As promised in this week’s regular edition of Joe Fridays, because we concentrated solely on Civil War, we planned a little something extra for this weekend, a special gift-wrapped bonus edition for under the tree we like to call Joe Christmas.

Joe spent a few extra moments answering some questions on more varied topics about Marvel and about the holidays, including reader questions in a return to our “Rapid Fire” format.

So if you have a few moments in-between celebrating, spend it with Newsarama and Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief, and following the Q&A, you can also listen to and read the lyrics to Joe’s 2006 Christmas song …

…and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Newsarama: Joe, as mentioned briefly during your last press conference, Newsarama's hearing rumbles that Marvel is making a concerted effort to "de-decompress" stories, and concentrate on 3-issue arcs (as opposed to 6), with a little more focused action.

Is this accurate, and if so, can you explain why this is being done?

Joe Quesada: As I've said before, there was never any mandate on our writers to write in any particular style outside of just giving us their best work. So to say that we're now asking for a change to something we never mandated in the first place is odd. I wasn't at that press conference so I don't know exactly what was said or by whom. Perhaps what they were talking about is the trend that we've been seeing with our creators for upcoming story arcs that seem to be shorter in length or at least quite varied in size. From six issues to two issues, to three and back to six.

NRAMA: Would you consider this a reaction/response to a new trend you're tracking in terms of reader preferences? And/or a market "correction" and perhaps small nods toward a persistent online fan criticism?

JQ: Perhaps it is, I don't know. Now that we have a very viable trade paperback business, perhaps our creators feel more at ease experimenting with the format.

NRAMA: We asked about a return of Thor last week. This week in an online interview Bryan Hitch revealed his next post-Ultimates Marvel work will be in the mainstream Marvel Universe (as opposed to the Ultimate Universe), and responded to a separate question naming Thor as a character he'd really like to work on.

JQ: Yeah, Bryan will be doing a huge project in the classic universe, we've been speaking about it for the last year or so. What people may or may not know about Bryan is that outside of being one of the most brilliant artists of his generation, he's unbelievably creative and has some wonderfully inventive story ideas.

NRAMA: So our question is - are you sure Thor's BIG return doesn't get kicked off in March's Fantastic Four #536??

JQ: All I'm going to say is that there's some great stuff happening but I have to keep a few secrets so that folks will want to read the books.

NRAMA: Okay, time to get on your toes as we hit you with a rapid fire mix of our questions and reader's questions (the latter of which are in quotes this time, we had shopping to do and couldn’t include all the reader’s IDs)...

JQ: Oy, this should be fun. I'm in the recording studio and it's 3AM and I've been up for close to 20 hours! But anything for the Marvel faithful!

NRAMA: Good man. Okay, what did you get Nanci and Carlie for Christmas?

JQ: Believe it or not, Nanci wanted this snowman building kit, which is kind of fun. She and Carlie love making snowmen. Carlie's really into Polly Pockets and educational computer games, especially the stuff that allows her to draw on the computer. Yes, she has the curse.

NRAMA: How about Brian Bendis?

JQ: I can't say here as he hasn't gotten it yet and he's probably reading this, but it's the same thing I got several of our creators.

NRAMA: Turkey, ham, or pasta & fish for Christmas dinner?

JQ: It's going to be ham this year.

NRAMA: Midnight Mass or Christmas Morning?

JQ: I think we're probably doing a Midnight Mass with the family.

NRAMA: Real tree or fake?

JQ: Always a real tree ... 12-footer this year!

NRAMA: Best special - Charlie Brown Christmas or Rudolph?

JQ: As much as I love Rudolph, when I hear that Charlie Brown Christmas music, nothing gets me more in the mood.

NRAMA: It's a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Story?

JQ: Bad Santa. I know it's a weird choice, but no movie I think has come to truly reflect what Christmas has become in these modern times. Yet at the end it has a really wonderful redeeming message. Plus I like the little geeky kid.

NRAMA: Who got the most "spirited" at the Marvel Christmas party this year?

JQ: I left my own party early, but the odds-on favorites are usually C.B Cebulski or Nick Lowe.

NRAMA: When and where will fans get to see the new Spider-Man costume first?

JQ: Well, you can stop by office any time you want. Outside of that, stay tuned, it might even be here on Newsarama.

NRAMA: Mary Jane's amazingly fast recovery from a broken arm? Christmas miracle or did an editor get coal in their stocking for that?

JQ: Not making any excuses, we screwed up and missed it. Axel [Alonso] who's the editor has been hung by meat hooks, had his fingernails pulled, and given nothing but a hand-me-down fruitcake to eat for Christmas.

In all seriousness, I apologize to all the folks out there. We just missed it. With a small staff of editors and about 70 titles a month you can see that the workload is pretty steep for these guys, so stuff like this will happen from time to time, but we're working hard at it.

NRAMA: One surprise character readers will hear a lot from in 2006?

JQ: The villain from Deadly Genesis.

NRAMA: Will the New York Mets make the playoffs next season?

