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Wednesday, October 20, 2010

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES, SPIDER-MAN EDITION


I was going through some old files and came across my copy of an interview I did...well, I’m not sure when.  (At least five years ago, I’d guess.)  I’m also not sure who asked the questions.  And I’m almost certain that the interview never saw print.  The only thing I am sure about is that the interview related to my work on Spider-Man.  Rather than leave it gathering (cyber) dust on my computer, I thought I’d share it here.  And so—for your listening and dancing pleasure—here’s the Lost Spider-Man Interview...

Briefly, could you give me a rundown of your Spider-Man writing credits?

I started with Spider-Man way back in the early 80’s, doing a long run on Marvel Team-Up with two terrific artists:  Herb Trimpe and Kerry Gammill.  Not exactly a classic run on my part, but, hey, we’ve all got to start somewhere.

A few years later, I came back to Spider-Man for the six-part Kraven’s Last Hunt storyline.  I followed that up with the one-shot sequel, Soul Of The Hunter.  Then, in the early 90’s, I did a two-year run on Spectacular Spider-Man, followed by a lengthy run on Amazing Spider-Man, and then back for another couple of years on Spectacular.  Along the way, I did lots of mini-series, fill-ins and back-up stories.  Too many to mention here. 

What is it about the character that appealed to you as a writer? What made you stick around through various editors and titles?

I was always amazed at the way Spider-Man kept pulling me back.  I’d quit one book, thinking I never wanted to write another Spidey story again, then an offer would come along and I’d jump at it.  Why?  Because I missed Peter Parker.  He’s a wonderful character:  deep, interesting, funny, intelligent, decent, and wonderfully conflicted.  And that’s without the costume on!

Who was your favorite Spidey villain to write? Least favorite?

Finding new psychological wrinkles in the villains was one of my favorite things to do.  Kraven stands out, of course.  He was a character that was pretty much written off as a joke before Kraven’s Last Hunt—so it was terrific to develop him into a truly memorable bad guy...and then kill him off.  I also enjoyed probing into the psyches of the Vulture, Electro, Mysterio and, my absolute favorite, the Harry Osborn Green Goblin.  The relationship between Peter and Harry (both in and out of costume) fascinated me.  I think that the story in Spectacular Spider-Man #200,  in which Harry dies, is the best Spider-Man story I ever did.  We’d been building to that story for nearly two years...and I’m very proud of it.

What were your thoughts on Spider-Man’s supporting cast? Do you think it needs reinvigorating, fine as is? Which characters did you enjoy dealing with?

I think the character I enjoyed most was (believe it or not) Aunt May.  At the time I was writing Spider-Man, many writers and readers weren’t that interested in her.  She seemed to be a bland old worrywart; but from the first time I wrote her, I found May to be a woman of incredible intelligence, passion and, most of all, strength.  The story in Amazing Spider-Man #400, where Aunt May died in Peter’s arms (hey, I’m beginning to see a pattern here), is another of my all-time favorites.  But I wrote a number of Aunt May stories where I got to explore her from new and interesting angles.

Is there anything you would change in your previous Spidey work if given the chance?

Well, maybe I’d go back and rewrite a bunch of those Marvel Team-Up stories.  And I’d like to see the Clone Saga rewritten to reflect our original intentions.  But, no, I wouldn’t even do that.  For good or ill, all those stories were the very best I could do at the time.  As for the rest of it, there was an occasional turkey among the bunch, but, overall, I’m extremely proud of my work on the various Spider-Man titles.  I think it’s some of my very best.  

If you got another crack at writing the webslinger, what would you like to do with him?

I’ve written so many Spider-Man stories that I don’t know if there’s anything I could do with him!  I think I did everything I wanted to do.  Doesn’t mean I won’t wake up tomorrow morning with a fantastic idea... but right now, I certainly don’t have one.

What were some of your favorite story arcs that you worked on? Any particular artist that you were paired with that you felt a strong connection with?

As noted, Kraven’s Last Hunt, Spectacular Spider-Man #200 and Amazing Spider-Man #400 are real favorites.  It didn’t hurt that I was working with Mike Zeck, Mark Bagley and Sal Buscema, three of the top super-hero artists in the field.  I pretty much loved my entire two year run with Sal on Spectacular.  (Not long after that, the Spidey books started crossing over all the time...and I got awfully tired of writing chapter two of a four part story.)

