WALT SIMONSON SIGNS EXCLUSIVE WITH DC [Archive]

MichaelDoran

11-05-2002, 06:15 PM

<img src="http://classic.newsarama.com/Creators/simonson.jpg" alt="Walter Simonson" width="117" height="125" align="right" border="0">Walter Simonson, one of comics' most acclaimed and accomplished writer/artists, has signed a one-year exclusive with DC Comics.

"For the past four or five years I've worked primarily for DC," said Simonson. "Partly, it's because I enjoy the company of the people I work with there, editors like Joey Cavalieri, writers like Michael Moorcock, and artists like John Paul Leon. And it's also because I've had the chance to draw some personal favorites such as Orion and the New Gods, Green Lantern, the original Captain Marvel, and even a little Batman. I feel I've done some of my best work in the last few years at DC."

"Walt has been one of my personal favorite artists since I was an intern photocopying his Batman/Manhunter story in 1974," said Mike Carlin, VP - Executive Editor, DC Universe. "And since meeting him at Marvel in 1981, I'm happy to say he's one of my favorite people as well. No matter what the project is, he comes to the table with tons of unique ideas and enthusiasm. Walt is an great, all-around talent, and DC's all the stronger for working with this major creator."

This February, Simonson begins a 6-issue run as writer of Wonder Woman, with artists Jerry Ordway and P. Craig Russell and cover artist Adam Hughes. The 6-part story "The Game of the Gods" begins in the new team's first issue, #189.

As he previously announced, Simonson will also be penciling and inking a four-issue Prestige-format Elric story for DC, written by Michael Moorcock.

“It will be new material, not an adaptation of existing stuff,” Simonson recently told Newsarama. “A tale of Elric in his youth.”

xdemon

11-05-2002, 06:25 PM

Congratulations to Walt - look forward to seeing his work.

minmin

11-05-2002, 07:10 PM

good for walt!

now please please... draw a regular book!!!!

Gerson Agena

11-05-2002, 07:13 PM

I would love to see Mr. Simonson working on one of the Superman ongoing titles. He's a great writer/storyteller and really knows how to handle powerful characters.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to read his run on Wonder Woman.

Hokeyboy

11-05-2002, 07:24 PM

Good news, indeed.

I think Simonson's run on Fantastic Four is the single greatest run on that title, right after Lee/Kirby of course.

I never saw such a swing of quality, from the amazing Simsonson FF to the absolute crap of Tom DeFalco's "Alicia is a SKRULL! NEATO!!!" five year abomination.

Can't wait to see his work at DC over the next few years. I miss ORION though...

American Caesar

11-05-2002, 07:51 PM

[quote]"For the past four or five years I've worked primarily for DC," said Simonson. "Partly, it's because I enjoy the company of the people I work with there..."<hr></blockquote>

...And not because, say, Marvel and Image are interested in NEW concepts and ideas. That wouldn't have anything to do with Walt's extended stay at safe/conservative DC Comics, would it?

rockieman

11-05-2002, 08:04 PM

[quote]Originally posted by American Caesar:


...And not because, say, Marvel and Image are interested in NEW concepts and ideas. That wouldn't have anything to do with Walt's extended stay at safe/conservative DC Comics, would it?<hr></blockquote>

What exactly are the NEW concepts and ideas Marvel and Image have introduced that you seem to think are groundbreaking and fresh?

Ultimizing characters? As already pointed out, DC did this back in 1986/7.

Look at DC's entire Vertigo line. What is not new and creative about these titles? Y The Last Man and Fables (although I haven't read them) have been generating alot of talk on the boards. Same for 100 Bullets and numerous others.

What has Marvel done? Introduced another version of Wolverine or Nick Fury? What has Image done? Introduced another "cohesive" shuper-hero universe?

If you mean to imply that Simonson is afraid of new concepts that's one thing, but don't condemn an entire company for 1 creator's choices. And I'm NOT saying Simonson is afraid of new concepts. This criticism could be made of any longtime creator at any company.

Don't get me wrong I enjoy Marvel and Image books alongside DC, but your comments don't exactly seem to fit the bill.

