So a writer who shall go nameless (because, y'know, why afford him or her the publicity) announced on a radio program that my run on HULK will absolutely end after the current six issues to make way for a "new creative team."
I've spoken with Tom Brevoort because this was news to me. Tom had previously been contacted by other netfolks and had been judicious in his answers because it was news to him as well and he wanted to do just what I was doing: Check with his higher ups to see if it was true.
Long story short: Absolutely nothing has changed from what I told you months ago. I'm on the series for six issues. We're going to see what the numbers are like. We're going to see how all parties feel about my staying on board after that.
I can tell you this: Both Marvel and I are looking for a clear signal from the fans. If the numbers are there, that's one signal. If they're not, that's another. So in large measure, it remains up to you.
PAD
Posted by Peter David at December 7, 2004 03:03 PM | TrackBack | Other blogs commentingPeter,
I know you've probably said this before, but when does your first issue come out? I quit reading the Hulk when you stopped writing it, so I'm less likely to catch your first issue unless I know when it is going to be out.
Thanks.
Peter:
I have already placed my order for your return to this title. While I did order the first year of Bruce Jones on the Hulkster, I dropped the book after reading the Abomination storyline. So hopefully, this will register with Marvel as an increase in sales for you.
Is Tom Brevort the permanent editor on the Book? I had heard that he was only temporarily assigned the title for the duration of six issues. If he has been named as permanent editor, it is a good sign for your chances on the title.
Hey gang, I say that we show support by organizing and vowing never to buy a writer who shall go nameless' books ever again!!
When I was at Dallas Wizard World, the higher-upper from Marvel (forgot his name) said exactly the same thing.
It depends on the numbers.
So we'll see...
(of course, I'll buy it)
Travis
PAD - I'M THERE FOR YOU, MAN!
ok. Cool.
doorbell rang, whee.
Peter,
For what my single purchase will help, the owner of my local comic shop has been told to pull the Hulk for me during your run, however long it may be. As a standard rule, if your name appears on a book not on my pull list, she usually sets it aside for me, but I've made it a point to tell her this time.
I'm hopeful for the chances of getting good sales on this short run -- she said there were several of people who had dropped the Hulk recently who were very excited about it.
PAD,
Happy Chanukah from me as well. I will also be picking up "Hulk" for the duration of your run; but I, too, would like to know when the first issue of your tenure will be coming out.
Rick
From Marvel's website:
INCREDIBLE HULK #77
COVER BY: Lee Weeks
WRITER: Peter David
PENCILS: Lee Weeks
INKS: Tom Palmer
THE STORY: "Tempest Fugit" Part 1 (of 5)
Stalking across the depths of the ocean, dispatching everything from sharks to giant squids, comes the Hulk. As a long-buried episode from Bruce Banner's youth begins to surface with possible ramifications for the future, the Hulk finds himself washed up on a strange island, populated by several hapless victims... and some most unexpected monsters.
PRICE: $2.99
IN STORES: 01-05-2005
So there you go folks, January 5.
Travis
According to the Marvel Catalog, the release date is 1/5/05.
http://www.marvel.com/catalog/showcomic.htm?id=1555&format=comic
For a signed copy:
http://www.dynamicforces.com/htmlfiles/p-C102606.html
PAD,
Whenever I read these threads sub-titled "Rumor Control" I envision you in a prison uniform, stating the your case in a deadpan voice while sqeezing a rubber ball ala Alien3.
That's probably just me, though.
Glad to hear that this just a rumor, although I hadn't actually heard the rumor -- just your debunking.
>
Actually, that's not what the writer in question said. Unless you listened to the program, then your information is just secondhand.
You know what kind of rumors can come from secondhand information, you've been in that boat before.
In response to a live caller asking if the writer would be writing Marvel's forthcoming relaunch of Thor, the writer said that they could not divulge any information about that, but went on to say that Thor, Fantastic Four, and Hulk would all be receiving new creative teams within the coming months. The writer then said that they would be writing one of the titles. That was it. As far as we know, this writer may believe that you are part of the new creative team of Hulk.
I listened to the program, the writer did not intend any malice.
>
Yes, that's smart. Now let's stop buying Peter's books because of his political affiliation, and then let's send a letter to Joe Quesada stating as such. (Sound familiar?)
