Mmmmm….cake.

Regardless – Joe’s thoughts are interrupted by a phone ringing. His. It’s Newsarama – time to talk Joe Fridays.

Newsarama: Let’s just get it rolling without preamble - Joe, we’ll be continuing our preview of Marvel 2007 in the next month, but before we get to where we’re going, let’s take a look back at where we’ve been.

JQ: You do realize I’m about to get on a plane don’t’cha?

NRAMA: Whoops, sorry about that.

JQ: You have terrible timing.

NRAMA: I’ll try to make it quick. Where you headed?

JQ: Off to Los Angeles, for the Marvel Then and Now event. Hey, this seems like good time for a plug?

Show ‘em the graphic, Matt!

NRAMA: It'll be up. Okay, if you have some time, we’re going to ask you to give us your thoughts on the year that was for each of your significant family of titles, and let you give props to those creators, titles and even characters that made significant contribution, and if you’re up for it, even acknowledge those things if you had a chance to do over again…

NRAMA: Let’s start with the ULTIMATE line…

Most significant line development in 2006 (for the line, not an “in-continuity” story)

JQ: I would say it’s the year of Ultimate Spider-Man for the line. Not only is it setting a record here at Marvel, but it’s done it in record time. But, more importantly, by setting the record, Brian and Mark have also demonstrated the impact the line has had on the comics industry and Marvel as a whole. It’s the imprint that everyone hated and doubted when it was announced, no one gave it a chance, and now here we are. It also helped launch Brian’s career at Marvel and solidified Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch as two of the greats of the industry.

NRAMA: Most impactful storyline?

JQ: Ultimates 2. The roll-out of this book obviously hasn’t been the fastest, and most of the last 7 issues take place in a handful of hours, so the results of its impact have been slow in coming. But within the Ultimate Universe, the reality of America being taken over by super-powered people is going to be felt for a long time, and it sets up the idea of the Ultimates becoming a totally different kind of super-team in Ultimates vol. 3 and 4.

NRAMA: Your favorite single issue?

JQ: Lets go with two. The Ultimate Fantastic Four Annual #2 by Mike Carey, Stuart Immonen and Frazer Irving which looked beautiful and had a really fun, funny charm to the characters.

And of course, Ultimate Spider-Man #100, because as rare as it is that the same writer and penciler have done 100 consecutive issues of a series, it’s even rarer that that 100th issue is their best one yet.

NRAMA: MVT – Most Valuable Title?

JQ: Hands down, Ultimate Spider-Man.

NRAMA: MVS – Most Valuable Star/Character?

JQ: Kitty Pride. She’s really injected some incredible energy into Ultimate Spidey and has proven to be a character that can star in two books. Also, Kitty is the most valuable character because she has been instrumental in bringing the continuity of the Ultimate u together.

NRAMA: MVC: Most Valuable Creator?

JQ: Mark Bagley, hands down. He has been the rock of the Ultimate universe.

NRAMA: If I could have it back again moment?

JQ: If I had had a crystal ball, I would have held up publishing of Ultimate Wolverine/Hulk. Aside the obvious reasons, Damon and Leinil are creating an amazing story and the delay is going to ultimately interfere with people’s enjoyment of it.

NRAMA: Thoughts on 2007?

JQ: Three words, “Welcome Jeph Loeb.”

Marvel Universe (non-Civil War related)

NRAMA: Most significant line development in 2006 (for the line, not an “in-continuity” story)

JQ: I think the most significant development is the rise of the core Marvel hero universe as the strongest imprint in comics. It’s been a long time since interest in Cap, Iron and the Avengers has rivaled that of the X-Men Universe, it’s been great to see.

NRAMA: Most impactful storyline?

JQ: Aw, come on now, nothing has had more impact than Civil War. It’s been an absolute juggernaut and has really injected all of Marvel with some incredible future story possibilities. But since we want to steer clear of it for this question, I would say all the stories that Ed Brubaker is creating for Captain America. I don’t think that book has ever been that good.

NRAMA: MVT – Most Valuable Title?

JQ: Civil War Frontline. Sorry, I know I’m supposed to not answer with Civil War, but I have to give these guys their props. To my recollection, what Paul, Ramon and company have been able to achieve with what was originally considered a sort of side book to Civil War is truly remarkable. Usually when publishers try to do these ancillary projects, they just come across as filler. Frontline to me is a masterpiece, it digs in deep into Civil War and really tells some compelling stories that say something about the event without being redundant of what’s being said in the core book. While Civil War proper is an incredible piece of work and achievement by Mark and Steve, Frontline to me gets the nod as most valuable because it became essential reading and succeeded in doing as an ancillary title where others have always failed.

