MichaelDoran
11-12-2002, 12:38 AM
<font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><img src="http://classic.newsarama.com/general/exit.jpg" width="115" height="90" align="right">I started to write this in ‘press release’ form, then realized this will be the last chance I ever get to write anything at Newsarama in the first-person, so here goes.
Effective pretty much immediately, I’m leaving Newsarama...
Let me be sure to emphasize the important part, I’m leaving… Newsarama.com isn’t going anywhere. My friend and partner Matt Brady - who makes me look real good by the association and let’s just say writes the stories that as a comic book fan I most want to read – isn’t going anywhere. While the site will obviously be going through some changes in the coming weeks, you can be assured it will be business as usual and feature the same quality you’ve come to expect from Matt.
The reasons why are both personal and professional and that will have to wait for another time, but it’s a very positive thing.
Other than that, the future is for Matt to address, and more than anything at this point I just want to say thank you, to everyone who made the last six years possible for me. It sounds cliché, but had anyone told me I would be doing this six years ago, I would have asked them what they were smoking.
So here comes the completely self-indulgent part of this ‘announcement’ - a long (very) list of long-overdue thank you’s in chronological order (as to avoid having to rank them in order of importance).
I know , I know… but this part is for the people I wish to thank. For you readers, my last story here at Newsarama will actually be my first and you can skim ahead.
Following the thank you’s you’ll find a “reprint compilation” of the 01-26-97 edition of what would a few weeks later become known as “Newsarama”… or in other words, the first widely-distributed (relatively) edition, along a few more of those first few columns. For those few hundred (maybe) of you who were around to see it, it’ll be a blast from the past. For you newer readers I hope it’ll just be a last fun indulgence.
I’ve also included other bits from the first few columns, explaining our early name change.
So here goes … a sincere thank you to:
First and foremost my then girlfriend and now wife Karyn. Guys, if you ever find a more supportive, trusting and indulgent women, BUY THE RING! Trust me…
My Compaq 25Mhz, 4mb RAM, b&w VGA laptop and my dining room table, which served as the “Newsarama world headquarters” for longer than most people would likely believe and I want to remember.
Still works though!
Gary Guzzo and the 20 some-odd members of the Prodigy Comic Book Forum circa 1995, my first receptive audience. Spurred on to get information about Usenet rumors of something then called “Unfinished Business” (you know it now as “Heroes Reborn”), they got me on my way to compiling and reporting news and my first “professional” gig (a free Prodigy account, $9.95 a month – woo woo!)
Jeff Mariotte, the patron godfather of Newsarama. Mariotte was the first industry professional to help me though he didn’t know me from Adam at the time and I had an audience the size of a softball team, sending me current information on “Heroes Reborn” whenever I asked. That as much as anything led me down this road.
Now you know who to blame…
The comics pros on the old CompuServe Comics & Animation forum, circa 1996-‘97. This is where I really started emailing comic creators, almost all of whom were supportive and accepting.
And while there are TOO many pros that have been supportive over the years to name here, I want to mention a few names.
While none of them probably recall, the words “Busiek”, “Waid” and “Ellis” likely appeared in those early columns as often as “a”, ”is” and “the”, encouraging me that this sort of thing could be done. And they’ve been continually supportive throughout the years and into today.
The Usenet community for their early acceptance and comic book web pioneers like Chuck LePage and David LeBlanc, for thinking, “Hey, I think people may want to read this”. Who knew…
Cliff Biggers, who in a community sometimes more marked with rivalry, immediately and selflessly welcomed me to the club, showed me around the joint, introduced me around and sponsored me for membership.
Comic Book Resources, because healthy rivalry is fun and productive!
Patty, she knows why…
Scott Dunbier, Matt Hawkins, Jimmy Jay, Rob Liefeld, Jim Valentino, Bill Rosemann, Joe Quesada, Jimmy Palmiotti, Beau Smith, Shawna Ervin-Gore, David Bogart, Julio Soto and other folks I could count on for help even very early on in the ballgame.
Matt again … and Shari too, especially when I call around 8pm.
Steve Milo, who offered me my first professional gig and a relationship that lasted until Fandom bought out AnotherUniverse.com a few years ago.