> Long story short: Absolutely nothing has changed from what I told you months ago. I'm on the series for six issues. We're going to see what the numbers are like. We're going to see how all parties feel about my staying on board after that.
HOO-HA!!
--Don aka Ygor
Damn code.
My above post should have been quoting two separate comments.
" So a writer who shall go nameless (because, y'know, why afford him or her the publicity) announced on a radio program that my run on HULK will absolutely end after the current six issues to make way for a "new creative team." "
" Hey gang, I say that we show support by organizing and vowing never to buy a writer who shall go nameless' books ever again "
Ah, that's now totally ruined my post. I apologize for the confusion.
PAD:
" So a writer who shall go nameless (because, y'know, why afford him or her the publicity) announced on a radio program that my run on HULK will absolutely end after the current six issues to make way for a "new creative team." "
Me:
" Hey gang, I say that we show support by organizing and vowing never to buy a writer who shall go nameless' books ever again "
Mr. Wordsmith {from what I can decipher ;) }:
"Yes, that's smart. Now let's stop buying Peter's books because of his political affiliation, and then let's send a letter to Joe Quesada stating as such. (Sound familiar?)"
My post was made in jest as I didn't know the name of said writer in question and knee-jerk reactions have been a topic of conversation over the past several weeks. Maybe a smiley would have clarified?
" My post was made in jest as I didn't know the name of said writer in question and knee-jerk reactions have been a topic of conversation over the past several weeks. Maybe a smiley would have clarified? "
Whoops, I wasn't aware. My apologies.
Sadly i cannot afford comics these days, but my father can, he will definitly be buying them up.
I just hope Marvel is somehow able to wait until they see how the trade of PAD's arc will do before making any decisions about the book not having done well enough. It would be a shame for Marvel to decide the single issues didn't sell well enough, go with a different creative team and then have the trade sell really well.
Hey Dribbler,
While your dad is in the comics shop do you think he could get ma a sausage inna bun?
PAD, got my copy reserved as well. We're with ya buddy.
I told my comic shop guys to add your new run on Hulk long ago. I'm still iffy on the issues of what if though.
I agree with Fred.
I utterly refuse to buy any book written by Anonymous!!
:-)
As a long time HULKamaniac I am so there for your run.Hope it works out for you and the fans so we can all enjoy this book again:)
PAD, I'm already there. My LCS has already received my order for Hulk as long as you're writing it.
Here's another buyer (still, always) for the Hulk as long as you're on board, PAD. I've been spreading the word (been slacking off lately, but that changes this week! UPDATES!!!), and I know my LCS's are doubling if not tripling their orders for the book (most of 'em anyway).
I do implore everyone who's thinking of "waiting for the trade" to reconsider. If you must get the TPB, buy the single issues first and when you're done, hock 'em on eBay or pass them to friends. PAD needs all the support your $3 a month (minus any discounts, plus any tax) can provide, and he needs it yesterday.
To everyone who's ordering via PREVIEWS: issue #78 orders are due shortly, methinks, so get cracking.:-)
~Gary
You're all raking this way out of context. I heard the actual quote when it aired on Fanboy Radio. All that the person in question said was that Hulk, F4, and Thor's comics will each get new creative teams in the near future and he was part of one of those teams. Since PAD isn't even back on the book YET (not for another, what? Month? Two?), PAD could very well be the "new" Hulk writer that the person in question mentioned. Why doesn't everyone just go read Fallen Angel or something and calm down? You're all taking this WAY out of proportion.
-ZSK
All that the person in question said was that Hulk, F4, and Thor's comics will each get new creative teams in the near future and he was part of one of those teams. Since PAD isn't even back on the book YET (not for another, what? Month? Two?), PAD could very well be the "new" Hulk writer that the person in question mentioned.
Actually, he said they would be getting new creative teams come Summer 2005.
I'll buy it. I'll buy it in singles, even. But I'm pissed off that they jacked the price up to $3,00. So let me ask you this: when they calculate the numbers, do they take into account TPB orders? After all, it was largely Marvel who created the "waiting for TPB" situation which should have changed this entire sort of calculation; so do they have a system in place to accomodate for the result of their own business practices, or do they still (wrongly) calculate demand based solely on the singles' sales?
