tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58838583112548793202024-02-20T06:30:14.733-08:00The Marvel Editorial Simulation, Part IIPhilip Schaefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02953020455813574163noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-15011454078675180602007-05-30T18:56:00.001-07:002007-05-30T19:09:18.441-07:00Editor Simulation: The ConfessionNo, it's not another annoying tie-in, it's just a quick thank you from the bad guy over at Big Money.<br /><br />I wanted to personally thank the three of you - Sean, Phil, and Mike - this was a lot of fun. As a matter of fact, as a somewhat jaded reader of comics for nearly four decades, this was the most fun I've had with comic books in quite some time.<br /><br />Sure, it was all play, but it was incredibly interesting to watch things unfold.<br /><br />Obviously, my situation was slightly different, having been canned halfway through. But as you know, I still trolled here, and continued to weigh in with what I hope were read as the fun posts they were intended to be.<br /><br />Since Tom outed me, I think it's okay to confess to penning the Big Money moves that took place over on Tom's blog. And I won't deny it - those were a lot of fun to do. They were absolutely meant to try to add some levity to the experience, and I apologize if their contents ended up distracting you from the work you were doing. They were meant to lob some grenades into the mix, but hopefully they didn't detract from your experience.<br /><br />I told the interviewer for Comic Book Resources that I felt like I was playing the part of the Dark Avenger from Stan Lee's Who Wants to be a Super-Hero. I was thrust into the role of a spoiler that had to be factored into the remainder of the game. Villains have ALWAYS been my favorite characters, not just in the comics, but movies, TV, etc., so this was a role I relished.<br /><br />As I wrote over on Tom's blog, I was surprised/disappointed to see how much of a role that the exclusive contracts played in the creator shuffles. That's why I included so much name-dropping in the Big Money memos. I can't say I agree with or like the impact exclusivity contracts have had on the industry, but they're not going away any time soon.<br /><br />Sean, like I said at the time, you made the right move firing me, and it was proven as the simulation played out. As I also said at the time, not being someone too familiar with RPGs, I apologize if I bent the rules on some of the earlier posts.<br /><br />And one more thing - Phil, you seriously cannot underestimate the value this blog had on the game. Being able to talk things through, and watching everything unfold on a daily basis, for me, made the experience all the more enjoyable.<br /><br />Once again, thanks to the three of you for making the simulation so much fun, and you each did a great job in your respective areas working on your titles. Hopefully, our paths will cross somewhere else out there in cyberland. Okay, gotta run - Quesada's running behind on his Zomurai: Mother mini-series over at Big Money, and I've got to try to line up a replacement...Patrick Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11926201709853231010noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-60574358576625067622007-05-29T08:19:00.001-07:002007-05-29T08:25:16.474-07:00Happy Dance!!!!Gentlemen, we have kicked some serious tail!<br /><br />Day 10: The Finale is up and Tom puts our base titles at 460,500. Plus a staggering 170,000 for BoPow #1! Giving us a grand total of 630,500. <br /><br />That's 10% over the numbers before we started on the base titles and 25% over on our final target! Let me just say, "WOHOO!!!!!"<br /><br />I will be showing Mr. Quesada the door early next week, and you three are all more than welcome to join me! :)Sean Kleefeldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492399469370737192noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-15507695987852150732007-05-28T17:24:00.000-07:002007-05-28T17:35:44.781-07:00My Final Moves. Goodbye.Okay, I posted them around 7:50, then they disappeared. I just reposted them, but I guess they will vanish as well. Sigh.<br /><br />As a backup, I post the final draft here as well:<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>1.: I suggest a few books to Sean that Ramon Bachs can work on after Front Line. Among them a new Cloak and Dagger book (under the MAX label), a Hannibal King solo book, Hulk, an X-Book or a Frontline ongoing (if Paul Jenkins is interested in that).