JQ: How about this, like the groundhog who sees his shadow, I will finally be seen at Shea Stadium next year which means that I'm counting on them making it. Tickets to sporting events are too expensive these days and I vote with my dollars. Put a good team on the field and I'll support you. Don't make an effort and I'll watch on TV when there's absolutely nothing else on.

NRAMA: What's Mike Turner drawing for Marvel?

JQ: Sneaky aren't you? I'll tell you this, it'll have Marvel characters in it.

NRAMA: What else is Jeph Loeb writing at Marvel besides The Ultimates 3?

JQ: Way too early to announce this as of yet.

NRAMA: Any chance it will be renamed Ultimate Avengers?

JQ: Not unless you know something that I don't?

NRAMA: We don’t. Who's drawing Bendis' Ultimate Invasion?

JQ: That announcements coming most likely late this year. We have someone locked in, but it's way to early to talk about it.

NRAMA: Will Jae Lee be seen in 2006 now that Dark Tower has been moved to 2007?

JQ: Not if we can help it. The delay should get Jae way ahead on the series so that hopefully he's on for more than just the first arc.

NRAMA: Any more new Captain Marvel clues?

JQ: It's not a woman for those that were guessing in that direction.

NRAMA: "When is the Wonder Man mini-series from Peter David coming out?" JQ: It'll be out in 2006 but I don't have the date in front of me. It's 3:20AM, folks.

NRAMA: "When will we hear more of Gravity? Will he have his own series soon?"

JQ: I think we can definitely count on more Gravity but he's going to star in a mini-series with some other Marvel characters middle of 2006. All of this in an effort to weave him into the fabric of the Marvel Universe. I think he's going to be here to stay.

NRAMA: "Will we see another similar event to Annihilation but using the magical sector of the MU?"

JQ: There are no plans right now, but I've been looking for a great magic proposal that makes sense of our magic characters.

If you look around comicdom you'll notice that although there are some pretty popular magic based characters they all have trouble supporting an ongoing series. I can only speak for the Marvel characters but I think that's because there are no solid rules that govern them.

In other words, you can place Dr. Strange in peril but it never really seems like much because at any moment he can cast a spell of crimson bands of what have you and he's out. There are no rules to his universe and from a storytelling perspective that's problematic. When you look at imaginary situations, worlds like the world of Toy Story or even Roger Rabbit have rules of their universe clearly define. Heck in Roger Rabbit it's very clear how to kill a ‘toon, so the viewer gets the feeling that the characters can be placed in peril and have their back's placed against the wall.

This is exactly what I'm looking for in regards to our magic characters. Rules that govern them. How do you kill Doctor Strange? How do you hurt him?

NRAMA: "A while back there was mention of a Silver Surfer prestige-sized mini-series written by J. Michael Straczynski with art by Esad Ribic. Is this still in the works or has the bottom fallen out on the project?"

JQ: No not at all, Esad is hard at work on it, it's just taking him some time. We've learned our lesson with Secret War. This book will be well in the can before releasing it.

NRAMA: "Seeing as how many complain that you are disrespectful to DC, how about posting some DC titles that you have recently read and enjoy?"

JQ: Lets see I read the three All-Star issues that came out, Justice I think is fantastic so far, I'm diggin' Jonah Hex. Ex Machina is always wonderful and I've read the first issue of Crisis so far. But the best DC book in decades to me has be We3.

As for being disrespectful, I'm sorry that some people see it that way, all I'm saying is what's on my mind and what I perceive as the truth. I'll admit in the past I've said stuff to get a rise out of folks, including DC, and I'm sure I'll do it again.

Look, anyone who is familiar with a certain DC Vice President of Marketing's convention panels and retailer presentations would know that this person has been publicly and snidely bashing Marvel for considerably longer than I've been Editor-in-Chief. So after years of this, now someone does it on the Marvel end and folks want to call foul? Suddenly the top dogs at DC publicly ask for me to be fired because all of a sudden someone is playing the same game they've been doing for years and their feelings are hurt?

There's a much longer history here than most folks are aware of. But to the point, anything I've said recently about DC really hasn't been disrespectful from point of view but more matter of fact and to a point some negative but some positive as well.

NRAMA: "Anyone made any pitches for the Shroud?"

JQ: Not recently.

NRAMA: Iceman got his powers back already. What the heck?

JQ: Just him, this was set up for the very beginning.

NRAMA: News that Marvel is doing a Runaways/X-Men original one-shot for Free Comic Book Day 2006 by Brian Vaughan and Seth Fisher has hit the 'net (including acknowledgement and cover image by Vaughan on his forums), as well as Vaughan seemingly confirming he's doing a Wolverine project (though not the monthly) with Eduardo Risso?

Comments?

JQ: Stay tuned.

"Any plans for Adam Warlock?"

JQ: Not at this moment.

NRAMA: "Whatever became of the Beyonder's Battleworld? Seems to me there was a significant population of people left there left out in the dead of space. I'd like to know what's happened to them since."