Other stories that come to mind are the Lost Years mini-series I did with John Romita, Jr.  (I loved Ben Reilly and Kaine...they were great characters...and I’m still sorry they're gone.)  And one of the highlights of my entire career was a story called “The Kiss” that I wrote as a back-up in the first issue of the short-lived Webslingers book.  It was illustrated by one of the giants of our industry, John Romita, Sr., at the very top of his game.  Romita was the artist on so many of my all-time favorite Spider-Man stories...and working with him was not just a thrill but a genuine honor.

There you have it.  If the person who interviewed me is out there reading this, please post a comment and let me know when we did this...and what publication it was intended for.  I’d love to solve this mystery. 

81 comments:

  1. You're my favorite Spidey writer in what amounts to a very tight race. There's so much great talent tied into his ongoing story! But your take on Peter Parker has been very influential as I'm thinking about the kind of stories I want to tell. Lots of emotion, psychology, and spiritual insight. But perhaps most importantly, I really feel connected to Peter whenever you're at the helm.

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  2. I know this sounds strange, David, but a good part of the credit for that goes to PETER HIMSELF. He's a character who long ago took on a life of his own. I sometimes think writing a good Spider-Man tale boils down to getting to know Peter Parker, as you would any good friend, and then letting him lead you on through the story.

    All that said, deep thanks for the kind words!

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  3. Spidey is easily my favorite superhero, I don't know why, but I fell in love with the character since I was little.

    After reading this interview it made me want to go and read your runs on Spidey. I read the legion of losers and Kraven's last hunt, but I haven't read the Harry Osborn arc or the death of Aunt May. Sounds like fun reading.

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  4. Not strange at all, JMD--I'm agreed on all counts.

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  5. What's interesting for me, Quique, is that, although I was a regular reader of the series, and thoroughly enjoyed it (especially the early Lee-Romita stories), Spider-Man wasn't necessarily one of my favorite characters until I started writing him. That's when I really connected with Peter.

    Hope you can track down the Harry saga and the death of Aunt May (which I know was reprinted in the most recent Clone Saga collection): I'm very proud of those stories.

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  6. Why am I not surprised we're in agreement, David? :)

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  7. Shocking, JMD, I know!

    Quique, there's a trade that collects SSM 189 and 200 called SON OF THE GOBLIN. I recommend it because it also features the first Harry as Green Goblin story by Conway, as well as a fun Harry vs. the Hobgoblin story from Michelinie & McFarlane.

    Unfortunately, it does not have "The Child Within.":( Personally, I recommend you find the SSM run in singles AND get the trade. The whole run is great, and even when it's not about Harry, there's a lot of thematic ties to the running subplot. I think eventually we'll see the JMD/Buscema run collected in its entirety...but maybe that's wishful thinking on my part.

    And since it hasn't been mentioned here, "Echoes" from WOS1 and the Ben Reilly backups from WOS5 and 8 (I think that's right) are worth checking into if you like LOST YEARS. LOST YEARS is collected in the first CLONE SAGA TPB. I think the Kaine story was collected in the WHO WAS BEN REILLY? TPB. I'm not sure if the Reilly stories have been yet.

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  8. Wow, THAT was pretty thorough. Thanks, David!

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  9. It seems that Spectacular Spider-Man's official name was Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-man, since while looking for it in the Marvel Digital Comics, initially I couldn't find the issues until I looked for John Marc DeMatteis (they list J.M. DeMatteis and John Marc DeMatteis as different creators by the way). Unfortunately they only have 200-203 before 200, the latest is 132 (also written by J.M).

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  10. John Marc DeMatteis and J.M. DeMatteis are two different people, Quique? You mean I have a twin I didn't know it?

    But, seriously: I'm sure you can find those SPEC SPIDEY issues out there at a cheap price.

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  11. Just wanted to thank you for the great stories you've written over the years for my two favorite characters, Spider-Man and Booster Gold. Also, loved your run on Captain America. Do you do any convention appearances?

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  12. I'm sure I can. The local comic book store I go to, probably has it. They sold me the legion of losers run on half priced back issues, it was a great recommendation by the store owner. One of the reasons I prefer buying from the comic book store instead of buying them online is getting those hidden gem recommendations. I'll ask him if he has the Spec Spidey issues.