<br /><br />2.: I talk to Christina Strain. Sean already gave his approval to an exclusive contract between Christina and Marvel Comics. Her coloring is a very important factor for Uncanny X-Men, and with Adrian already Marvel-exclusive, Christina should go exclusive as well. And with Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane ending, I offer her Balance of Power as well, arguably Marvel's biggest book right now and the perfect opportunity to showcase her talent.</blockquote>Thanks to Tom Brevoort, Molly Lazer, Stephen Wacker, Ben Morse, Rich Johnston and whoever's been behind the scenes. It's been a blast.<br /><br />Thanks to Marko Djurdjevic for letting me post his X-Men sketches. I think it really gave this simulation a touch of realism. And let's face it: They are awesome.<br /><br />Thanks to Sean, Philip and Patrick. Working with you has been an honor.<br /><br />Thanks to Vallen, Debbie, Fetsur, Huey and all the other readers who have posted their suggestions here and had my back when others started throwing dirt against me last Monday. You were great to have around.<br /><br />Thanks to my girlfriend Nadine, who has given me strength those last two weeks, especially on Monday when I was already convinced that I'd get sacked.<br /><br />And last but not least, thanks to my Mom and Dad for letting me use their computer when mine was not available and for letting me sleep on their couch. Without them, I wouldn't have been able to keep my deadlines. Without them, I wouldn't have been able to show you Marko's artwork.<br /><br />I think there will most likely be an epilogue at Tom's blog (and perhaps somewhere else, we'll see). The Marvel Editorial Simulation blog however, I think that's it.<br /><br />Bye.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-5565916539885301142007-05-28T10:45:00.000-07:002007-05-28T10:47:23.406-07:00Replacing David FinchLay them on me, kids. I'm going to list a LOT of alternates, but I'd like the first four or so to be fast, fast workers. So far, Mark Bagley's the first choice. Charlie Adlard's going to be on the list somewhere; I don't think his style's right for the book, but I don't think it's totally wrong for it, either.Philip Schaefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02953020455813574163noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-89819983964674359762007-05-27T08:10:00.000-07:002007-05-27T08:38:32.998-07:00Final Moves ThoughtsHope everyone's having a good weekend so far. I've been able to relax (a little) and reflect on our final moves in the sim.<br /><br />Phil -- I think you've got some solid thinking on dealing with Finch. Definitely like the start by talking to other editors, and following up with getting the production staff to develop something that could be used as a cover. Rather than going down the ultra-secret QT route, though, I might suggest being more open about doing a graphic to use IN CASE you need to drop something in at the last minute. I think if you go behind Finch's back, and he DOES find out about it, he'll go totally ape-shit. So I'd make another call to Finch and say that you REALLY don't want to go this route, but he needs to understand, as a professional, that we have deadlines to meet. But so long as he can turn the artwork in on time, then we'd much prefer using that.<br /><br />Also, I'd suggest NOT pointing to an actual graphic of any sort. (Or even verbally defining it that clearly.) We're not supposed to really be doing creative, and I'd be concerned that trying to tie down to a specific design within the sim might work against us.<br /><br />Good work with Brubaker.<br /><br />Mike -- I like your thoughts about Christina. I'll do what I can to secure her as an exclusive and, as long as Phil's happy with her on BoPow, then I think we've got a plan.<br /><br />Last thing I want to throw out there is Ramon Bachs. Any ideas on what to set him on post-BoPow?