DrewDewce

11-05-2002, 09:03 PM

I've been lucky enough to meet quite a few of the people who have made the comics I've enjoyed over the years and I can honestly say that in a squeaker over George Perez & Kurt Busiek, Walt Simonson is the nicest guy I've ever met. Glad to hear his good news.

Unfortunately, not glad to hear the seemingly disparaging words towards his "not new" things to offer in the "ultimate age".

I tend to think that Walt and those I would consider to be his peers (Byrne, Perez, Windsor-Smith, David) could do even better were they charged with the task of "ultimizing" already fabulous creations. Glad DC is allowing most of these folks to play with the toys in their sandbox.

Max Castle

11-05-2002, 09:44 PM

American Caesar wrote:

[quote] ...And not because, say, Marvel and Image are interested in NEW concepts and ideas. That wouldn't have anything to do with Walt's extended stay at safe/conservative DC Comics, would it?
<hr></blockquote>

Actually, when ORION was cancelled, Joe Quesada contacted Walt about possibly coming to Marvel.
I guess Marvel is interested in someone as "safe" as Walt Simonson because he'd quite likely bring something new and interesting to the table.

Good for Walt that he gets some financial security for the next year, even if ill-informed Marvel Zombies have nothing better to do than take potshots at him.

Sean Walsh

11-05-2002, 11:31 PM

Sean Walsh

11-05-2002, 11:33 PM

[quote]Originally posted by Max Castle:
American Caesar wrote:

Actually, when ORION was cancelled, Joe Quesada contacted Walt about possibly coming to Marvel.
I guess Marvel is interested in someone as "safe" as Walt Simonson because he'd quite likely bring something new and interesting to the table.
<hr></blockquote>

Interesting that Marvel always seems to talk to lots of people about joining up (Shooter, BWS, Miller, Walt).......but we never get to see the fruit of Marvel's labors, do we? ;p

Sean

Michael C Lorah

11-06-2002, 12:28 AM

I don't care what company he's working for, I don't care what characters he's working on, in an era when I buy almost exclusively trade paperbacks, Walt Simonson is one of the smallest handful of creators whose work I will buy monthly because it is head and shoulders above the work of any other creator out there. :)

The only other creators I can think of who consistently put out work to the level of Walt's comics are Alan Moore, Darko Macan and Stan Sakai.

neverhere

11-06-2002, 01:34 AM

I think Walt Simonson is actually one of the most innovative and creative people EVER to work in superhero comics ranking a close second to Kirby.I dont think someone like him would have trouble getting his hands on ANY title at the big two if he wanted to.
[quote]And not because, say, Marvel and Image are interested in NEW concepts and ideas. That wouldn't have anything to do with Walt's extended stay at safe/conservative DC Comics, would it?<hr></blockquote>

Cloak & Dagger

11-06-2002, 03:03 AM

I'm actually happy that Walt Simonson will be with DC for the near future.

Let's face it, he's got a lot of things going for him at DC.

DC will stick with his work for as long as it's viable. I believe Orion would have been cancelled a LOT sooner at Marvel than it was at DC. For instance, look at Thunderbolts. For apparantly no reason, the whole book is being overturned. I know they had some success with X-Force/X-Statix, but let's not forget that this is Andrew Lis (killer of Agent-X and overseer of X-Treme X-Men) that's editing the book, NOT Axel Alonso.

He actually has a chance to show off his creativity. Despite some of the cool stuff Marvel has been pulling off lately (they do have a lot going for them), DC just has the financial safety that Marvel lacks. Despite the movie money and the hot streak they're having, Marvel may STILL be on shaky grounds.

I'm happy for Walt where he is. As a Marvel Zombie, I'd have loved to see him back doing Silver Surfer or Thor, but now he's exclusive, he'll be working on a lot of fun projects.

KOBE27

11-06-2002, 04:57 AM

Walt Simonson is and has always been one of the most innovative artists working in the field. Period. Shame on that American Caesar guy, whoever he is, for his ridiculous remarks.