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  13. You are incredibly welcome, Nasser. It's a real privilege getting to write pop culture icons like Spidey and Cap. As for Booster...well, he's more like an old college buddy that you catch up with every few years: great memories and lots of laughs.

    No comic book conventions on the horizon, although I'll be up in Canada next week, promoting my book IMAGINALIS at the Ottawa International Writer's Festival.

    Thanks for checking in! All the very best -- JMD

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  14. If you track 'em down, Quique, please let me know what you think.

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  15. If you're free June 2011, TX ComiCon would love to have you as a guest. Contact me at nasser@texascomicon.com for more details.
    Hope to hear from you and have fun in Canada!

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  16. Thanks, Nasser. I'll consider it and get in touch in a week or so to let you know!

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  17. Just an off-topic note to let you know that it's really cool how Dr. Fate and Dr. Fate defeated Darkseid (don't want to give it away to those who didn't read it). This is a really divisive time politically- maybe the worst since the '60s. There are two distinct visions for America both convinced that the other side is going to drag America into the pit forever. I've found myself in several heated Facebook arguments -- and then I remembered that ending (re-reading your run this month). Wow. (you can edit this spoiler: I actually wished happiness to someone who thought insulting my wife was a valid form of political argument. Started to understand how miserable that person must be for reasons which have nothing to do with Obama-- It felt really liberating )! Anyway, thanks!

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  18. I have a quick question unrelated to Spider-man.

    In the Real Ghostbusters Series, you got the credit for writing "The Devil in the Deep". My question is Necksa is a Female or a Male? Sorry if this is the wrong place for this question.

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  19. Jeff, if a twenty year old story of mine can help you in any small way, I am INCREDIBLY grateful. The only thing I can add are these words of Buddha's, words I strive to live by (I often fail, but God knows I keep striving): "That which is most needed is a loving heart."

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  20. No wrong places for questions at Creation Point, Ozzy. My recollection -- and keep in mind that I wrote that episode way back in 1987, it was the first piece of animation I ever scripted -- is that Necksa was a male.

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  21. First time commenter, occasional blog-reader, and major fan here.

    I had no idea you'd written so much Spider-Man...and I'd been tempted to pick up the epic collections of the Clone Saga, despite the general consensus of opinion on it, but knowing you're works are in it, I'm definitely getting them...and then I have to start looking for the rest of your Spider-Man work as my next back issue adventure (currently working on a couple different Aquaman series and your Dr. Fate run).

    I used to work at a comic store, and towards the end of it's life it would have very few customers. So, the entire time the store was open we had a Seekers Into the Mystery promo mobile hanging from the ceiling (it now adorns my wall) and with the lull in customers I figured to finally check out this series with angels and aliens and such if we had it in back stock.

    We did, I read it, and I've never looked back (and in fact have bought multiple runs of the series to give away because I felt more people needed to read it).


    Been on the hunt for most of your works since, my top favorites so far being Seekers, Brooklyn Dreams, and The Spectre. These three have resonated with me the most, helping to put words behind ideas and beliefs I'd had but couldn't quite formulate a way to explain. It's kind of ironic, and I hope I used the term correctly here, but reading Seekers is really what started my own seeking (I'm still searching, but I've got some ideas now, at least).

    Really enjoy your blog, the insights to your works and ideas as well as the industry are wonderful to read. Sorry I went kind of long winded here.

    -Kyle

    Oh, yeah...ps...any chance of seeing Seekers vol.2 & 3 in trade format from Boom?

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  22. Thanks so much for checking in, Kyle. SEEKERS is near and dear to my heart and and I'm always delighted when I hear from people like you who really appreciated the series. The fact that reading SEEKERS impacted your life, and your own seeking, in a positive way means the world to me.

    I would love to see volumes two and three from Boom! -- but the first volume didn't do all that well: part of that may have been lack of interest on the part of readers, but another part was lack of promotion on the part of the publisher. I suspect many people still don't know that the first SEEKERS collection is out there. That said, if you're inclined to drop the good folks at Boom! -- and they ARE good folks, don't get me wrong; I've got a long history with the company -- a line, asking for the follow-up volumes, it certainly wouldn't hurt. What I'd really love to see is one volume collecting all fifteen issues.

    Thanks again for posting, Kyle: VERY much appreciated! All the best -- JMD

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  23. "That said, if you're inclined to drop the good folks at Boom! -- and they ARE good folks, don't get me wrong; I've got a long history with the company -- a line, asking for the follow-up volumes, it certainly wouldn't hurt."

    Done and done. I do hope I get some sort of response, even if it an unfortunate "Nope, not gonna happen" just so there is some sense of closure.

    Maybe it was because of the size of the Boom! trades, but I really didn't understand why it wasn't in one collection to begin with. Fifteen issues really isn't that unheard of anymore in this age of Epic, Omnibus, Complete, Absolute, etc collections.

    I'd love to see a Complete SEEKERS sitting on my shelf next to The Compleat Moonshadow.

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  24. You and me both, Kyle. And thanks for writing to Boom: let me know what they say!

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  25. Mark Waid has promised to pick and answer 50 questions from readers at this CBR thread:

    http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?p=12087638#post12087638

    Might be a good place to get his attention on SEEKERS.

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  26. Great idea, David. And, if you're so inclined, please ask!

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  27. I already did. I'm something of a completist, and I tend to avoid TPBs if I don't think the company will follow through. That's why I appreciate it when a company does something like Marvel, when it began labeling certain TPBs as COMPLETE.

    So far, everything they've done that with has been carried through to its conclusion. It looks as though the Clone Saga won't be any exception to that rule, as they're cranking them out a phenomenal rate.

    Anyway, that's a longwinded explanation as to why I think it's a good idea to collect stories in their entirety...and let potential buyers know. Because there are times when that makes a difference. There's a bigger incentive to invest in a TPB when you know you can get the entire story in the same format.

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  28. Well, I got a response from Boom!

    "Kyle,

    There are no current plans to continue the SEEKERS series.

    Best,
    BOOM! Studios"

    *le sigh*

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  29. Allow me to sigh along with you, Kyle. And thanks so much for the effort!

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  30. No problem, but I do intend to try and get the word out about SEEKERS still, and on contacting Boom! asking for the rest of it.

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  31. Bless you, kind sir. Just because the answer is "no" now...doesn't mean it will be the same a few months from now. There's always hope.

    And, of course, there's also the possibility of taking SEEKERS to another publisher. When/if the time is right, that option will absolutely be explored.

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  32. I seem to remember reading somewhere that SEEKERS was supposed to be a pretty lengthy series. If I am recalling the previous statement correctly have you ever had any plans to try and get a new series as a continuation of the story going?

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  33. As I recall, Kyle, I had something like three years worth of stories mapped out. My hope was that the Boom! reprints would do well enough to allow me to pick up where I left off and bring the series to its authentic conclusion...as opposed to the rushed one we had to tack on when Vertigo pulled the plug.

    Maybe someday!

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  34. I understand the reason why companies can't always commit to bring a series to its natural conclusion, but I wonder if both parties wouldn't be better served by agreements to do so. The difference between, say, ten and fifteen issues doesn't seem that big financially, but that can be a huge gap storywise.

    Just a "give me five issues warning clause" would be nice. To cite a recent example, fans of HEROES didn't get any closure. I didn't watch the show, but if NBC and fans had already invested half a decade in the show, I don't see why they wouldn't close it out as a "thank you" to those who did.

    I'm sure when I work in the industry, I'll be more aware of the market realities behind these moves.

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  35. It's always a fine balance between market realities and creative thinking, David -- and there are no easy answers. But I've also been frustrated, time and again, by companies that invest time and money in a project -- and, no, I'm not just talking about Boom! here, I've seen this again and again with comics and "straight" book publishers -- and then don't do anything to promote it.

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  36. Yeah, it does seem senseless to invest in a product only to tie it up in marketing limbo. I don't know how that happens--crossed wires, someone involved in the project leaves for another company, or what.

    But still senseless.

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  37. I'm sure if you spoke to the publishers, David, you'd get a long list of logical answers...but, when you get down to it, it still doesn't make sense. At least not to me!

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  38. Now, at least, if the publisher doesn't promote someone's work they can pretty much self advertise and promote the book all the web. It may not be as far reaching as it would be with publisher money behind it, but it still helps and could be the start of a word of mouth campaign.

    I mean, if Facebook alone can get things done (Betty White/SNL), then posting on your own blogs, on forums if any are frequented by the maker (even if it's just a signature link), writing your own letters to blog sites and other genre related sites to seek our interviews, reviews, etc...

    While far from perfect, it does give the creator a little more wiggle room to get their word out on their own (unless the publishers have a clause in the contracts that state you can't self promote...which wouldn't surprise me, sadly).

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  39. Hi. J.M. You did too many great work in comics. I´m talking about Fearful Symmetry, Going Sane. But right now I would like to know if you have some plans to do a post about your work in The Spectre.

    All the best...

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  40. You're right, Kyle, the net opens up whole new worlds for PR. I recently hired an internet marketer for IMAGINALIS and it's really fascinating to see how hundreds of thousands of people can be reached if you handle it the right way.

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  41. Now you just need a scandal.

    "IMAGINALIS AUTHOR SAYS UNIVERSE IS A MAGICAL PLACE FILLED WITH WONDERFUL CHARACTERS...ON ELECTION DAY (GASP)!!!!"

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  42. Hadn't thought of it, Humberto, but I'll certainly let the idea rattle around in the back of my head now. I had a great time working on SPECTRE...it was very personal, and very powerful, for me.

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  43. As scandals go, David, that's a pretty good one!

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  44. BREAKING NEWS! Author of the book IMAGINALIS has been charged with the crime of corrupting the young and the innocent. The Federal Government has found that his works inspire children to achieve their dreams and aim for the impossible.

    A spokesman for the Council of Dream Stomping and Bleak Tomorrows had this to say, "In today's world there is simply no place for this kind of crazy talk. "Aim for the Impossible," indeed. We don't need our children to follow, work towards, and achieve their hopes and dreams...we don't need them thinking they can change the world. It's simply unheard of.

    "Why, just last month, after reading IMAGINALIS, little Billy Jones decided to run for Student Council President. He was the most unpopular child at his school...and he WON. Well, the status quo simply won't take to these kinds of things. I mean, imagine if we allow these kinds of thoughts to stay with them into adulthood! They might end political corruption, stop world hunger, or even worse, bring peace to the planet and unify humanity in such a way that we become a honest and true space faring species!"

    Details will follow as the case unfolds, but as you can see, Mr. J.M. DeMatteis has the odds stacked against him. Inspiring hope and dream fulfillment...what nerve!

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  45. The Spectre was a great time for me too. What a powerful story and a great opportunity to have some peace in a comic book. The Abin Sur reincarnation plot was one of the best moment in my comic collector life. I´m a Spiderman collector, but this Spectre serie has a special place for me.

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  46. I may have said this before, Humberto, but when THE SPECTRE was coming out, there were a lot of people who didn't understand it -- or just plain didn't like it. After the series was canceled, I started hearing from people who really grokked -- to use an ancient Heinleinism -- the book and took it into their hearts.

    Very happy to know that you're one of them.

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  47. There's a famous book on very advanced geometry in mathematics that uses the word grok. The author (Spivak) was a fan of Heinlein. I think that word is genius, specially when describing things in mathematics, as with almost any new concept, it needs to live in your head for a while (sometimes many months) before you can truly completely understand it (or in other words, grok it).

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  48. I read STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND when I was in high school, Quique, and, frankly, I don't remember all that much about it. But "grok" has stayed with me and become a part of my vocabulary. The power of a single word: amazing, isn't it?

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  49. I just wanted to drop a line here saying that I also loved that Spectre run. At a convention a while back, I got to tell Ryan Sook how much I dug the book. Now I get to tell you, sir.

    And I also loved Seekers!

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  50. Thanks so much, Kelly. I'm a huge fan of Ryan's work and it was a pleasure working with him on SPECTRE: his style was perfectly suited to those stories. I also loved working with Ryan's successor, Norm Breyfogle. That series was blessed with truly wonderful art. All the best -- JMD

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  51. Job: A Comedy of Justice was the first Heinlein book I read. I was an immediate fan. I followed with Strange in a Strange Land and many others. I'm now about 4 books short of having every book he wrote in my collection (with many more than 4 left to read, however).

    It was my love for Heinlein, and all of his Young Adult/Juvenile novels that inspired the idea behind my novel that I haven't started to write yet :-D

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  52. Well, now that you've mentioned it publicly, Kyle, you HAVE to write it. Get to work!

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  53. Lots of love for THE SPECTRE, JMD.

    I really need to track that run down. I looked at Mile High Comics once, and some of the issues were rare IIRC.

    Are those in TPB by any chance?

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  54. No SPECTRE trade, David, much as I'd love to see one. For that matter, I'd love to see my DR. FATE run collected, but I don't see it happening any time soon.

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  55. I suppose the most likely scenario to bring that about would be a Fate, Spectre, or GL storyline that heavily references your work. These things tend to move in cycles, so maybe it's around the corner...

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  56. Well, I certainly never expected the Clone Saga material to be collected, so anything's possible, David!

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  57. Ben Reilly's a perfect example of something that 'grokked' with me over time. Loved him from the beginning, hated the revelation he was the original Peter Parker, and came to understand it many, many years later.

    That's one reason I love comics so much. I'm constantly drawing "new" treasures from "old" storehouses.

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  58. Of all my single issue runs, I'd have to say my most re-read is your Spectre run (well, Day of Judgment, the JLA Day of Judgment Tie in, and Legends of the DC Universe Hal-Spectre issues, and THEN the Spectre series to be exact). It actually kind of irked me that when Green Lantern: Rebirth came out it seemed to disregard most of your Spectre series.

    I understand the nature of the industry is to pick and choice continuity as they please, but at that point in his career Geoff Johns still seemed to be a firm believe in all continuity. Don't get me wrong, though, I still really enjoyed Rebirth for what it was...I just felt it was unnecessary.

    Maybe it's because I first started my foray into the Green Lantern world with Kyle Rayner, but I felt Hal was much better as the Spectre rather than coming back to the land of the living.

    (Also, have officially begun work on the previously mentioned book since it was mentioned. A sci-fi story written with an age range fairly similar to that of IMAGINALIS in mind)

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  59. One of the things I enjoyed about writing that SPECTRE run, Kyle, was the fact that, through some of those stories, I was able to express exactly how I was feeling about life, the universe and everything. You don't get those opportunities all the time.

    Happy to hear you've started work on your book: keep going...and let the story lead you on.

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  60. Kyle,

    I prefer Wally West as Flash and Kyle Rayner as GL, which isn't to say I'm strongly opposed to Hal or Barry returning to the roles. I just tend to think the 'legacy heroes' aspect of the DCU is something special.

    Although I didn't read the Hal Jordan Spectre, I like the idea of challenging an established character to fit a new role. And the redemption angle sounds like a good fit, like everything fell into place.

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  61. David,

    I also prefer Wally as the living, functioning Flash. Barry's death has a place in DC history that, to me, is something no one else can ever have and was a true heroes death. He died so Everything could live. To me, his being back full time (and altering his past in the process) really cheapens his death and the character as a whole.

    I felt the same way about Colossus; he chooses to die in order to cure the legacy virus, to save the lives of every mutant living or who would come after.

    I feel some deaths in comics are so noble, so heroic, that should not be lessened by a return.

    Hal's in Final Night was one of those. One of Earth's greatest heroes driven mad with loss, grief, and anger redeeming himself by giving his life to save the Earth. Almost no one believing in him any longer and he does it anyway.

    I really didn't see his being chosen to host the Spectre as bringing him back for two reasons; First off, he was still dead. Sure, he was interacting with the living but the character himself was still very much dead. And the second is that it showed just how far his final act really went towards his own personal redemption that he ends up becoming the Spirit of Redemption.

    Hal and Barry returning, I'm not strongly opposed to either...I just find them unnecessary, especially with Barry's return pushing Wally aside after Johns spent so much time fully developing the character.

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  62. Just some some new episode titles for Batman: The Brave and The Bold. Is "Darkseid Descended!" your JLI script, Mr. DeMatteis?

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  63. No, Yojimbo, it's not. The first of my two JLI scripts features the Demon and a vampiric threat. The second one is a time-travel episode with Bats, the JLI and Rip Hunter.

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  64. You said it better than me, Kyle. I came onboard to the Flash legacy via Wally, so it's no surprise I prefer him. My first Flash read was actually Waid's "The Return of Barry Allen"! And it was a pretty good example of why Barry's death enriches the DCU.

    Ditto on GL. My first real GL experience was "Emerald Twilight." Notice a pattern here?:)

    Time travel, JMD? You're singing my song!

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  65. Thank you for the quick reply! Very interesting. "vampiric threat" made me think I...Vampire. Wow, so it looks like your JLI episode is going to be the season finale, that sounds like a fun opportunity for a writer to close out the season.

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  66. It's a fun episode, David -- with the JLI traveling into the far past AND the far future.

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  67. I actually have NO CLUE what order these things are going to air, Yojimbo. You'll probably know before I do!

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  68. Look forward to it. BTW, for those interested, Season 1.1 of BATMAN: BRAVE AND THE BOLD is available now at amazon:

    http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Brave-Bold-Season-Part/dp/B003M8NGLC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1288617654&sr=8-2

    "Day of the Dark Knight" and "Eye of Despero" are featured. Both very good episodes--though my personal favorite of yours is still "Hail the Tornado Tyrant!"

    Also of note, there's now a thread on CBR devoted to your Spider-Man work:

    http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=344846

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  69. I'm waiting for the full season, David. Don't know why they're breaking them up that way.

    "Hail the Tornado Tyrant" was an interesting one, especially the ending, which must have been pretty intense for young viewers. That was one of those "Are you SURE you want me to do this?" moments.

    Thanks for the CBR link!

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  70. I'm not sure why they're breaking it up like that, except maybe because the seasonal parameters of Cartoon Network shows go beyond the usual thirteen or so episodes. IIRC, the two-parter that finishes out this DVD WAS originally billed as a season finale. It was the big Owlman/Joker story.

    I'm familiar with some other cartoon series they break up like that, and unfortunately, I doubt they'll collect Season 1 in its entirety. The next best thing might be waiting until they've collected all the seasons, and buying the "Complete" collection.

    The JLU Season One disc collection went the opposite route. It's technically considered two seasons, but since it was all building up the Cadmus/Braniac/Luthor arc, they put it all under the season one banner. Odd, I know.

    Suffice to say I'm just thrilled because even this is so much better than the four-episode blocs we got before. I wouldn't pay ten bucks for 4 episodes--to quote the Joker about taking on the IRS, "Even I'm not THAT crazy!"

    My son loved the Tornado Tyrant episode. It's still the most powerful to date, so I'm glad you did what you did. That conversation about good and evil has stuck with me, as has the tearjerker finale.

    You're very welcome for the link. Hope you'll have the opportunity to follow the conversation as it develops over the week.

    I suppose I'll take a breath now! Sorry for the longwinded response. I have the courage of a thousand men when it comes to facing down Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

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  71. Never apologize for your posts, David: they're always welcome, always interesting and always appreciated.

    You've half-convinced me to go out and buy that first B&B collection and not wait for a more complete, future edition. To answer your next question -- no, I don't get 'em for free.

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  72. LOL! I wasn't going to ask, but the thought had crossed my mind...

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  73. If I had to guess I'd say the season is split up mostly for money reasons. I've noticed a trend to release Season X.0 and X.5, then after that release the complete Season X.

    Some buy the first two, some buy the last one. Others buy both because they prefer the complete season set but didn't think they'd release a complete season since they had the two part sets.

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  74. Money as a motivating factor, Kyle? I'm shocked, do you hear? SHOCKED! :)

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  75. Yeah, that is pretty crazy talk coming from me. I thought about not posting it because I've never heard of such a thing, myself.

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  76. Thanks again, Mr. DeMatteis. I always get a little more excited when your name pops up in regard to DC Comics animation.

    A lot of fans, over the weekend, got riled up when two more episode titles of The Brave and The Bold got released ("The Knights of Tomorrow!" and "Darkseid Descended!") leading to further Internet speculating )that 'ol thing). Since there's one episode title left to be revealed for season 2; a lot of fans are confused if its your first JLI episode with Etrigan or a Captain Marvel Family vs. Monster Society of Evil episode.

    As for the split set of Batman: The Brave and The Bold, I've noticed it's become a common practice ever since the DVD market allegedly was hit by the bad economy so much that companies claim that to justify producing complete collections, fans have to buy these barebone half sets first. I, for one, dislike that excuse but Legion of Superheroes, James Tucker's previous animated series, hasn't gotten any season sets-partial or complete after the even worse 4 episode soccer mom editions didn't sell well. So I'll support what I can get on DVD.

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  77. I understand, Yojimbo. I worked on four episodes of LEGION and I'd love to have them on DVD. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm going to see them any time soon. Maybe some day...

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