<br /><br />Of course, then I have to address rumors of Tom heading to BigMoney and the massive security leaks in BigMoney's email system, but I think I've got that covered. ;)Sean Kleefeldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492399469370737192noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-48338866293700883882007-05-25T18:28:00.000-07:002007-05-25T18:31:01.114-07:00Extra Day...I got confirmation from Tom that our final moves aren't due until Monday night at 8:00. <br /><br />You guys have got some good ideas for handling our current problems. Let me think on it a day or so and I'll weigh in with my thoughts later.Sean Kleefeldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492399469370737192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-23451102707876319942007-05-25T09:56:00.000-07:002008-12-10T03:02:28.152-08:00Philip's Day 9 StuffLet Brubaker know I appreciate him sending in some pages so Mike can at least get started. We’ll try and streamline this process as much as possible, and I’ll stay on Ed to get the remaining 15 pages of script in as soon as possible. Even so, if we have to delay Wolverine a week or two, it’s not the end of the world (and hopefully Wolverine will still count into our sales figures).<br /><br />I contact any editors who’ve worked with Finch before, such as Axel Alonso or Tom Brevoort, and ask them if David has a habit of sequestering himself at his drawing table. If they tell me that David going dark right before a deadline is a normal, though irritating, part of his process, I’ll cool down a little bit, though I’ll still take certain steps regarding the production of a cover for Balance of Power 1.<br /><br />If, however, David’s former editors have no idea what I’m talking about, and tell me that David is usually extremely available during the entire process, we move from DEFCON 3 to DEFCON 2, and I inform the joint chiefs that they should be prepared to move to DEFCON 1 at a moment’s notice. My immediate concern is no longer getting a cover out of Finch in a timely fashion; it’s about replacing him on the book. We’ll need somebody who’s fast, who can bring the heat, who’ll attract readers, and who can start right away. Good freakin’ luck. Jimenez is too slow. Pulling Deodato off FF throws too many wrenches in the works (I'm wracking my brain; suggestions would be great, though there's clearly plenty of time). Man, this’ll teach JMS to trust my judgment.<br /><br />Even if I get word that David Finch is more often than not out of touch as he puts the finishing, uh, touches on his work, I will nevertheless go forward with the production of a simple, in-house cover for Balance of Power, not entirely dissimilar from Civil War: The Return, something like this: <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJROzEIS0OsYzeCICuEd-2xKuKXt54HVZMZy6Sm0xayEN9zt4u5g4tgK6Uqxn3NII1FEopCqAQmdp9jwX4NWz_EzR-QKfJnwlJFGBn71HYEBbw0ONELkuJzfx5msHRPtDV_QRH8XBYHS-x/s1600-h/Balance1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJROzEIS0OsYzeCICuEd-2xKuKXt54HVZMZy6Sm0xayEN9zt4u5g4tgK6Uqxn3NII1FEopCqAQmdp9jwX4NWz_EzR-QKfJnwlJFGBn71HYEBbw0ONELkuJzfx5msHRPtDV_QRH8XBYHS-x/s320/Balance1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068543641856825778" /></a><br />Except, you know, based off a drawn image with drawn clouds, but you get the general vibe. If Finch comes through whatever layout is used here could still be employed as the series' cover template, or maybe as the cover for the trade, but what I'm mainly trying to convey is that my solution to not having a cover is to create a minimalist one such as this.<br /><br />I will direct everyone, since we are at least under DEFCON 3, that all radio call signs used by our forces must change to currently-classified call signs—MEANING, if the fact that we are producing a cover for Balance of Power gets back to David Finch, there will be hell to pay; as much as I’d like to (and quite frankly should have as soon as he started grumbling), I still cannot justify burning any bridges with David. Balance of Power has to ship beginning of January, and the best way to accomplish that is with him aboard.<br /><br />No rush here. We have plenty of time to get this together.Philip Schaefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02953020455813574163noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-24103529311993726892007-05-25T09:44:00.001-07:002007-05-25T09:57:15.952-07:00In All Seriousness...OK, before we blow the whole weekend coming up with artwork for BigMoney's books, let's nail down some of the problems we have on the table...<br /><br />You know, I started writing up some ideas for you guys to pursue on this, but I don't want to be a Jim Shooter-ish EIC who's dictating stuff all over the place. Gimme your thoughts on your respective problems. I've got ideas I could throw out if you need them, but let's here what you guys want to do first.Sean Kleefeldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492399469370737192noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-55658943853547101652007-05-25T07:42:00.000-07:002007-05-25T07:44:37.705-07:00Talons of Power: Guise of the PretendersHide, the Knave, Cookie and E-I-C?