Okay, outside of Civil War Frontline, I have to give it to Moon Knight. Charlie and David have taken an often failed character and made him a much desired commodity. Not an easy task, but man is that a great book.

NRAMA: MVS – Most Valuable Star/Character?

JQ: Without a question, Iron Man. Tony is now the most interesting character in the Marvel U to me. With al of the Civil War titles and his handling at the hands of the Knaufs, Tony Stark’s comic book star is on the rise! It’s a shame he’s going to d—whoa, almost blew that one out of the water. A close second would have to be Winter Soldier. It’s always a great feeling when an off the wall suggestion becomes successful. Winter Soldier really hit fandom between the eyes and that’s a tribute to Ed and Steve’s handling of the character and his portrayal in flashbacks of Bucky and how he actually operated alongside Cap during WWII.

NRAMA: MVC – Most Valuable Creator?

JQ: That’s a really tough one because we have so many incredibly talented people working in the Marvel U at this moment. I’m going to give the nod to Steve McNiven. Steve has redefined what the big super hero event book should look like. While he managed to get a cast of thousands into a panel when asked, he still manages to do it in a way that doesn’t make you feel crammed or as if he’s trying to overload your senses to the point of the ridiculous. This is a comic event, with a cast of thousands that has this incredibly open, personal feel to it. The great illusion of Civil War is that it’s really not a story about the Marvel U, it’s a Cap and Iron Man story, co-starring everyone else. Steve understands that, and keeps it grounded while still giving us the pyrotechnics that we Marvel fans love sooooo much.

Outside of Civil War I’d say Leinil Yu who has really come into his own and is going to be a major force to be reckoned with in 2007.

NRAMA: If I could have it back again moment?

JQ: Obviously I wish we could have shipped things out a bit more timely, but hindsight is 20/20 and in the end, I’m happy with the decisions we made to keep the team on Civil War together.

NRAMA: Thoughts on 2007?

JQ: Based on the plans we have right now, it’s going to be an incredibly exciting years as the momentum from Civil War will take us into new and interesting places with new titles springing forth as well. Books like Thunderbolts, Dan Slott’s new title and The New Warriors are going to be a lot of fun. It’s going to be fun and it’s going to be controversial, but what’s Marvel without a little controversy, right?

Oh, yeah, and 2007 will be the year of Spider-Man.

MARVEL KNIGHTS

NRAMA: Most significant line development in 2006 (for the line, not an “in-continuity” story)

JQ: the return of the line to its roots. I think the move of making MK more of a boutique imprint is exactly what the line has needed.

NRAMA: Most impactful storyline?

JQ: Tough question to answer because 2006 was the year we redefined MK as a line of self-contained limited series. As a result, a lot of monthly titles that were either already published under the Marvel Knights banner (Black Panther, for instance) or were conceived as MK titles (Moon Knight, for instance), went shifted under the Marvel Universe banner.

That said, Kaare Andrews’ Spider-Man: Reign, which premieres next week, is going to change the way people look at Kaare Andrews. He’s as good a storyteller as he is an artist. So, if you’re looking for a template for what a Marvel Knights project is, Reign will define it for you.

NRAMA: Your favorite single issue?

JQ: How about my favorite moment? The last page of Spider-Man: Reign made me laugh, sort of.

NRAMA: MVT – Most Valuable Title?

JQ: Moon Knight was approved as an MK title, so I’m going to go with that. The first arc of the series -- “The Bottom” -- was a self-contained series that put the character back on the map. The second arc puts him right in the middle of the Marvel Universe – whether they want him or not.

NRAMA: MVS – Most Valuable Star/Character?

JQ: Black Panther. That book started as a Marvel Knight limited series and turned into a solid monthly.

NRAMA: MVC – Most Valuable Creator?

JQ: A 3-way tie between Reggie Hudlin, Kaare and the team of Linser/Palmiotti/Gray.

NRAMA: If I could have it back again moment?

JQ: I wish we could have gotten more of the Marvel Knight prestige books out this year, but since they don’t hinge on continuity, it’s much easier not to launch them until they’re ready.

NRAMA: Thoughts on 2007?

JQ: Fans will have lots to look forward to: The last 3 issues of Spider-Man: Reign, Silver Surfer Requiem by Straczynski and Ribic, Logan by Brian K. Vaughan and Eduardo Risso, Punisher: The People Vs. Castle by Guggenheim and Leinil Yu. I could go on, but David Gabriel would kill me.

