For those interested, there's an interview with me over on Newsarama about the new Spider-Man title, featuring some nice art by Mike. Also, aintitcoolnews.com has a nice review of the latest issue of "Fallen Angel."
PAD
Sigh. One of these years, Peter's going to figure out how to put links in his posts -- GH
Posted by Peter David at May 17, 2005 12:16 AM | TrackBack | Other blogs commenting[url]http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=1ba74a67e953092418ec262ae80f49e8&threadid=33919[/url]
See if this works.
Good interview, and obviously one of the series I'll be waiting for impatiently in the coming months (and, hopefully, every month for years).
Yes, of course, Peter has to have problems. Or at least FEEL he has problems. Everything going well just wouldn't be right, right?
Uh, wait a minute ...
At least let's not have he and MJ go splits again. Once was more than enough.
Notice PAD said latest issue of Fallen Angel and not last issue...
A good article and you noticed a few things about Spider-man that I did not notice like the "why me?" when people team up with Spider-man but how they respect him when they team up with Peter Parker.
Nice interview about Spidey. I went to 'Ringo's blog, and also enjoyed the artwork he displays there. It should be a good team-up, and I look forward to it.
However, I don't like the story arc connecting all three Spidey titles. This will force me to buy more comics I didn't want to buy. I see the marketing reasons behind it perfectly...I just don't like it as the consumer.
yeah, absolutely the -only- thing that would stop me from picking up this title would be the need to pick up other spidey titles in order to follow the story.
otherwise, this is a definite pull for me.
Weiringo's art looks stunning and I can't wait for the title.
Just out of curiousity, since the New Scorpion's showing up in the pages of Hulk, if there's any chance Arana might show up in Friendly Neighborhood Spidey? With all of these great books about teen characters Marvel's been trying out over the years (Runaways, Sentinel, Arana, etc) I think it would be swell if some of them got the Young Justice treatment.
Glenn, I live for the day when both blogging members of the David family (is Gwen! still blogging?) learn how to link; I can't wait to see some of the links Kath comes up with!!
PLEASE don't let them call the book, "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" - the very first thing I thought when this title was announced was, "Hmm - PAD writing a kid's comic"? (which is a fair assumption, given that he's written "lighter fiction" before, e.g. Starfleet Academy)
I'd really hate to see another PAD comic needlessly suffer through low sales because of a naff title - and it really screams "Mini Series - won't last forever" to me.
Perhaps other viewers here can suggest some catchy alternative titles given the tidbits of info we've been fed so far? (I'm not imaginative enough, but even "The Responsible Spider-Man" would be better)
...Simon.
- PAD writing a kid's comic"? (which is a fair assumption, given that he's written "lighter fiction" before, e.g. Starfleet Academy)
Firstly, PAD has written the Spyboy comics...which some might refer to as kid-oriented. Or at least a younger audience than some of his other work.
Secondly, why should a kid's comic be considered 'lighter fiction'? PAD's Starfleet Academy novels, if I remember correctly, dealt with Worf's acceptance at Starfleet Academy, and such 'light' topics as bigotry.
Title Suggestions:
Avenger Spiderman (if I read the interview correctly)
Spiderman Needs a Psychiatrist! (if the comparison to Woody Allen is appropriate)
Successful Spiderman (maybe a little subliminal advertising there.)
Spiderman, Buy this Comic (less subliminal)
Peter David's Spiderman (Pretty much would guarantee PAD's continued run with the title)
Been a verrrry long time since I read Starfleet Academy, and I don't recall the specifics. But, the book was marketed as a younger readers book (and still is by Amazon) and so won't have as great a market appeal as his "regular" fiction (and that's a big assumption on my part, I'll admit)
>> Secondly, why should a kid's comic be considered 'lighter fiction'?
I certainly wasn't intending to use the term "lighter fiction" in a derogatory fashion - however, comics seem to get cancelled pretty quickly if they're not up there with the big hitters (by which I mean Top 100 comics) - would a comic perceived to be targeted for kids appear on that list? I'm not sure, but I doubt it.
I'll buy anything with PAD as an author - but most people, IMHO, DO judge a book (or in this case, comic) by their covers (and title, by association) in the first instance.
...Simon.
>> Spiderman, Buy this Comic (less subliminal)
Awesome! I'll buy all 15 variant issues of that one!
I don't know, "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" works for me. It brings a sense of lightheartedness which (A) the character's needed for a few years now, IMHO, and which (B) PAD does very well. I see how some would have reservations with it, though.
It's certainly a better title than "The (any old adjective here!) Spider-Man" style titles that comprise the bulk of the Spider-titles. I mean, look at any character who's got more than one book and you'll see what I mean. "FNSM" at least jumps out at you.
The link for AICN is the same one for the Newsarama story.