<br /><br />Having Tom Brevoort make fun of an idea I had is probably the highlight of my life.<br /><br /><br />I, uh, need to start living a better life.Philip Schaefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02953020455813574163noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-88684139667818084202007-05-25T07:33:00.000-07:002007-05-25T07:41:01.079-07:00I think Tom's lost itDay 9 is up and it's... weird. He must not have slept in the past 2 weeks or something. :)<br /><br />Anyway, I'm trying to confirm with Tom now about when our final moves are due, but I'm presuming that it will be Sunday at 8:00 at the earliest. I'd wager thought that he'll give us until Monday at 8:00. Confirmation pending...Sean Kleefeldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492399469370737192noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-2526858690852900632007-05-24T18:58:00.000-07:002007-05-24T19:13:32.005-07:00The Future of Simulated MarveldomAs we wind down the simulation, do you guys feel that we should outline the general paths we see ahead of us, what we would do if the simulation were no simulation, but we were really in the employ of Marvel Entertainment?<br /><br />For my part, I would probably describe how, after the momentous conclusion of Balance of Power 5, She-Hulk 27 and Fantastic Four 558, those two titles would have three issue wrap-up decompression arcs in which the characters would adjust to the new shape of the Universe. FF 559-561 would focus on the reconciliation of the original Fantastic Four, not only with one another but also with T'Challa and Storm. She-Hulk 28-30 would serve as an epilogue for the She-Hulk series (unless number had gotten so high that She-Hulk warranted 2 ongoing series... you all know where I'm going with this), an epilogue that would not only tie-up all the loose ends but start unravelling some new threads, threads that would lead directly into:<br /><br />Fantastic Four: Los Angeles 1, with a roster of She-Hulk, Human Torch, Tigra and Crystal. Sean, I know you still hate the name, but I would have eight months to convince you it was a good idea. The series would be as I originally described it, a light-hearted girl power title with lots of fun action, but would carry extra weight after She-Hulk's pivotal role practically leading the FF through their difficult ordeal during the Balance of Power. She-Hulk will have really earned these good times.<br /><br />Meanwhile, in FF 562, the FF would welcome a new member to their ranks, hopefully someone established, appropriate and unexpected. After so many issues of personal, inter-team squabbling, it would be time for the FF to take to the cosmos for another grand, exploratory adventure. Like She-Hulk, these guys would have earned the opportunity to engage in some whimsy.<br /><br />Wolverine would continue its awesome epic novel-length noir story through issue 70. Who knows what Brubaker would come up with to follow that. Depending on how strongly people responded to the noir saga, perhaps with another one; or maybe we'd let Wolverine explore some other pulp genre, and we could spend a few years retracing the roots of genre fiction through the eyes of Wolverine.<br /><br />And after the record-shattering sales and critical success that was Balance of Power, I'd follow up by trying to bring the weekly comic to the offices of Simulated Marvel. Except, rather than focus on a few C and D list characters as DC has done for both of its year long books, I'd try and encourage an already existing, established, popular title to step up production for a year or two (Avengers Weekly? X-Men Weekly? Maybe even Fantastic Four weekly, if Balance really raised their stock among Marvel readers. Avengers Weekly? Are you kidding? How sweet would that be?).<br /><br />Or all these plans would crash and burn, making way for new plans, new collaborations, ideas we can't even imagine. Sometimes I become so moved by all the possibilities that await us, even when they're only simulated possibilities in a simulated career. <br /><br />It's certainly better than nothing.Philip Schaefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02953020455813574163noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-86220512345151152942007-05-24T18:55:00.000-07:002007-05-24T18:58:49.756-07:00The Last SolicitationsI think the longest I've spent on any single thing this entire simulation was coming up with the name for Brubaker's first multipart Wolverine story, and reading it back I really like it but it's incredibly not spectacular. <br /><br />I wanted to run these past you, Mike, before posting them tomorrow, just to make sure I'm in the proper head space (one reason why I may not be is that when someone says noir I think of Hammett and Chandler whereas your mind goes to Bukowski) to solicit issues of your baby.