ICON

NRAMA: First off, what are your general thoughts on Icon?

JQ: Icon is a difficult one for me to give you my “best” list as I have nothing to do with it other than be happy that we now have the line and can make this available to our creators. I love Icon for that one simple reason, it’s a watershed imprint for this current modern Marvel Age, an imprint that many doubted could ever happen, yet here we are.

Between Powers, Book of Lost Souls, Kabuki and Criminal, what’s not to like and how could you even pick a favorite as they’re all incredible titles by incredibly talented people.

What I can say about Icon is that I think you may see a new title or two come next year.

Oh, wait, hang on, I think we’re boarding…

Nope, not yet, sorry, it was the flight next to mine. Okay, proceed.

MAX

NRAMA: Most significant line development in 2006 (for the line, not an “in-continuity” story)

JQ: That would have to be the expansion of the MAX line. I’m really thrilled that we have the ability to do that now.

NRAMA: Most impactful storyline?

JQ: The “Barracuda” arc in Punisher (issues #31-36). What’s not to like about that guy? He just has some much fun doing what he does. Barracuda is going to be a major breakout character.

NRAMA: Your favorite singe issue?

JQ: Again, I hate to pick favorites, but I gotta say when Nighthawk killed that pesky clown dead in Supreme Power: Nighthawk, it was a real comic book “fanman” moment for me. Man I hate clowns.

NRAMA: MVT – Most Valuable Title?

JQ: Without question, that’d have to be Punisher – shipping monthly and then some and headed past issue #50 very soon.

NRAMA: MVS – Most Valuable Star/Character?

JQ: Easy, that’d have to be Frank Castle.

NRAMA: MVC – Most Valuable Creator?

JQ: Garth Ennis, who never runs out of bad guys who need killing and new and interesting ways to kill them.

NRAMA: If I could have it back again moment?

JQ: No take backs allowed in MAX [laughs] But, the original splash page on Punisher #36 was…let’s say, eyebrow raising.

NRAMA: Thoughts on 2007?

JQ: The most significant development is that we’re expanding the MAX line. Hellstorm, Zombie and Haunt Of Horror: Edgar Allen Poe were just the first wave. As everyone knows, Barracuda and Foolkiller loom on the horizon and a few more projects that we’re not ready to talk about. So, exciting times ahead for MAX fans.

THIRD-PARTY PUBLISHING

NRAMA: Most significant line development in 2006 (for the line, not an “in-continuity” story)

JQ: Again, a really tough call. To pick between the Halo license and our packaging deal with the Dabel Brothers is really tough. Both are very important signings for us that will have a huge impact on the future of Marvel and comics in general.

NRAMA: Most impactful storyline?

JQ: The Halo graphic novel sold through the roof. It was also purchased by a significant number of people who never read a comic before. This bodes incredibly well for the future of the Halo comic and the future of our third party publishing programs.

NRAMA: Your favorite singe issue?

JQ: It’s way too early to make that judgment.

NRAMA: MVT – Most Valuable Title?

JQ: Tough to say, we’re still in the infant stages of the program.

NRAMA: MVS – Most Valuable Star/Character?

JQ: Once again, tough to make a choice this early in the game. I hear a lot of mainstream chatter about our Anita Blake series while I don’t dare underestimate the future power of Halo.

NRAMA: MVC – Most Valuable Creator?

JQ: Stephen King, without a doubt. While Dark Tower doesn’t come out until 2007, the impact of Mr. King being involved with Marvel and comics and adding to his Dark Tower opus in comic’s form, has really caused a lot of people to take a good hard look at our industry. It’s also open a significant number of doors with respect to other authors who are now looking at the Dark Tower model and considering the possibilities.

COMICS FOR KIDS

NRAMA: Most significant line development in 2006 (for the line, not an “in-continuity” story)

JQ: Marvel's continued commitment in publishing all-ages material and the addition of Marvel Adventures: The Avengers and more Franklin, Son of a Genius specials helping the industry reach out to new readers and getting them hooked early…

NRAMA: Most impactful storyline?

JQ: How about two, The New Girl in Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane #6-#10. The Gwen Thing, in Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane #9.

NRAMA: Your favorite singe issue?

JQ: Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four #12, Doom Where’s My Car?

NRAMA: MVT – Most Valuable Title?

JQ: Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane.

NRAMA: MVS – Most Valuable Star/Character?

JQ: Giant-Girl from Marvel Adventures: The Avengers. For some reason, people love her addition to the roster.

NRAMA: MVC – Most Valuable Creator?

JQ: Sean McKeever.