Jim Lee, for trusting a nobody to tell his big story…
Brian, Jay, Devin, Geoff, Joe, Joe and Joe… who I had the privilege of “coming up” with doing my thing while they did with theirs.
John Miller, Brent Frankenhoff and Maggie Thompson of CBG for not holding the Internet thing against me!
Joe Casey, who took a chance with us as our first pro contributor. What the hell was he thinking?
Dandy, otherwise known as Don MacPherson (spelled it right!) and Randy Lander, subjective ying to our objective yang.
Mike Sangiacomo for bringing another solid voice and Patrick Keller for bringing the funny. That was a good year.
Comicon’s Steve Conley and Rich Veitch, who came to our rescue we needed it and gave us their time and resources and a room to keep things going and growing.
And to CrossGen and Dynamic Forces for their support.
Chuck Rozanski and Mile High Comics, our always-supportive sponsor in now two incarnations of the site.
Kevin Smith and Graphitti Designs’ Bob Chapman, current sponsors and huge supporters of that thing we do.
Ming Chen, Stuart Moore, Mike Sangiacomo (again) Cliff Biggers (again), Jimmy Palmiotti (again) and Alex Segura Jr., for making me look better.
Rich Johnston, for no other reason than I think he’ll really enjoy being mentioned.
Again, to more creators and publisher reps than I can list here, who were and are the true fuel of the site. I’ll be thanking them personally when I get the chance.
And to anyone I really should have named by name. Please forgive me, my weekend was from hell.
Lastly, but not leastly, our readers. The support I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy from readers has been a constant surprise and source of encouragement and it’s sincerely, deeply appreciated.
Okay, okay … ya’d think I’m frickin’ Lou Gehrig or something over here. Hey, I told was it was going to be self-indulgent. Anyway, on to the archives. Return with us know to those thrilling days of yesteryear…
See ya around (promise),
-- michael doran 11-11-02</font>
THE COMICS NEWSWIRE 1-26-97
Compiled, written and edited by Michael Doran
A FEW ODDS & ENDS
PETER DAVID has confirmed what has been widely reported elsewhere, that GARY FRANK is departing as penciler on DC's SUPERGIRL. According to David, issue # 9 will be Frank's last. No word yet on a permanent replacement, or Frank's next assignment. Jennifer Graves pencils Supergirl #10.
David also reports that MARTY EGELAND, who is stepping down as regular penciler for AQUAMAN (to be replaced by semi-regular penciler JIM CALIFIORE) is working on this summer's Aquaman Annual, which David says marks the triumphant return of ...TUSKY! Also, look for the return of Garth to that title.
The January 20th edition of the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER reports that the late Jack Kirby's NEW GODS is being developed by Warner Bros. for a Japanese-style animated feature to be released in 1999.
Rumors continue to swirl around Karl Kesel's departure on DAREDEVIL. According to several sources, including Tom Brevoort and Kurt Busiek, Karl's resignation had NOTHING to do with the departure of DD editor James Felder, but was simply due to Karl wanting to lighten his workload.
DAN JURGENS has reported on AOL that issue # 12 of TEEN TITANS will be a double-sized issue that brings back original TT'ers Dick, Garth, Wally, Donna and Roy in a four-issue story arc along with the new team. The story will also lay the groundwork for new developments in the Titans mythos in year two.
Announcements in X-O MANOWAR #4 confirmed what had been rumored for weeks. As of issue #7 MARK WAID will step down as co-writer to that title due to his hectic schedule and Brian Augustyn will take over as sole, regular writer of the series. Waid will stay on as "story-consultant" and he and Augustyn are also working together on what Acclaim described as " April's event issue"" -- OPERATION: STORMBRINGER.
It was also announced that Scot Eaton and Pam Ecklund will take over as art team on X-O for the departing Sean Chen and Tom Ryder as of issue #5.
Add the names BATTON LASH and MIKE OEMING to the list of contributors to the JINX CHARITY SPECIAL scheduled for release in April from Caliber Press, this according to Jinx creator Brian Bendis.
REMAKING THE "IMAGE"
That Indy-Imperialist-in-the-making JIM VALENTINO has announced more titles annexed by the IMAGE imprint. Add to the ever-expanding list -
BLISS ALLEY - created, written and ILLUSTRATED by William Messner-Loebs (July)
SHIP OF FOOLS by Bryan Glass and Michael Avon Oeming, a science fiction book previously published by CALIBER (August).