<br /><br />Wolverine 59<br />Written by Ed Brubaker<br />Pencils by Michael Perkins<br /><br />“That Restless, Lonely Sleep,” Ed Brubaker’s 12-Issue Wolverine Noir Event, begins! Logan’s seen more than his fair share of death, pain and suffering, so what happens when he decides he simply can’t take it anymore? How far is Logan willing to go to forget all the pain of the world and let his life disappear into a great blur? And is such a selfish retreat really an option for one of the world’s greatest heroes?<br />32PGS./Parental Advisory…$2.99. On sale December 12<br /><br />Wolverine 60<br />Written by Ed Brubaker<br />Pencils by Michael Perkins<br />“That Restless, Lonely Sleep,” Ed Brubaker’s landmark Wolverine Event, continues! The world is broken, his life’s in shambles, and Logan’s face to face with another brutal murder. The desperate plea of a grieving mother with no one else to turn to ignites what may be the last remaining ember of fury in Logan’s cold and jaded heart, but will it be enough to bring a killer to justice? <br />32PGS./Parental Advisory…$2.99. On sale January 9<br /><br />She-Hulk 23<br />Written by Dwayne McDuffie<br />Pencils by Amanda Conner<br />BALANCE OF POWER TIE-IN<br />“Scales of Justice, Scales of Peace” Part 1 (of 5)<br />When disaster strikes, the desperate and terrified pray that there is someone who can save them. But what happens when the heroes can’t even save themselves? As the employees of Goodman, Lieber, Kurtzberg and Holliway struggle to stay alive, Jen Walters takes one final look inside herself before coming to a decision that will re-define the She-Hulk forever! Not to be missed!<br />32PGS./Rated A…$2.99. On sale January 9<br /><br />Fantastic Four 554<br />Written by Dan Slott<br />Pencils by Mike Deodato, Jr.<br />BALANCE OF POWER TIE-IN<br />“What Hangs in the Balance” Part 1 (of 5)<br />Reeling from the rampant destruction seen in Balance of Power 1, Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben must work through their shock and anger in order to save as many lives as possible. But as the Baxter Building stands unscathed amid the rubble, and Reed Richards’ confidence is shaken to the core, does the world even want the help of the Fantastic Four?<br />32PGS./Rated A…$2.99. On sale January 26Philip Schaefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02953020455813574163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-9702068606281982982007-05-24T11:50:00.000-07:002007-05-24T12:00:13.161-07:00What Else Should I Deux?That title's a play on words with French or something.<br /><br />Anyway, Sean, I posted a relatively brief, complaint-specific entry today that I think attempts to resolve what was on my plate.<br /><br />Is there anything else on my plate? Even vegetables? I don't know, man. I feel like the past few days, since everything's established and sort of on cruise control, it's like we've just been running around putting out little fires, sort of set in our big picture strategy. Which, based on numbers, is apparently leading to something interesting.<br /><br />This is probably more of my paranoid anxious rambling. Nevertheless, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter. I guess I'm feeling what you were feeling yesterday, Sean, this horrible empty feeling in my stomach that we're about to get devoured by a monster.Philip Schaefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02953020455813574163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-22025490990232643162007-05-24T08:15:00.000-07:002007-05-24T08:27:38.137-07:00Wohoo!Okay, before I tackle any problems, check out those sales numbers!!<br /><br />Amazing -- Up 3000 from our starting point<br />SheHulk -- Up 6500<br />Uncanny -- Up 9000<br />FF -- Up 31000!!!<br /><br />Heck, even though Wolverine is down 5000, that was for a FILL-IN! And we've got fan-fave Ed Brubaker coming up right behind that...<br /><br />Overall, we're up, up, UP!! This is REALLY incredible, guys! Now we only need BoPow and BoPowFL to sell 69000! Which means that if even half of the folks buying FF pick up both new books, we will be above out goal!