NRAMA: If I could have it back again moment?

JQ: It’s Marvel Adventures. I wouldn’t change a thing.

NRAMA: Thoughts on 2007?

JQ: How about Power Pack is coming back into continuity and X-Men first Class II just to name a couple of cool things.

Oh, and four Franklin Richards Specials.

And overall, the expansion of the Marvel Adventures line, including more Mini-Marvels!

NRAMA: Thanks for the overview and wrapup. Now – on to…

Reader's questions:

Q: “JadeFontaine” - I've been noticing a certain amount of super-charged characters lately popping up in Marvel Books which I find rather disheartening. One of the best parts of Marvel and what made them stand apart from other publishers was that Marvel was the home of the 'everyday -Joe Average Hero'.

Now we have 'the Sentry' making his comeback/start who has the power of 1,000 suns!!! Vulcan in X-Men who can apparently do 'everything' including fly through space without need of taking a breath for weeks on end while destroying Shi'ar space ships etc.

Heck even Spiderman has become uber-Spiderman with the Iron-Spider suit. Even Iron Man has the magic answer for every situation in his suit. That isn't even venturing into the world of 'secondary mutations' and the Omega level mutants that are conveniently popping up.

What is the need of any other hero in the Marvel Universe with characters like these around not to mention some of the others that have also been around for a while like Thor and Phoenix. Any plans for Marvel to go back to the average person just trying to get by and understand the powers they gain without them having to be 'earth-shattering' and ''cosmic' in scale?

JQ: Jadefrontiane, thanks for the great question. While some new powerful characters have shown up recently, I think you’re forgetting a bit of your Marvel history. Thor and the Hulk are about as all-powerful as you can get and let’s not forget characters like Gladiator, Apocalypse, Onslaught, Hercules and how about the Vision (who once took over the entire world).

I’m sure there are more that would come to mind given more time. The key to characters like the Sentry is of course as you mentioned are the average Joe personas. That’s what I think makes a character like the Sentry so intriguing. Not only is he super human beyond what we’ve seen before, in his Rob Reynolds persona, he’s the most fragile guy on earth with a host of different phobias not to mention that little Void thing that was running around in his head.

As for Spidey, well the suit is temporary, and besides over Spidey history he’s been amped up and amped down from time to time as has Tony and many characters. So, while I completely understand what you’re saying, I don’t think we’re doing anything different than what we’ve always done.

Q: “Otipep_90” - Hey Joe, with both the Astonishing and Uncanny X-teams out in space and with Rogue's team leaving the X-mansion, who will look after the New X-Men, if anyone at all.

JQ: Hey, Otipep. In case you missed the continuity clarification in one of my recent Joe Fridays (DON’T MISS A WEEK, FOLKS), here’s how it works. The “Torn” and “Unstoppable” arcs in Astonishing X-Men happen over the span of a few days. Those days will fit in neatly when the last Joss and John issue of Astonishing comes out. So Cyclops, Wolvie, Colossus, Kitty, Beast and Emma are still in the mansion watching over Rockslide and the rest of the kids.

Q: “Jedi Balam” - Last week you were talking about a 3D program that you have been working with, but you didn't mentioned which program is it. Would you share with us the name of the program? Thank you.

JQ: Hey, Jadi Balam, while there are several really amazing programs out there, I’ve been playing around with a program called Sketchup. You could buy the program for about $500, but why bother when you can get it free. That’s right free. Google purchased Sketchup recently and now makes the program available free to everyone. The reason I personally like Sketchup is because of its ease of use. Their slogan is “3D for everyone” and boy do they mean it. Most 3D programs can get a bit complex, reaaaallllly complex, but Sketchup is amazingly easy to use. You aren’t going to get the kind of detail that you would need for sophisticated computer animation, but it’s enough for comic’s work. It’s exactly as they named it, a sketching program. Heck, my wife even used it to design some renovations for our home and she just started using it a short while ago. And me, I’m a computer idiot and even I find it easy.

I’ve been experimenting with some models, building and settingup sscenes that I eventually lightbox and add my own flair to. I used some 3D in the Renault ad campaign I did, to be honest, I wouldn’t have taken the gig without it. When the client says that they need the car turned 5 degrees to the right, rather than have to redraw an entire new sketch and try to work that out, I was able to just move my 3D model of the vehicle.

The interesting thing about 3D and Sketchup is that more and more artist are using it and have been for some time, but few are talking about it because it’s that good ;-) Man, I feel like the magician who just let out the secret. But like any tool, it’s what the artist makes of it and how they add their own flavor to the programs. Any straight use of 3D is just going to look stale if you don’t enhance it.