CHILDHOOD'S END, by Malcolm Bourne and Jim Calafiore (AQUAMAN).
An undetermined project by former DOOM PATROL artist Richard Pace.
And RAGMOP, a political satire by Rob Walton (September)
THE ONLINE GRAPEVINE (a.k.a. "The Rumor Mill")
Speculation is intensifying regarding a Diamond Distributors/Marvel deal. According to rumors reported from many sources over the last few months, Marvel is considering shutting down it's own Heroes World distribution system and signing on the Diamond line. Stay tuned...
WAGNER'S SANDMAN DAYS PUT TO SLEEP?
MATT WAGNER has confirmed that he is stepping down as full-time plotter on SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATER. According to Wagner, "I'm stepping down as the full-fledged plotter of SMT. I am still writing a brief story outline for each ish, though. Thus, the series should retain the flavor to which most readers have become accustomed. RUMOUR TIDBIT--my last full ish (#52) ends with a MAJOR plot development in Wes and Dian's relationship. "
The series' new credits will read; "Written by Steven Seagle based on a story by Matt Wagner."
Wagner went on to say of other projects, "And...yes, negotiations are under way for Robinson (James) and I to co-write our version of the origin of the JSA"
According to posts by Wagner on AOL, "The six-eight issue mini-series would be co-written by myself and James Robinson and concern the FORMATION of the Society (not the first adventure, per se). The plan is to have a variety of artists draw the various characters’ short stories-- ala the old All Star Comics. All leading to their first meeting as the group."
BYRNE BABY BYRNE
John Byrne tells the Newswire that he is in planning a follow-up to BATMAN/CAPTAIN AMERICA Elseworlds crossover. "I do plan a BAT/CAP Prequel..." Byrne responded via email, "possibly a miniseries set in that "world" but in this instance utilizing none of the Marvel characters -- as well as two possible Sequels, which would utilize Marvel characters."
According to posts on AOL, the prequel, currently being referred to unofficially as "1939" and proposed for release next year, would deal with the 1939 incarnations of Batman and Superman. The book would partly commemorate Superman's 60th birthday.
The sequels involving Marvel characters, could be along the lines of "JSInvaders" or "JLAvengers."
ALL the proposed DC projects from Byrne, Wagner and Robinson are being supported by letter writing campaigns on AOL.
My thanks to Bob Simko (a.k.a. Brotherpwr) for his contribution to this report.
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
Artist TOM LYLE has confirmed that THE PUNISHER is canceled as of issue #18.
Tom will be going to work on UNTOLD TALES and AMAZING SPIDERMAN annuals until Marvel finds him a regular assignment.
A REBORN HERO RETURNS
Speaking of what was once known as "Unfinished Business", in a post on Ray Kerby's THOR Webpage (http://www.anet-dfw.com/~kerby), Journey Into Mystery colorist MARIE JAVINS confirmed that Thor would be returning to the MU during the RETURN OF THE HEROES back into his own title. She also went on to explain that because the LOST GODS was selling well enough, that Marvel is considering publishing both a THOR title and J.I.M.: THE LOST GODS separately and simultaneously.
No word on whether the "new" THOR title would kick off with an issue #1.
STILL MOORE
As if he didn't have enough work on his hands retooling Rob Liefeld's Extreme universe, HARRIS COMICS has announced ALAN MOORE has signed on as a writer for a special DRACULA Anniversary Edition later this year.
The book, in celebration of Dracula's 100th anniversary (Bram Stoker's Dracula was first published in 1897) will be similar in format and style to the Vampirella 25th Anniversary Edition. The prestige format book will have three stories in an anthology format and feature tales that explore Dracula's and Vampirella's relationship -- past, present, and future.
WARREN COMMISSIONED
Warren Ellis sends word across the pond that he has agreed to write a special double-sized issue of TALES OF THE WITCHBLADE for Top Cow, and in his words "mostly because EIC David Wohl is a good bloke."
Warren also announced recently that GEOF DARROW as signed on as cover artist for the upcoming Ellis/Darick Robertson HELIX series, TRANSMETROPOLITAN. In his press release Warren had this to say of Darrow…
"Geof Darrow provides the perfect sleeve for the book. His art is an elegant riot of information, Moebius on speed, utterly modern and timelessly stylish all at once. It's a press release, it's not supposed to make any sense."