<br /><br />Guys, I am REALLY thrilled! You all (definitely including Pat here) have done a phenomenal job, and I think you've got a lot to be proud of!Sean Kleefeldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492399469370737192noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-44367102199446440932007-05-24T08:02:00.000-07:002007-05-24T08:20:48.350-07:00Day 8Uncanny, Amazing, FF and She-Hulk all have numbers higher than when we got them (three of them thanks to those Rise of the Defenders banners). Total sales are at 435,000. That's 15,000 higher than when we started. And since Tom seems to be giving us numbers two books ahead of time, our next set of numbers (if there is a next set) should include Balance of Power, Balance of Power: Frontlines and the Balance of Power Travel Guide. And if those three books can't total around 70,000, then I don't know what can. And it's a good thing Pirate Primates' first issue will be cheap; that keeps people from skipping our comics.<br /><br />Things seem to be going swimmingly on your ends. Unfortunately this Finch situation is still unresolved. To be honest, I feel like sim-David has been out of line more than anybody else; at this point, however, I'm not ready to bring somebody else in on the project unless it's absolutely necessary. If you disagree, Sean, please advise ASAP.<br /><br />I'll try and set things up between JMS and Finch as follows: <br /><br />Finch, we need your artwork to really sell the atmosphere and emotion of this story. There's probably going to be some sections of this title that will be a little less ACTIONY than what you prefer, but there is no reason these sections will be any less VISUAL And besides, there's plenty of action throughout the title; JMS has been writing comics for too long and too well to think that a crossover event miniseries can be five issues of talking heads. And to that end, get drawing the first of those covers you were so territorial about.<br /><br />JMS, Finch is a professional; if he commits to this book, he's going to give 100% to every page, even the ones he has less invested in personally. I think that what you each bring to this project will combine and make something both special and different. Finch is putting your story into visual terms that I guarantee you will only add to your story and not distract from it. I understand your doubts, in fact I've shared them, but I've since decided that any friction here at the formative stages demonstrates that you and Finch are both committed to delivering the best final product possible, and I implore you to trust our judgment in selecting Finch; this title is really going to come together.Philip Schaefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02953020455813574163noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-38070321221529267702007-05-24T07:29:00.000-07:002007-05-24T08:05:25.380-07:00And another day....1.: Is there any way we can get Mr. Bachs a raise? If not, is there any way he will work for us?<br />I think getting Ramon Bachs a raise is my first option. Only if this doesn't play out and he won't work for us on BoPow Frontlines, then will I look into alternatives.<br /><br />2.: I think using the whole T-Bolts team might not be a bad idea after all, since it reinforces a shared universe (and might boost sales a bit). I ask David Michelinie if that's okay with him. Doesn't have to be a big scene, it's just important that we see a part of the Symbiote left behind by Gargan. Of course, the whole thing has to be closely coordinated with Molly and Team Thunder. If we want to show fans that we care about continuity, every tiny mistake is lethal.<br /><br />And then I get back to the remaining phone calls.<br /><br />Next: Solicitations.<br /><br />P.S.: Sean? Can we get an ad for Balance of Power in the New York Times? Big Money's marketing is very aggressive, so we might have to up the ante.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-56692050864644117752007-05-23T16:12:00.000-07:002007-05-23T16:17:44.382-07:00Sean? Just a thought...I just re-read Tom's post from today and stumbled upon one line that made me thinking:<br /><br /><blockquote>Quesada, who left Marvel on less than amicable terms after a rumoured coup executed by editors that he himself had hired...</blockquote><br /><br />Perhaps we should apologize in some form? Not to sabotage BigMoney's plans, but because it's the right thing to do. From the emails he sent me in the last couple of years, he seems like a very nice guy. And I don't want to burn any bridges here.