I agree with Fred.
I utterly refuse to buy any book written by Anonymous!!
:-)
Which reminds me. I bought a long quarter box and picked up a few issues of Brotherhood to fill some space. I wasn't impressed enough to look for more. Who did Writer X turn out to be?
The person in question has since clarified his comments about the Hulk by saying that the new creative team he was refering to was in PAD, as his run hasn't been published yet.
Well Peter:
I do not believe that you have any cause for concern...your return to the Hulk will certainly send sales thru the roof. With your fan base and all the recent publicity its a lock.
Regards:
Warren S. Jones III
Wait!
Me On the Hulk = M O t H = Moth!
Peter's going to be working with Steve Rude on his Moth character!
Oh, this thread is for debunking wild rumours, not starting them?
Sorry :-)
R David Francis
Did "Millar" suddenly become a dirty word?
But I have to agree that this is being taken a little out of context. All he said was that Hulk was getting a new creative team in the summer. I don't see why that would exclude PAD (whose name never even came up).
Millar has clarified at his MB that PAD was who he was referring to when he mentioned the new creative team on Hulk.
I'm still looking forward to this. Let's hope it's as permanent as PAD wants it to be.
From:
http://www.millarworld.net/index.php?showtopic=42545&st=60
"Hey! In NYC and just spotted this. PAD has completely misunderstood. When I said Thor, FF and Hulk all have new creative teams coming up he's, er ONE of them. His run hasn't actually started yet.
Sigh.
MM"
Like someone else earlier in this thread, the comics shop I go to has standing instructions to pull anything Peter writes for my purchasing... I haven't really read much of the Hulk since Peter left the book, so I'm really looking forward to seeing his return, and are hoping that the numbers strongly encourage Marvel to keep him on the title for as long as he desires!
"Hey! In NYC and just spotted this. PAD has completely misunderstood. When I said Thor, FF and Hulk all have new creative teams coming up he's, er ONE of them. His run hasn't actually started yet."
Well, uhm, okay. Except it was a sizable number of fans who "completely misunderstood," since they were the ones complaining that I was going to be gone come summer of 2005 (and, indeed, speculating on the pros and cons of the writer in question taking over "The Hulk.") I was simply responding to that concern. Furthermore, since it's my understanding that he specified a turnover in June 2005--which is exactly the end of my scheduled six month run--I think a certain degree of reasonable confusion is going to result.
Understand, I'm not particularly upset about any of this (just so no one starts saying, "Oooo, did you hear, PAD's angry at so-and-so.") It's just that I've been telling fans that their support of the monthly title (as opposed to, say, "Oh, Peter's back on Hulk? Great. I'll buy it when it's in trade format.") is a crucial factor in helping all parties decide if I stick around. So when a goodly number of fans suddenly believe that their support of the series has been rendered irrelevant because a decision's supposedly already been made, I figure it behooves me to address that concern.
PAD
Oh, and just to be clear, when I kept him nameless because I didn't "want to afford him the publicity," I was actually doing that to be considerate. I wanted to address the rumor without naming the person who said it because it was the words that concerned me, not the speaker. I figured that would make it clear it wasn't some sort of personal thing. And besides, PR wise, he already took a shellacking with some other well-publicized wrong rumors, so I figured, why keep naming the poor guy?
PAD
Well, I'm turning in my order form today and it includes #78, so I'll be buying it as long as you're writing it.
I am a little bummed, though, that Waid is leaving FF again.
Paul
Furthermore, since it's my understanding that he specified a turnover in June 2005...
This came from a fan speculating on the Millarworld forum:
"it's FF
(as I predicted a couple of weeks ago)
marvel isnt ready to announce new Thor or Hulk teams in the next week, as the current runs don't finish until june 2005!
whereas the Waid/Wieringo FF run wraps up in March - and Marvel already said, a couple of weeks ago, that an announcement on the, er, exciting new team would come about, er, in the coming weeks..."
well, the Hulk has been my favourite character since always. as sad as was seeing you leave the book i stayed and bought the entire Joe casey run, the entire Byrne, Jenkins and Bruce Jones run. So If it's for me you won't have to worry. As Grant Morrison about his run on the JLA "there has been a JLA before me and there will be a JLA after me". PAD, you are my favourite writer, and I buy every book you do. So i'm very excited to see your return to the green goliath(or maybe he will be grey again?)