Why do I get the feeling that every young artist reading this column just left to download the program? Hello, is anybody out there?

NRAMA: Still here, Joe.

JQ:Whoa, my plane is boarding, I’ll l have to call you from LA.

…25 minutes later…

JQ: Hey, Matt, we’re still at the gate, lots of runway traffic here at JFK. What else you got.

NRAMA: I know you got to get going, but how about a few more reader questions?

JQ: Shoot.

Q: “StrangeMark” - A couple of questions about Anita Blake. Firstly, when Guilty Pleasures comes to an end, (assuming sales are good) are we more likely to see "Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter in The Laughing Corpse" #1, or will we see "Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter" #13 and a title change? There's a case to be made for both options, I'd say.

Secondly, how long do we have to wait before Anita comes up against the Marvel Zombies? It's GOT to happen, her whole career is based on working with zombies! (Oh, and vampires, obviously) If Ash can meet them, then it's only fair that Anita gets in on the action!

JQ: While a Marvel Zombies crossover would be fun, there are no plans currently, but let me say again, that would be a lot of fun. As to your first question, that’s really a question that you’d have to ask the Dabel Brothers, they control their imprint, we’re just happy to have them.

Q: “Mundungus” - I recently noticed on the recent solicits that Trevor Hairsine will not be drawing #3 of Wisdom. As a big fan of Hairsine since Ultimate Six, I was disappointed when he didn't get to complete all of Ultimate Nightmare and Deadly Genesis. Will Hairsine be completing the rest of Wisdom or will I have to wait and hope that his next project will sit nicely on my shelf with just the name Hairsine on it?

If that came out rude, I apologize, but his art style is quite amazing.

JQ: Trevor’s art is indeed amazing, Mundungus. He just wrapped up Wisdom #2 with Paul Neary, Lee Duhig and Joe Caramagna doing their part. After #2, you’ll have to settle for just covers by Trevor as the rest of the issues are going to be drawn by Manuel Garcia (Check out this page from #3). The schedule and a few extreme personal issues got in the way for Trev on this project and we want to get this book in your hands as quickly as possible.

But don’t worry, we’ve already got Trevor working on something else over at the House of Ideas.

Q: “Marine” - With Sentry taking a less active role in Civil War, will he feature in World War Hulk? Both of his mini-series played up his friendship with Hulk, and I can't see him being pleased with what the Illuminati did to Hulk.

JQ: I would venture to say that he may have a role, yes.

Q: “mattguthrie” - With the conclusion of X-Men: Civil War, will we be seeing anymore of the 198? For those who have followed their story for the last year, I was wondering if there will be a book to tackle that issue? And what are the chances of a team being formed from their ranks?

JQ: Hey, Mattguthrie, The 198 isn’t a cohesive group any more. With the change in the government’s position on mutants (as of the end of X-Men:Civil War) mutants are no longer forced to stay at the mansion, but the grounds of the Xavier Institute are still offered to mutants with the protection of O.N.E. and the Sentinels. So, some of the mutants might show up from time to time at the mansion, but others will be seen elsewhere. For example, Mammomax will be showing up in New X-Men #34. Check it out!

Q: “Crazy Penguin” - What are your thoughts on DC's recently announced Minx imprint? Does Marvel have any plans to produce original non-super-hero comics targeting the young female audience?

JQ: I think it’s a great idea! Again, the health of the industry and our expansion into other genres and demographics is really encouraging. Also, Karen Berger has proven that she’s a visionary, so I don’t doubt that it’s going to be great. We’re also looking into a similar idea, while not as far along obviously as Minx, I have hopes that we may be able to come up with a cohesive plan that works and a timing that works for us and the industry.

Hey, Matt, okay, they want cell phones off, we’re going to taxi out, got to run.

NRAMA: Wait, one more and we’re done.

Q: “nickmaynard” - What did you think about a character on Heroes referencing your infamous 'break the Internet in half' phrase on this weeks episode? Did Jeph tell you about this before hand, or was it a surprise?

JQ: Ha! You know I just got to see the episode yesterday (thank you TiVo) and the line hit me between the eyes. Loeb told me nothing about it but I’m sure I’ll hear more about it when I see him Saturday night. That’s right, Saturday night at Marvel Then and Now! Run that graphic again will ya, Matt!

By the way, I just got word that Jon Favreau will be at the meet and greet!

Okay, I got to jet, literally. You think I should trademark “breaking the internet in half?”

See ya!

And as always, more Marvel news and artwork can always be found on Marvel.com.

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