<br /><br />Oh, and you should tell Steve Wacker that, should BigMoney fall flat after the first couple of months, he's welcome home anytime. Same goes for Patrick.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-29969310171694471902007-05-23T14:00:00.001-07:002007-05-23T14:00:39.999-07:00If Finch is UnappeasedDo I give the title to Jimenez?Philip Schaefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02953020455813574163noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-74856581473129975712007-05-23T13:11:00.000-07:002007-05-23T13:34:07.888-07:00Mike, Day 7. First draft.1.: I ask Molly if Warren Ellis is okay with a fraction of the Symbiote getting back to Eddie Brock and if he prefers including a scene in which the Symbiote leaves a part behind in the pages of Thunderbolts, or if we can borrow Mac Gargan just for a cameo that would take care of this without changing his status quo.<br /><br />2.: I call David Michelinie and ask him if the problematic part of the page is vital to the story.<br />If it is, I ask Paul Pelletier if he would mind drawing a patch. I politely remind him of the rating and of the fact that after Spider-Man 3, we are trying to reach new readers of all ages.<br />If the part of the page is not important to follow the story, I politely remind Paul of the rating and of the fact that after Spider-Man 3, we are trying to reach new readers of all ages. I then ask him if he would mind if we cover that part of the panel with a strategically placed word balloon, since that is the least bit of work for all involved parties. If that is a problem to him, I ask him to draw the patch.<br />While I have David Michelinie on the phone, I tell him if he has to work in the Mac Gargan cameo or not.<br /><br />3.: Add Spectacular Spider-Man #45 and 46 to the list of books tying into Balance of Power. I tell Sean, because he is coordinating the tie-ins now.<br /><br />4.: If Ramon Bachs is able to draw BALANCE OF POWER: FRONTLINES, I'd love to have him on the book. If he doesn't have the time, I ask Paul Jenkins who he'd consider a fitting alternative.<br /><br />5.: I take care of the remaining phone calls from yesterday.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-33516120134038451272007-05-23T09:35:00.000-07:002007-05-23T09:46:07.795-07:00Going In To Day 8Wow -- not <B>nearly</B> as big as the problems I figured Tom would throw at us! Maybe he's saving that for tomorrow.<br /><br />I'll take care of JRJr. I cancelled the previous check, so it's definitely my problem at this point. (Not a big one, though, I don't think.) <br /><br />Mike, I don't see any major problems on your end at the moment. LMK if you need/want any assistance/advice/intervention on anything.<br /><br />Phil, you've got an angry David Finch to deal with. I'd be happy to talk with him on your behalf if you like. I think he'd do good work on the project and we're running late on time, so I'd rather not pull in somebody else, but this is ultimately your book. Thoughts?Sean Kleefeldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492399469370737192noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-10867504354205120802007-05-23T09:34:00.000-07:002007-05-23T09:38:53.649-07:00USPS Replaces Tony Stark as the Number One Villain in the Marvel UniverseThat's extremely irritating, Mike and Sean.<br /><br />As for the varied response to Sean's oversight of Balance of Power... I don't know, man. I thought you were pretty clear that everybody was free to do whatever they wanted under a pretty loose framework, and that they were also free not to take part in the crossover. Tom is stacking the deck seriously against us, and I'm trying to come up with a serious counter-attack to the possibility that Q's going to pull many of the simulated real editors out from under us.<br /><br />Difficult times lie ahead, Harry. You must now make the choice between what is right and what is easy.Philip Schaefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02953020455813574163noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-25776337969821842582007-05-23T09:16:00.000-07:002007-05-23T09:34:02.549-07:00FOR APPROVAL: PHILIP'S DAY SEVEN POSTTell Amanda that I love her She-Hulk covers and would never willingly have anybody else draw them, and that all I ask of her is plenty of advanced warning if she feels like she's getting swamped and needs somebody to pinch hit on occasion.