Well I, for one, am glad the confusion was cleared up:)
I am not a huge Millar fan (liked "Ultimate X-Men", don't much care for "Marvel Knights Spider-Man"), but he doesn't seem to be one of the jerks/instigators in the industry.
I definitely am looking forward to these upcoming issues, PAD. And I really, really, REALLY hope the six issues are successful enough to warrant an extended run.
I feel there are a lot of factors in your favor
1.) "The Incredible Hulk" is the first truly high-profile book you have worked on in a long time. Virtually anyone who walks into a comic book store knows who the character is. So it has a built-in audience, especially if the writing is decent.
2.) Hulk fans are DESPERATE not just for good Hulk stories by you, but good Hulk stories period. Joe Casey did okay immediately after you, but had the unenviable task of following your incredible run and preceding Byrne's hyped-to-the-gills relaunch.
It was during this time I first thought about dropping the book that got me into reading comics.
Then came Paul Jenkins, who was no great shakes, and then Bruce Jones, who started off with an interesting take...that turned into the comic book reading equivalent of "The X-Files", stretching storylines way too long, having implausible occurrences, no feel for the characters (in a brilliant editing move, Doc Samson was listed as Doc Sampson several times on the recap page), and it all came crashing down on me with the 25-Cent Issue, a book that was supposed to capitalize on the movie, and tried to do so with a ridiculous Absorbing Man storyline and...NO HULK! Way to capitalize on the movie, guys!
In short, I feel those who have been waiting for a years for a decent Hulk story will order this issue in droves.
3.) As this board proves, you obviously still have your fans as well. They just may not have cared much for your last few projects. But they are almost guaranteed to give these new issues a shot.
4.) The buzz I've been hearing from fans and retailers has been..incredible. And that's in person. You should see all the positive posts on sites like Newsarama there are anticipating this and saying that this gives them a reason to buy the Hulk again and/or give this project a shot as opposed to others.
It's looking pretty good for you from this vantage point.
gvalley,
When I talked to Joe Quesada recently about this (because I do feel certain series are obviously "padded" for trade format and that having everything be "Part _ of 6" might actually discourage those same readers he feels might be intimidated by high issue numbers and therefore "can't get into the story" (hence the endless recent relaunches of titles like "Captain America" with new #1s.
Anyway, he said single issue sales are still the main barometer, though obviously not the only one. But since Marvel doesn't want to completely oversaturate the market with trades, there is a limit to how many stay in print at one time (I believe its 300).
So an obvious decision in deciding what to produce as trades is stuff that obviously has an appeal to people, enough so to make them open their wallet. Because while the "big guns" like Batman and Spider-Man will likely be collected on a pretty regular basis, a difference of a few thousand in sales could mean the difference between a trade of the new "Alpha Flight" seies being published, or the new "She-Hulk", or "Emma Frost".
It's like movies and DVDS. There may be some bombs that do well on DVD because of stars, genre, etc. But if a movie is a "surprise sleeper hit", it is virtually guaranteed to do fantastic DVD rental and sales business, due to the buzz, positive word of mouth in the intervening few months and built-in, established audience, who can't wait to buy it or rent it for themselves or a friend.
I missed ordering 77 through Westfield, but got 78. Since I get my comics through them, they usually come the month after release. I expect a shipment tomorrow with comics released in November. Sadly, because I am afraid of spoilers, this means I don't read the comics related threads until way after they are relevant and timely. At least I get to enjoy all the other comments on this blog. And before anyone tells me I should be supporting my local shop, they are, in a way. When I was overseas in the military I ordered from them, because that was the only way to get my fix. I've been with them since '82 or '83 (boy am I dating myself, or what) and stay out of loyalty and great service.
Jerome Maida,
Thanks for the info. So pretty much the general idea is: If it's not one of the heavy hitters, there's a doubt on whether or not a trade will come out. Fair enough.