11-06-2002, 05:27 AM

[quote]Originally posted by Sean Walsh:
ORION sat in limbo for about a year, and Walt was attached throughout; unlike Marvel books that have sat in limbo (WITCHES, anyone?), DC *did* commit to the title and publish that book for just over 2 years.<hr></blockquote>

...The problem with Orion was that it was one of the best books DC was putting out at the time, but failed to push the hell out of it. Had they given the book the type of promo they gave, say, a Bat-book, sales would have done a lot better and Walt would still be doing it. I'll give DC credit for allowing Walt to finish the book in style, but that doesn't exonerate them by one iota for not helping promote the book.

Wade @ Sighnub.com

11-06-2002, 09:29 AM

I got your back OM! I love Wlat Simonson and am very happy to hear of his new contract. I just hope that DC gives his stuff the promotion it and he deserve. The man is a freakin' legend and an unbelievable talent. Please back him up DC!

Kevin T. Brown

11-06-2002, 09:31 AM

[quote]Originally posted by OM:


...The problem with Orion was that it was one of the best books DC was putting out at the time, but failed to push the hell out of it. Had they given the book the type of promo they gave, say, a Bat-book, sales would have done a lot better and Walt would still be doing it. I'll give DC credit for allowing Walt to finish the book in style, but that doesn't exonerate them by one iota for not helping promote the book.<hr></blockquote>

Actually, part of the problem was the story was very convuluted. Don't get me wrong, I loved Orion, it just wasn't the most accessible book for new readers. It was extremely difficult for a new reader to jump on, say, issue 15 and understand all of what was going on. It was basically one long story, instead of a series of 6 issue story arcs.

With that said, I'm very glad to see Simonson get the recognition that has long been overdue to him. If there's anyone who is a class act in comics, it's him.

PopCultureKid

11-06-2002, 10:26 AM

Great news for DC. Walt Simonson has NOT lost his fastball! Looking forward to his run on Wonder Woman.

Mike Pawuk

11-06-2002, 10:41 AM

I've always loved Walt's work and I think DC can't go wrong having Walt on board. I'm really pleased to hear that he'll be working with P. Craig Russell, too.
Here's hoping that Marvel will finish collected Walt's Thor stories as well as his Fantastic Four run.

steveupson

11-06-2002, 10:43 AM

Can someone please list what pencilling Walt has done in the last several years (besides Orion)?

I was a big fan of his back in the days with Thor, X-Factor, and FF, but have lost track of his work recently.

By the way, I echo the earlier post that Walt would work wonders with a Superman book. Sorry to see that he won't be pencilling WW.

John Osen

11-06-2002, 12:50 PM

If his Wonder Woman is as good as his Thor, it will be very sweet indeed. Either way, I'm on for all six issues. :D

American Caesar

11-06-2002, 12:59 PM

"Thor" was a LONG time ago, my friends. I will not deny its brilliance back in the day, but his latest bit of output, "Orion," was a stale replay of Kirby concepts, like JB's "New Gods." His "FF" run while promising on the outset, ended sluggishly and too late. It's been a long while since Walt has impressed me, and I do like his work immensely.

Michael C Lorah

11-06-2002, 02:08 PM

interesting.

I consider Orion to the best "super-hero" comic I've ever read. Walt did what nobody since Kirby has come close to doing, he made the Fourth World characters vehicles for intelligent storytelling again. I'd go so far as to say that he IMPROVED on Kirby's original characters.

jaldec

11-06-2002, 02:27 PM

I agree that Orion was one of the best super-hero comics that I've ever read. I'm not sure what stale replay Caesar is talking about. Orion (and the Fourth World characters) was finally treated with respect and given a chance to move forward.

Walt has amazed by how his storytelling and art has improved since his Thor days. I'm looking forward to both his upcoming Wonder Woman and Elric runs (and anything else he'd like to grace us with).

Al

Shackmania

11-06-2002, 02:30 PM

Jeremy Williams

11-06-2002, 04:06 PM

Oh maaaan, what a blow to Marvel! ;)

*sarcasm off*

Elayne Riggs

11-06-2002, 06:16 PM

Walt is one of those people who makes me smile every single time I see him. He's enthusiastic, knowledgeable, erudite, and just plain fun! ANd he writes and draws real keen too. :)

Congratulations Walt!!

- Elayne

TTROY

11-06-2002, 06:41 PM

Seriously this could be a blow to marvel could you imagine a return of walt simonson to Thor?
He did say in a previous interview he has some big stories still left in him for the Thunder God

or a version of Thor:The End???