<br /><br />Tell David Finch that this Balance Covers thing is a big misunderstanding between me, the EiC and the VP Ops. I'd floated Finch as a possibility for filling in for Amanda on She-Hulk covers to better tie the series in with Balance, and the VP Ops said something about not wanting him on covers for other books, which we somehow misinterpreted as him not wanting Finch on any covers, so we were floating alternatives around but we were still thinking of them as guys who could possibly do variants. The point is that Finch is, in my opinion, one of the most talented cover artists working for Marvel and that any talk of him not doing the covers is irrelevant. Everyone here definitely wants him 100% on the book.<br /><br />What's more troubling to me is Finch's concern that JMS's script won't allow him enough latitude, and that it won't be visual enough, and that he's been placed on another project ill-suited to his strengths and preferences. As far as I can tell, this is among the most visual stories imaginable, with a crushed and broken world as the backdrop to tense political drama. Finch's art is richly atmospheric, with an eye for detail that we feel will really sell the story's many moments of deep gravitas and desperation. And while I can speak with JMS about making sure the script isn't too smothering to layouts, visuals etc., I'm still very worried that Finch feels he's ill-suited for this project. I wouldn't have considered someone I felt wasn't a good match, and if he really doesn't want this opportunity to provide art for this year's cornerstone Marvel event, he should let us know immediately so we can seek a replacement.Philip Schaefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02953020455813574163noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-61712775819868704942007-05-23T06:42:00.000-07:002007-05-23T06:56:43.344-07:00It's quiet...TOO quiet.<br /><br />I can see the goal. Just there up ahead. It's a straight shot and there doesn't look to be anything in the way.<br /><br />And that worries me.<br /><br />It's that insurmountable fear of the dark we have as children. The knowledge that some thing lurks in the basement, under the stairs. Waiting to snatch us by our ankles as we try to sneak down the steps. Why does the light switch always have to be at the bottom? I'm ten years old again and scared that I won't turn eleven. Something's down there. Waiting. Something that eats small children whole. There won't even be a sensation of pain. Just the sudden awareness that I've become a snack for something very ugly. And then... nothing. I will simply cease to be. Maybe somone will find my bones in a thousand years, but that won't matter. They will have been eaten by then, too. The monster in the darkness. He's just sitting there. Hungry. Waiting for me to step just a little too close. I'm as good as dead. I just don't know it yet. And yet, I'm so close...<br /><br />This panic attack brought to you by Fear Of The Unknown<SuP>TM</SUP>, scaring the living daylights out of people since the dawn of time.Sean Kleefeldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492399469370737192noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-82038980676701583972007-05-22T18:54:00.001-07:002007-05-22T18:56:18.960-07:00Michael Turner's cover for BALANCE OF POWER #1:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://wizarduniverse.com/_images_/004595/SubMariner01pg00.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://wizarduniverse.com/_images_/004595/SubMariner01pg00.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I know, it's just the cover for Sub-Mariner #1. But I thought it's really fitting for this simulation. One of the Defenders (both the original incarnation and the new one) rising, with a disaster-wrecked city in the background...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883858311254879320.post-11077875976912389252007-05-22T16:36:00.000-07:002007-05-22T16:39:56.717-07:00Just Some Postin'Are you posting again today? Is there Wizard stuff you feel like we need to say today? I've got plenty of words left in case you're desperately trying to get 800 words of info pared down or something.<br /><br />Also, Sean, I really liked your second post. I hope Tom lets you play moderator with maps outside your office and doesn't have the irritating sim VP-Ops tell you this isn't your job. Cause sim-Marvel office sounds cool, like how FBI offices look on TV shows.Philip Schaefferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02953020455813574163noreply@blogger.com6