actually getting my work(s) into the hands of the proverbial 'powers that be' so that someday I might actually get published?

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Sincerely,

Follow the advice that I gave Mitch, and in terms of other practical advice: (1) Keep writing, (2) don't take rejection personally.

This is a question pertaining to "Gods Above" that I tried to ask at the chat yesterday, and didn't get through. Is McHenry going to come back in future books? Just wondering (McHenry's my favorite character!). Thank you lots, you're a wonderful author. I'm not just saying that, either.

Happy Thanksgiving!

McHenry will come back at some point, but not immediately. And when he does return, it will be in a very unexpected manner.

Can you tell us how you were involved in the whole Marvel 2099 saga?

I was asked to present a pitch as to how I would do 'Spider-Man 2099.' All Marvel knew was that there was going to be a Spider-Man 2099, and that in his civilian identity he would be working for this megacorporation called Alchemax. Beyond that, nothing. So I (along with a number of other writers) put forward an outline as to how I would write the book if given the assignment. I developed Miguel O'Hara, his supporting cast, outlined his origin, how his powers worked, the themes, etc. They liked my presentation the best and I got the gig (and got a nice check up front for development money.)

Peter, I've been reading about Dynamic Forces doing some reprints of Dreadstar, and the article mentioned that you'd taken over for Starlin as writer on that series in the latter part of its run. This doesn't seem to be mentioned often when discussing your comics work, so I thought I'd ask...

Anything memorable from your time working with that set of characters that you'd care to share? With the prospects of it being reprinted, I'd be interested in your opinion of the work now, looking back.

I remember being pleased and flattered that Jim Starlin trusted me with his babies. And I was amazed how much fun I had with the characters, particularly Skeevo and Iron Angel. I haven't looked at the work in years, so I can't give an opinion of it beyond the fact that I enjoyed it.

Besides Jack Kirby, who is your favorite pre-1970 comic book artist?

John Buscema.

Hi, Peter! Longtime fan. I really enjoyed "The Captain's Daughter" and had a ball when you revisited the character of Captain John Harriman in the Enterprise anthology. (and I definitely enjoyed that David R. George's "Serpents Among the Ruins" stayed consistent with your Harriman). What was it like developing and rehabilitating the character and would you want to revisit him or the Enterprise-B? Happy Thanksigiving!

Working with Harriman was fun because basically he was in the movie to be a stooge to Kirk. And I figured, if this guy was handed the Enterprise, there must be SOME reason for it. There's gotta be more to him than we saw in the film. And fans really seemed to appreciate his "rehabilitation" because apparently many felt the same way I did. Yeah, I wouldn't mind revisiting him.

Well, Crap! I'm in the middle of Reading God's Above now...Eh, don't worry I ain't a nut about spoilers...I read the BLOG at my own risk!

(Love the scene on the Holodeck when they all see what really happened to Morgan Primus, especially the interaction between Burgy and Calhoun...made me laugh!

I would Love to get you're signature on the NF books I've been buying from the beginning, guess I'll I have to catch you at a Philly Conn (they are in Philly too right?) as I'm in Lancaster, Pa. (Sort of a question but not really cuz I've already posted one??!!)

Well, I'll be at Philcon in a little over a week, so that would probably work out for you.

Did you created Marlo? If so, what was the inspiration?

Yes. Originally, Marlo was supposed to be a call girl. And since she was to be Joe Fixit's date, she was a biiiiiiig call girl. And her room mate was also a call girl. Then at the last minute I was told I couldn't have Joe Fixit dating a call girl, so I changed her to an aerobics instructor and her room mate became a nurse. Why, I've no clue.

Ok, here's something I've been curious about: Why Imzadi 2??? Was it to fill in the blanks between Worf/Troi???

Just wondering...

and Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Because they asked me to. The Pocket sales force was begging for a sequel to Imazadi. John Ordover wanted me to write a story about Worf and Troi to fill in the gap. I liked the idea but hated the title, because I knew it would be a very different type of story and I didn't want comparison. The compromise we reached was that the book would be entitled TRIANGLE in great big letters and "Imzadi II" in very small letters. So naturally when the book saw print it said IMZADI II" in great big letters and "Triangle" in real small letters.

Peter,

I ask this question seriously as I am currently making a study of the subject:

What is your personal philosophy for success?

Never believe you're a success.

Presuming you were the creator of Cyber (for the Wolverine story in Marvel Comics Presents), how did you feel when they chose to kill the character later in the X-Books?

Thanks!

Pissed off. He was the most popular villain I ever created. So naturally they snuffed him.

How did you feel when Marvel published a story that "revealed" the merged Hulk to be just another one of Banner's personalities?

I like Paul Jenkins, both personally and as a writer. And I was pleased that they went back to the psychologically based stories that I felt better served the character. But I hated, hated, HATED that the merged Hulk...which I spent four frickin' years building toward, and the whole point of which was that here was how Bruce Banner would be if he were a fully integrated personality...was "revealed" to be just another personality called the Professor. I hate it and hate that it seems to be accepted. As far as I'm concerned, it's flat out wrong. Then again, that was kind of the point of issue #467: To say that everything that came after the end of my run on the series had nothing to do with my run on it. That it all went off into some other universe.

What was going to be the deal with Ramon, Betty's "husband?" It seemed like she was some calendar girl during the Hulk's time away from earth, but was he her agent or pimp? Was he going to return with proof she was a bimbo or something?

She was huh what? No. She wasn't a calendar girl. He was just a sleazeball. She was feeling disgusted with herself and hooked up with a guy who she knew was no good for her. I later decided that Ramon wasn't my most brilliant idea, and just quietly let him slide away into oblivion.

I am a die hard Quintin Stone fan from "Rock and a Hard Place". I know there are a lot of similarities in Calhoun, but are there any plans to bring him back for a visit? I can imagine a Calhoun/Stone meeting...

I'm not PAD, but I asked a similar question for the book club. No answer though. :(

I wouldn't say I'm a Stone fan per se, but there are several similarities that made me go back and re-read "Rock", i.e. the scar despite cosmetic surgery to remove, the VERY sardonic outlook both share, keeping of the weapon(s) responsible for the scar(s), sanity despite outward appearances, etc.

Given the beating that Starfleet took in the Dominion War, I would think Stone, if brought back into the Fleet, might possibly have a command of his own.

Is there a particular writer or book that you read when you were younger that made you say "That's it-I'm gonna be a writer"?

Yeah. My father was a particular writer who made me say, I'm gonna be a writer.

I hope you don't find this too imposing, and if you do, I apologize: As an overweight person, I have found myself at times a victim of discrimination. Have you ever experienced any such incidents (be it by flat-out admission on the person's part or suspicion on your part) and, if so, how have you dealt with these things? I'm not referring to jokes and insults (bad as it is, unless the joke is good enough), but denial of work, application of some sort, or entering an establishment due to such prejudice.

No, but then my line of work doesn't really lend itself to weight discrimination. You sit in your office, away from everyone, and no one has to look at you.

This isn't a question; it's an answer. The airspeed velocity of the unladen swallow has finally been calculated:

http://www.style.org/unladenswallow/

Carl

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