What ever the case... I am hoping someday someone gets him to do Superman with McDaniel doing interiors he would be perfect to be the new cover artist....

Slangword

11-07-2002, 01:58 AM

[quote]Originally posted by American Caesar:
. . . his latest bit of output, "Orion," was a stale replay of Kirby concepts <hr></blockquote>

He must have done two runs on Orion then, because I only read the one that was anything but a "stale replay". The 25 issue (or so) run I read was the first post-Kirby New Gods book I've seen that both 1) kept everyone in character and 2) actually allowed character development while not contradicting what had already been established.

As for DC not promoting it, I seem to recall quite a bit of buzz over it, a Secret Files to preview it, and a trade paperback of the first several issues. It seems to me it was promoted as much as anything else that is not a multi-part crossover. Yeah, it would have been great to see a 16-page excerpt put in every other book that's published, but come on. Ultimately, it was a project that was unlikely to be a big hit - but was a quality story worth publishing. Kudos to DC for doing so.

Finally, I think Mr. Simonson's art over the past several years has been amazing. I have a sentimental attachment to his earlier work, but the stuff he is doing now shows such a knowledge of art it is astounding. This is not a man who has let his talents atrophy by doing the same old thing.

--Scott

Slangword

11-07-2002, 02:02 AM

[quote]Originally posted by steveupson:
Can someone please list what pencilling Walt has done in the last several years (besides Orion)?

I was a big fan of his back in the days with Thor, X-Factor, and FF, but have lost track of his work recently.

By the way, I echo the earlier post that Walt would work wonders with a Superman book. Sorry to see that he won't be pencilling WW.<hr></blockquote>

I can recall Star Slammers (mini-series for Malibu, finished by Dark Horse), Michael Moorcock's Multiverse (Vertigo/DC), Manhunter the collected edition (a new story based on a plot by ARchie Goodwin), and a great Batman: Black and White story. I'm thinking he must have done more, though.

--Scott

TTROY

11-07-2002, 02:21 AM

There was a few issues of some really nice Cross gen stuff... I know he did some Superman covers... But the majority of his time was on the Orion series and before that the Forth world series.... and I don't know who said that his series was the rehash but his series was the one that was anything but a rehash....

Again people having pre-concieved notions about a project before they even have read it.

dr.no

11-07-2002, 04:45 AM

I hope for mr simonson that he will enjoy himself over there but in my opinion he's just another creator who is past his prime and on his way out.

(And that from someone who has actually read Orion...)

Spikey_Jim

11-07-2002, 06:40 AM

Hmm. So what, aside from Wonder Woman is he going to be working on?

Whilst I'm enjoying the current Thor run too much to suggest him taking over that, the idea of him doing Thor: The End is a damn good one. That, or Silver Surfer. Or any other of Marvels wasted cosmic characters.

Spikey_Jim

steveupson

11-07-2002, 02:00 PM

thanks to slangword and ttroy for the answers.

THOMAS

11-07-2002, 08:37 PM

Man,I was hopin for walt to draw and write a Marvel Team up book.

danzo

11-07-2002, 09:42 PM

[quote]Originally posted by American Caesar:


...And not because, say, Marvel and Image are interested in NEW concepts and ideas. That wouldn't have anything to do with Walt's extended stay at safe/conservative DC Comics, would it?<hr></blockquote>damn, that's just plain rude. DC safe and conservative? as i'm just getting back into reading comics after a 3 year absence, what i'm seeing at Marvel is a lot of re-hashing and stupid changes apparently just for change's sake, Image is wobbly at best, and DC is re-invigorating their classic characters like never before- not even post-crisis... sure, some of it sucks, but when they get it right, they really get it right. have you been reading the Legion re-launch? not only is this maybe the best SF based superhero book currently on the market and maybe the best Legion series ever, it's one of the best books period in the last 20, hell 30 years. as a 30+ year fan of the Legion all i can say is "WOW!" if only Marvel could get their act together like that on, say, the X-Books, or the Avengers, or the nonsense currently passed off as "Thor"...the list of mediocre, creatively floundering titles there goes on and on. sigh. makes it rough being a Marvel fan...oh, well, this too will pass.