What I find stupid with the whole thing, though, is that there's no doubt PAD's Hulk run will be traded; but by the time it'll come out - hell, even be solicited - the decision of whether or not to keep him on would be long made; meaning even if the trade sells through the stratosphere BECAUSE of the writer, a new creative team will be in place if singles sales on parts 1-2 don't take a sharp turn upwards as well. This is a very impractical way of doing things: create a situation where you practically GUARANTEE people will wait for the trade by encouraging them to do so, then punish them for doing so. I just don't get it.
It could all be solved so easily by pre-soliciting TPB's as soon as the second issue of a run/arc/mini appears in Previews (yes, 5-6 months in advance!); this way you'd at least get a barometer of the real interest in a title or a run. Hell, even put up little polls on the Marvel site FOR EVERY MINI, EVERY NEW ARC ON EVERY BOOK: "Will you order XYZ #'s 111-116? A: Yes; B: Will get trade; C: Will maybe get trade; D: Not interested".
If I were a publisher in THIS market, I'd do any damn thing I could to have a real indication what my audience thinks, wants and is prepared to buy is all I'm saying.
Big fan of Millar. Big fan of David.
This potential Hulk ongoing is nice but I would like to know more about the chances of Maddox being one too.
Any news?
Mind you I did not personally listen to the Radio interview, from what I've read it seemed like maybe he was talking about Jones run coming to an end and Marvel not having found a perminent replacement. I mean it was something along the lines of "the books of Hulk, Thor, and F4 are without writers and I will be taking over on one of the three" correct me if I am wroung but I think he was just trying to keep fans geussing as to what his next project was and not ripping on PAD or anything.
I agree with Andrew about Madrox. Thats what we need to hear about. They should really just consider launching a new X-Factor series with the same creative team. Like X-Factor Investigations or something like that. Its got three former members that team up. Sounds like X-Factor to me. I be the X alone would up sales.
Hate to add fuel to the fire, but within the last week I read an interview with Bryan Hitch (I can't remember the website, it was the only time I've been there) and Hitch was mentioning how he can't wait to get started on the Hulk and pump up the visuals to give it the grand scale it deserves. (A pretty-close paraphrase here)
The interview also touched on his ultimates work, and the fan's message board/response to the interview was full of people assuming Hitch meant he'd be working on an Ultimate Hulk series, but Hitch never once specified it was going to be the Ultimate Hulk.
I don't think it mentioned a time frame for when this work is supposed to start, but doesn't he usually work with Millar?
Wouldn't the summer put Hitch far enough into his Ultimates run that he could/would start lining up other work?
If Bryan Hitch and Mark Millar did have top-secret future plans to do a Hulk run, would marvel's editor-in-chief reveal that to you and/or Tom Brevoort when asked?
It just seems like this upcoming arc of yours is leaving too many things up in the air.
Do they have someone lined up as a fill-in to give you some lead-time if you become permanent writer again?
Are they planning on putting the book on hiatus to give whom-ever the new writer will be, some lead-time?
Do they have someone in mind to do some issues if it's decided that you will not be the ongoing writer?
There must be some answers to these questions since your first issue is only a month away.
I've nothing against either Millar or Hitch, but I hope YOU are the ongoing, regular writer of the Hulk for the foreseeable future. (about the next 12 years or so, anyway.)
PAD,
I have read every consecutive Hulk issue from #182 to the last issue (and quite a few before that). My deep affection for the character comes mainly from your run on the title and I can't wait to read the new issues.
However, I also think a Millar-Hitch run would be interesting (and a sales bonanza ... no offense). Hopefully, if a project does exist, they'd make it a Marvel Knights 12-parter like they did with Spider-Man, thereby keeping you on the main title.
BTW, what's the publishing schedule for New Frontier?
Also, Hard Knocks ... what the heck was that steaming pile of crap? If the FCC needs to come down on anything, it's Hulk stories like that.
just a question: would you consider writing some Alpha Flight? the series is lagging, even with it's strong fanbase. perhaps if a big name icon wrote an issue or two, it might get some outsiders to notice it, and finally get some air time. It's been over 10 months, and not a word in any of the other comics. Oh, and if Bruce ever goes up north, please give a call to Alpha Flight.
Tis the season for triumphant returns to old haunts, apparently.
It's funny how "He's ba-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ack!" can have both positive and negative connotations simultaneously.
Vive le PAD!