JQ: I'm not sure either but perhaps it's a story we should look into.

NRAMA: "In Joe Friday's #27, you hinted at a possible series (similar to West Coast Avengers, perhaps?) featuring some old school Avengers. Can you give us any more info on this?"

JQ: Yes, but there are a couple of upcoming projects that fit this bill. There is one project in particular that I'm looking forward to that involves some long thought lost characters. Regardless, in 2006 I think you'll see some characters that you never thought you'd ever see in a Marvel Comic again.

NRAMA: "Please make my Christmas and tell me there are plans for X-Statix beyond the Dead Girl mini. And New Warriors too."

JQ: I'll see what I can do but how about an X-Box 360?

NRAMA: "Is there any chance of getting Garth Ennis to do more Ghost Rider?"

JQ: Yes!

NRAMA: "What are you feelings on the Merry Christmas/ Happy Holidays dispute?"

JQ: I've made it a point not to discuss my politics or my beliefs whenever possible on matters like this, but I got to say one thing. Aren't there better things for people to argue about? It's just silly.

NRAMA: How are those new Marvel Spotlight books working out for you? Who's coming up in future editions?

JQ: They've turned out great, the first issue is a must for anyone looking to break in or just seeking insider knowledge on their favorite creators. If you're a [John] Cassaday or [Sean] McKeever fan, the first issue is for you! I believe the second issue will feature an expose on the giant living brain that walks like a man named Warren Ellis!

NRAMA: "When do the events in Spider-Man: The Other, Secret War, and House of M happen in relation to one another?"

JQ: Actually, we have this listed somewhere but it's now 3:45AM and I can't think straight. Not coping out on you but let’s get back to this question next week and I'll have the info handy.

NRAMA:Okay Joe, to wrap up this special Christmas edition of Joe Fridays, give readers one bit of info they haven't heard yet?

JQ: Someone beloved dies in Deadly Genesis.

NRAMA: And finally, your Christmas/Holiday wish for comicdom for this year?

JQ: Continued growth for all of us, more great comics and most importantly, health and happiness to everyone out there in message board land and beyond. Now, about that song...

Twenty-five years ago John Lennon was brutally murdered.

It's funny how the anniversary of someone's death can cause you to reflect on their life.

For this year's Christmas song I decided to combine two of my great passions, the Beatles and Comics. This homage is done in good fun as thanks for all the years of enjoyment their music has brought me and how much all of you out there have enriched my life by allowing me to make a career in this wonderful industry.

Long live comics and give peace a chance,
JQ

DOWNLOAD OR LISTEN BY CLICKING HERE

THE MERRY MARVEL MARCHING SOCIETY (REPRISE)
(All I Want For Christmas)
Words and Music ©2005 Joe Quesada

You belong
You belong
You belong
Come along
With the Merry Marvel marching Society

You belong
You belong
You belong
Sing Along
With the Merry Marvel Marching Society

We're the Merry Marvel Marching Society
We're the Merry Marvel Marching Society

Woke up feeling funny today
I was startled by a white flash of light
Then I stumbled to the mirror
And that's when things got much clearer
As I was struck by a horrible sight.

Now I'm not a real trusting guy
But I must admit it's given me pause
Never believed in Easter bunnies
Or Tooth Faeries and their money
But I'm praying there's a real Santa Claus

'cause all I want for Christmas
All I'll ever need
All I want for Christmas
Come on, give it on back, give it on back
Give my mutant power back to me.

Jubilation has lost all her spark
(Fred has lost his center of gravity)
Erik's not magnetic
(Pietro's turned pathetic)
And Jono has no chest cavity

Now all I want for Christmas
All I'll ever need
All I want for Christmas
Come on, give it on back, give it on back
Give my mutant power back to me.

(He's always checking who's done right or wrong)
I'm a bit concerned about the review
(Have you been a good boy all year long)
I might have done an evil deed or two

(So how'd you do on Christmas day)
Well I have to say I'm feeling quite blue
(Come on, tell us we're a quiver)
Well, Santa didn't deliver
Seems the reindeers are mutants too

Now all I want for Christmas
All I'll ever need
All I want for Christmas
Come on, give it on back, give it on back
Give my mutant power back to me.

And in case anyone wonders what's being said in the background.

At the beginning of the song, in my best Lennon, there's a quote of his that I changed up a bit.

"I was just talking to a Newsarama friend of mine. I never really said we were bigger than Lee and Kirby. I never meant to imply anything of the sort."

Then in the middle of the song there's a carnival barker announcing:

"Step right up and feast your ears on the dulcet tones of Irving Forbush"

JQ

Joe Quesada- All vocals/guitar/piano/percussions
Tommy Dean- Lead guitar
Mike Ferrara- Bass
Andy Guida- Drums
Produced by Joe Quesada and Idlechatter
Mark Ferrara Engineer
Recorded at Fast Lane Studios (718)338-6610
Sounds effects provided bywww.a1freesoundeffects.com

And check out Joe’s special Christmas songs from the past: