tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post3831600699674624146..comments2024-03-14T08:38:28.518-04:00Comments on J.M. DeMatteis's CREATION POINT: THE STORY BEHIND THE HUNT—2017Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-39735559951969891872017-07-02T14:35:56.797-04:002017-07-02T14:35:56.797-04:00With comic sales in bad shape, NO answer can be le...With comic sales in bad shape, NO answer can be left unexplored. <br /><br />And your mustache was behind Milgrom's.<br /><br /><br />JAckAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-68238804165936756032017-06-30T11:32:57.584-04:002017-06-30T11:32:57.584-04:00You, sir, are obsessed with Gruenwald's mustac...You, sir, are obsessed with Gruenwald's mustache. But you never once speak about my 80's mustache, which was formidable indeed! : )J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-59087862337888536502017-06-30T08:09:58.277-04:002017-06-30T08:09:58.277-04:00What Gruenwald's EIC time would have been like...What Gruenwald's EIC time would have been like is truly a mystery we will never now. But it isn't the greatest one.<br /><br />That is... Was the mustache the source of his Marvel knowledge? Did the Marvel knowledge allow him to grow it? Was it sort of in between, where is stored it? <br /><br />Question, questions.<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-26529375211853635222017-06-28T14:20:28.605-04:002017-06-28T14:20:28.605-04:00As I said, "she may have found herself in per...As I said, "she may have found herself in peril, but she was no one's damsel in distress."<br /><br />And credit where credit is due, Gerry Conway did a lot to expand her in his less than 40 issue run, back in the 60s. <br /><br />Deflaco, Peter David, and a few others had a major role in it as well, but Conway can't be overlooked. She's almost as much his character as Lee and Romita.<br /><br />That is why he returning to writing duties so soon after the marriage began, and on Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows, seems so right. <br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-32376616789106571352017-06-28T12:41:14.803-04:002017-06-28T12:41:14.803-04:00I don't have a lot to add re: Mary Jane other ...I don't have a lot to add re: Mary Jane other than the fact that I alway felt that she was a vital, emotional core of the series. She grounded Peter, added to the "real world superhero" feel that Lee and Ditko originally established and grew into, as you point out so well in your article, a deep, well-rounded character. AND she kicked the Chameleon's butt. With a baseball bat!<br /><br />And of course I loved writing the marriage. <br /><br />J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-18374301646746569882017-06-28T12:36:27.280-04:002017-06-28T12:36:27.280-04:00Mark would have made a fantastic editor-in-chief, ...Mark would have made a fantastic editor-in-chief, Jack. And I hope that, somewhere out in the multiverse that Mark loved, he did ascend to that position...where he steered Marvel to even greater success.<br /><br />And a belated happy birthday to my pal Tommy D!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-20164164312011916792017-06-27T19:28:58.550-04:002017-06-27T19:28:58.550-04:00You just can't use the comments section, can y...You just can't use the comments section, can you? Whatever.<br /><br />I am glad that you enjoyed it. I was hoping it would ignite some points from you about what I mentioned. Perhaps as a way to get the thoughts that WOULD have been in the essay you didn't have time for.<br /><br />If not, fine... but there is still time. But, come on your Jewish and Italian, and more importantly from New York, Hell you are an American. You know you have opinions. All those things scream "GIVE YOUR OPINION!"<br /><br />As for twitterifying... I would never ask anyone to endorse something to a degree they feel uncomfortable with. That being said, I don't recall being negative to any creator.<br /><br />Finally, This was for my local comic shop. Not work related. And even if it were, it would be editorial. Not journalism. Of course, journalism won't last another decade so it is a moot point.<br /><br />Of course, that right is as An AMerican, so you have it too. Its pretty great.<br /><br />again, glad you enjoyed it.<br /><br />JAckAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-1152047455549450842017-06-27T08:38:01.455-04:002017-06-27T08:38:01.455-04:00I can't speak for ALL fans, but to me that lov...I can't speak for ALL fans, but to me that love certainly was obvious.<br /><br />It was such a pure fandom to. There are some pretty unsavory attitudes that attach themselves to fandom of any sort. Gruenwald seemed to be completely without them.<br /><br />I can't help but wonder what would have been if Defalco (whose birthday was yesterday, odd story of how I know that) and Gruenwlad succeeded him as editor and Chief.<br /><br />At least he was listed in the credits of at least Captain America: Winter Soldier.<br /><br />ALL PRAISES BE TO THE GRUEN!<br /><br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-74578909258023157652017-06-26T14:04:22.465-04:002017-06-26T14:04:22.465-04:00Glad you enjoyed that old annual, George. I don&#...Glad you enjoyed that old annual, George. I don't remember it that well, so now I might just pull it off the shelf and reread it!<br /><br />Funny that you mention Mark Greenwald because I was just thinking about him today. Didn't realize that was his last story. Mark G was a wonderful writer/editor and a good friend and he's still missed. And I don't know if there was anybody in the business who loved comics more than he did.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-34305704673160563692017-06-26T13:31:29.199-04:002017-06-26T13:31:29.199-04:00Actually read the piece earlier today, Jack, and r...Actually read the piece earlier today, Jack, and really liked it. Great job. That said, because the tone occasionally gets negative about certain Spidey creators, I don't feel right tweeting it out into the wider world. That could look like me endorsing those negative views and I try to stay away from criticizing other people and their work. You, as a journalist, are, of course, free to do that. <br /><br />But you did a terrific job and it was an excellent piece.J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-60004320124642260102017-06-26T07:26:50.784-04:002017-06-26T07:26:50.784-04:00I tracked down a copy of Sensational Spider-Man &#...I tracked down a copy of Sensational Spider-Man '96 (Kraven's First Hunt). It was great. Kraven was just as psychotic as I remember him being in KLH. There's a few images in the story that foreshadow KLH (Kraven eating spiders) and he even references putting the gun in his mouth. Kraven was seriously crazy. You seriously own that character, just like Frank Miller owns Kingpin. Those were two long-standing Spider-Man villains that were nothing special until a new writer took them over!<br /><br />Here's something I didn't know; there's a follow-up short story at the end of the Sensational Spider-Man '96 issue "The Return of Spider-Woman". It's by Mark Gruenwald and Pat Broderick. As far as I can tell, I believe it's the last published written work by Gruenwald. When I review his bibliography the story is listed as being published in November 1996. He died August 1996, and the only other credits I see to his name (in 1997) have him listed as Editor. I can't be sure, but I think it's his last published written work. <br />I've always loved Mark's writing. In fact, I tell folks that my two favorite Captain America writers are you and Gruenwald. I recently picked up "Captain America: Justice is Served" TPB by Mark and yourself. I know he's probably most famous for his Squadron Supreme series, but I always loved DP7. It was one of only two New Universe titles I enjoyed (that and Star Brand). George Travlosnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-50042076562487646312017-06-25T19:56:57.867-04:002017-06-25T19:56:57.867-04:00I'm not sure that an exclamation point was nec...I'm not sure that an exclamation point was necessary.<br /><br />Now, before I do this. Go back and re-read to make sure you remember what you agreed to. Now...<br /><br />http://gobacktothepast.com/the-ballad-of-the-marriage-of-peter-parker-and-mary-jane-watson/<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-33661112518272533632017-06-24T21:38:09.013-04:002017-06-24T21:38:09.013-04:00Out of all the CONAN stories I wrote, Slaven, the ...Out of all the CONAN stories I wrote, Slaven, the one you mention, about Conan's grandfather, is the one I'm proudest of. I was trying to reach a kind of emotional texture that was different for Conan. I'm glad that, as far as you're concerned, I succeeded.<br /><br />Thanks again for checking in. All the best to you!<br /><br />JMDJ.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-50389555437201223562017-06-24T21:24:31.925-04:002017-06-24T21:24:31.925-04:00Dear Mr. DeMatteis,
thank you for your fast reply...Dear Mr. DeMatteis,<br /><br />thank you for your fast reply, respect! :)<br /><br />Just one more thing - there is one particular Conan story that was very memorable for me - Conan The Barbarian #119, "The Voice of One Long Gone". Written by you, and drawn masterfully by John Buscema. It featured the brief appearance of Conan's grandfather, and it was really unexpectedly emotional. I understand it was one of your early works, but this story was still great.<br /><br />For a character (Conan) who is usually taken from one adventure/battle/woman to the next, with "continuity plausability syndrome" taken to the very extreme, this story was refreshing and unexpected. I felt like some previous events in Conan's history really mattered, and even Conan was not being his typical self, much more contemplative than usual. Similar as Peter Parker in KLH.<br /><br />As a reader, over time I have become very selective and loose with continuity - sometimes the only way stories can make sense for me. Maybe that is the problem with every long-running continuity...? Risk of events not being taken seriously, as if the previous stories don't have any consequences whatsoever. In any case, I believe your stories are strong enough to stand on their own.<br /><br />Thank you very much for taking the time to reply.<br /><br />*My real name is actually Slaven (Slavic name, maybe it sounds strange), so sometimes I use the Axel pseudonym. :)<br /><br />Best regards from one of your faithful European readers,<br /><br />SlavenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-50646100166112511892017-06-24T19:22:46.607-04:002017-06-24T19:22:46.607-04:00Thanks for you kind words, Axel. Truly appreciate...Thanks for you kind words, Axel. Truly appreciated. In answer to your questions:<br /><br />1) No. He's not interested in the man, he's interested in The Spider. <br /><br />2) I had no conscious idea about deconstructing anything. I was just following the story, following the characters. And believe me: I had no clue that this story would have such an impact and would have been stunned if someone told me we'd still be talking about it all these years later.<br /><br />Re: Conan. I was a young writer, new to Marvel, still learning my craft when I wrote those stories. Also very intimidated to step into Roy Thomas's shoes. If you love some of those stories, well, that makes me very happy.<br /><br />Thanks again for taking the time to write, Axel. Come back again!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-79772558850709685152017-06-24T17:50:23.112-04:002017-06-24T17:50:23.112-04:00Dear Mr. DeMatteis,
thank you for sharing this de...Dear Mr. DeMatteis,<br /><br />thank you for sharing this deeply personal and inspirational storytelling experience.<br />Fearful Symmetry is one of my absolute favorite comic book stories, mostly because it is so rich in detail and it pushes sooo many buttons on so many levels – it makes me think and feel on such a deep level, and I keep coming back to it over and over through the years.<br /><br />My favorite scene has to be the one where Kraven's twisted version of "Spider-Man" saves Mary Jane from guys who attempt to assault her. In my opinion, you masterfully show how while Kraven technically did a good thing, he did it in a sadistic and brutal way, for all the wrong reasons. Ultimate irony; instead of MJ's embrace and cheer (which I am sure Kraven would like, as any guy would, unhinged as he is at this point), all he gets is her shocked and terrified screaming to stop.<br /><br />And I love how you tend to incorporate the motifs of children in your stories. Because Kraven – for all his great strength, intelligence, wealth and experience – still has a downright childish idea of Spider-Man, as a web-slinging boogeyman who preys on criminals. Last image of Kraven is a picture of a cute little boy, covered in blood. Heart wrenching stuff.<br /><br />I would have two questions, as an interested reader and a wannabe writer:<br />1) I always wondered did Kraven took Peter's mask off while he had him in captivity? Or was he interested in seeing him only as the "Spider", therefore never wanting to take the mask off?<br /><br />2) was KLH your conscious attempt at deconstruction of Spider-Man? Similar to, let's say, Alan Moore's "Watchmen"? The story is very grounded, with some real-life consequences; it is quite obvious (idea also expanded upon by other great writers later) that Peter was going to have nightmares for a very long time after this ordeal. As anyone would. You just don't usually see that kind of stuff in mainstream continuity - an event actually having a long-lasting effect, as it would in real life.<br /><br />For what it's worth, before I read this story, I never took Spider-Man very seriously (shame on me). :) I thought that as a character, he couldn't hold a candle to Batman or Daredevil or Crow.<br /><br />Thank you for proving me so very wrong.<br /><br />*On a complete side-note, I also love some of your early Conan The Barbarian stories. ^^<br /><br />All the best to one of my favorite storytellers,<br /><br />AxelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-60885320705887079422017-06-24T14:03:58.394-04:002017-06-24T14:03:58.394-04:00Deal!Deal!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-47660830361208521512017-06-24T06:44:17.971-04:002017-06-24T06:44:17.971-04:00I will make you a deal Dematteis, I will post a li...I will make you a deal Dematteis, I will post a link here IF you do the following:<br /><br />-Tell me what you think of it no matter what (preferably in the designated comment section on the bottom of the page). Seriously, honest truth, good, bad, and ugly. Even if you think that it is reprehensible garbage.<br /><br />and/or<br /><br />-If you do like it to some large degree and don't find it objectionable, you twitterfy it out across the inter webs. <br /><br />Deal? Keep me in the loop.<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-67613315974318838952017-06-23T20:50:32.623-04:002017-06-23T20:50:32.623-04:00Please share it here if you can, Jack!Please share it here if you can, Jack!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-44290064525422825202017-06-23T19:49:46.337-04:002017-06-23T19:49:46.337-04:00Well, there is another dream dead. And I had so f...Well, there is another dream dead. And I had so few left. Fortunately, I foresaw this coming and prepared something myslef. It should be edited and posted by Sunday (even if it was submitted well before). Someone had to take the bull by the reigns.<br /><br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-19769637428179518962017-06-23T09:22:05.553-04:002017-06-23T09:22:05.553-04:00Probably no post, Jack. Although I may give it a ...Probably no post, Jack. Although I may give it a Twitter or Facebook mention. Check back with me for the 35th!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-73987044006632989962017-06-23T07:57:02.660-04:002017-06-23T07:57:02.660-04:00The real question... Dematteis... is since the 30t...The real question... Dematteis... is since the 30th anniversary has come and gone with no post (because of lack of time, couldn't find the muse, were busy building an army of killer robots, what have you) is it off the table for good? For another 5 years minimum? Still possible? Your getting sick of me mentioning it?<br /><br /><br />Just wondering if it needs to join all the other dreams that I have let die.<br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-69259716038249898802017-06-22T06:48:18.519-04:002017-06-22T06:48:18.519-04:00Yes it would, I have not been shy about how much I...Yes it would, I have not been shy about how much I want someone... anyone... to point out hoe much Shags-Apocs looks like Green arrow. I don't care how or why, I just want to see it in print.<br /><br />Also, Happy belated Spider-Weds-anniversary. It was yesterday. Acording to the comics strip, Pete and MJ spent it fighting Mole Man with their Aunts not far away.<br /><br /><br />JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-68010908333106638772017-06-21T20:05:08.727-04:002017-06-21T20:05:08.727-04:00Glad you enjoyed it. George. Re: pop culture refe...Glad you enjoyed it. George. Re: pop culture references. I'm sure, if I'd had a few more issues, S-28 would have flashed back to a wild 1970s weekend in L.A. with John Lennon and William Shatner!<br /><br />No coincidence on the covers. I was very much involved in getting Sal and Kevin and Don Perlin and Shawn McManus involved.<br /><br />Thanks for taking the time to read the story. Much appreciated!J.M. DeMatteishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04293848326241642685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193334913733210326.post-53685858447560450532017-06-21T19:57:14.542-04:002017-06-21T19:57:14.542-04:00I finally read "The Life and Times of Savior ...I finally read "The Life and Times of Savior 28". It was great reading it, knowing how proud you were of the story. I enjoyed seeing all of the things you injected into the story that I knew meant a lot to you (ie: Orson Welles, The Brothers Karamazov). Did I miss the references to the Beatles and Star Trek, or did they just not make it? Also, was it coincidence that some of your all-time best collaborators guested on variant covers (Sal Buscema, and Kevin Maguire) or did you have some influence in getting them on board?<br /><br />GeorgeGeorge Travlosnoreply@blogger.com