The new series appears to be much fun. I like Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man as a title, but can perfectly understand Marvel's reasons for looking for another title. It does seem almost TOO "kid-friendly."
That said, to me, there's only one real choice and one title that hasn't been regurgitated and relaunched to death (yet)...
WEB OF SPIDER-MAN.
PAD, think it over.;-)
~G.
PAD,
I read your interview, and frankly, it might have talked me out of getting the comic. I have loved many of the books you have written (X-Factor is at the top of the list, and the first version of Cap. Marvel and Supergirl issues 1-50 (though I have them all)), and thought I would get the Spidey book. Until I read between the lines. It sounds like you want to bring a wedge between Peter and Mary Jane. If that is a short term, working through necessary problems, then I am fine with it. I understand enough about fiction to also understand that conflict is a crucial part of the craft. But if it leads again to them being apart for a long period of time, I really don't want to bother with it.
I realize that you probably can say nothing in reply since you may not even fully yet know where the story will take you, and even if you did, you would not want to spoil it before the first issue even comes out. I am just expressing my desire that whatever conflict Peter endures to mess up his perfect life, losing Mary Jane in any long term or permanent way is one story line I would hate.
Is this realistic? Probably not. Is it hard to write a solid relationship that stays interesting for 20 years? Undoubtedly. But that is one foundation I don't want to see removed. Threatened, sure. But not taken away. It is idealistic, I know, but I HAVE known people who have been successfully married for 50 years who have literally gone through hell on earth. It would be nice to see a few fictional characters who manage to do the same.
There. I have said my peace. If you are able to respond, that would be appreciated. Thanks for listening.
Iowa Jim
Nice interview, personally I don't think there's anything wrong with the title "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man".
One request, don't ever mention Gwen Stacy in the book, at this point I think most people are sick of her (or will be after the House of M mini). ;-)
Forget Gwen, let Mary Jane shine, you used to write her well in the past.
The Inediable Spider-Man
Spider-Man: Unhinged
Spider-Man: The Man with Fear
The Uneventful Spider-Man
Radioactive Spider-Man
Who is Spider-Man?
Spider-Man: Threat or Menace?
J. Jonah Jameson's Nemesis: Spider-Man
Jim, I doubt you have to worry. With the kind of life Spidey lives, if there WASN'T some major conflict with his wife, it would be unbelievable. I don't follow the titles at all, but if the Parkers live at the Avenger's apartments or whatever, then wouldn't any success MJ has in the fame department cause a problem (do people know where Peter lives? Maybe I have it all wrong...) Splitting them up for any length of time wouldn't be milking the conflict much at all since we've been there and done that.
How about Spider-man: Behind the Webs...
I for one thought the proposed title sounds like a kid's book (ala JLA Adventures). The cartoony art would confirm that, in my mind.
I read the early Spider-Man comics in Germany when I was a child but contrary to other Marvel series, I never became a real fan of the character. That changed when I watched the first movie and this is one main reason why: I loved the relationship between Spider-Man and Mary Jane. I asked a fellow Trek fan and he told me that, yes, JMS brought them back together.
I am still not buying the singles but since then I have bought all the Spider-Man JMS trades - and I am enjoying them a lot!
But there is a very good chance that I will drop the title should Peter and Mary Jane split up again, it doesn`t matter in what series it originates.
It would be nice to have at least one ongoing lasting relationship in the Marvel universe.
Jonathan M,
"One request, don't ever mention Gwen Stacy in the book, at this point I think most people are sick of her"
Why don't you tell him not to mention Uncle Ben while you're at it. Gwen Stacy is a key part of the Spider-Man mythos. If you don't understand that, you don't really understand the character.
"Forget Gwen"
Never.
What? Nobody interested in PAD's Hulk anymore? He's got the House of M tie-in issues and the Destruction mini that retells the origin of the Abomination.
http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=33477
How about:
Legends of the Wallcrawler
Spider-Man: Buggin'
Spider-Man: A Little Tight in the Crotch (for those wanting a less kid-friendly title)
Spider-Man: Up the Wall
Spider-Man: Nobody Knows Who You Are... (bonus points if you get the reference)
SMI: Spider-Man Investigations
Spider-Man: Four Legs Short
Spider-Man: Smartass Avenger
Spider-Man: Freakin' Super Hero
The Adventures of MJ and Peter
Gwen Stacy and Uncle Ben are Dead
And last but not least:
Goddamn Spider-Man (I know this'll probably set somebody off, but I'm really not trying to take a shot at you, PAD. Really!)
Agreed with everyone saying Peter and MJ have to stay together, Marvel runs into trouble everytime they try to separate them.
JMS has done wonderful work writing the couple and I'm sure PAD will do the same, there's absolutely no need to create artificial tension between them. It's just out of character and not believeable at all.