Smashing...
BEGINNING OF THE "END"
CHILDHOOD'S END, the new IMAGE b&w title by Malcolm Bourne and Jim Calafiore (as reported in the last Comics Newswire) will premiere in September and be "about kids", according to Bourne.
PREMIERE "EVENTS"
EVENT COMICS premieres two new titles in May as GEORGE PEREZ's CRIMSON PLAGUE, and ASH: CINDER & SMOKE debut.
"Crimson Plague" is a science fiction/superhero book written penciled and inked by Perez about a genetically engineered woman whose toxic blood becomes a deadly airborne virus "once a month", capable of devastating entire planets.
"Ash: Cinder & Smoke #1", serves as a relaunch of sorts and marks debut of a new creative team for JOE QUESADA's firefighting superhero ASH.
MOJO WEST YOUNG MAN
MOJO PRESS announced that they have agreed to terms with Joe R. Lansdale and Sam Glanzman to produce a as-of-yet untitled original 64 page western graphic novel.
According to Mojo Press, Lansdale promises the book will be "weird, violent, and funny in a way that his fans have come to expect." This book is currently scheduled for a summer '98 release.
THE ONLINE GRAPEVINE (a.k.a. the RUMOR Mill)
DANGER, DANGER JAMES ROBINSON
Several postings on the Internet suggest that Scott Lobdell is soon stepping down as writer for GENERATION X and that JAMES ROBINSON could be stepping in, for at least a few issues. Might be the kind of exposure the creator of LEAVE IT TO CHANCE needs to really make that title soar?
Remember, any item from the Grapevine is RUMOR and had not been confirmed by any of the parties involved.
So be warned and stay tuned...
*The Comics Newswire is a compilation of news gathered directly from comic book publishers, professionals, or from independent sources on the Internet.
(C) 1997 Michael Doran
[a few weeks later I wrote of our name]
“Turns out the name THE COMICS NEWSWIRE has already been copyrighted elsewhere, so under the advice of my legal team (well actually my cousin Kenny who watches "Law & Order" every week), what was formerly known as the Comics Newswire will now be known simply as The Newswire. Until me and Kenny think of a better one…”
[that lasted a week, then paydirt! ]
“Just a week after changing our name from The Comics Newswire to the more innocuous, THE NEWSWIRE, we again got email from another web service claiming rights to THAT name. Now I'm not sure if you can claim a trademark over something as non-specific as "The Newswire", but we're lovers, not fighters, so it's back to the drawing board...
“Some of the names considered were "The ComicsWire" (thanks Tom!), The Sequential Graphic Storytelling Information Resource Network (doesn't fit on a t-shirt), "Kenny's Fried Foods and Comic Book Party Machine" (guess whose idea that was?) and "The Artist Formerly Known As the Newswire" (been done).
“But after long, agonizing, soul-searching seconds of contemplation, and while thinking of a name no one but us would be knuckleheaded enough to use, like an epiphany if hit us and we were endeared to it immediately. So with out further ado, we bring to you, the CBI (Comic Book Internet) NEWSARAMA!”
[one week later it was cemented]
“Thanks for all the advice and suggestions folks, but we're sticking with NEWSARAMA, it's stupid yes, but I like it.”
Effective pretty much immediately, I’m leaving Newsarama...
Let me be sure to emphasize the important part, I’m leaving… Newsarama.com isn’t going anywhere. My friend and partner Matt Brady - who makes me look real good by the association and let’s just say writes the stories that as a comic book fan I most want to read – isn’t going anywhere. While the site will obviously be going through some changes in the coming weeks, you can be assured it will be business as usual and feature the same quality you’ve come to expect from Matt.
The reasons why are both personal and professional and that will have to wait for another time, but it’s a very positive thing.
Other than that, the future is for Matt to address, and more than anything at this point I just want to say thank you, to everyone who made the last six years possible for me. It sounds cliché, but had anyone told me I would be doing this six years ago, I would have asked them what they were smoking.
So here comes the completely self-indulgent part of this ‘announcement’ - a long (very) list of long-overdue thank you’s in chronological order (as to avoid having to rank them in order of importance).
I know , I know… but this part is for the people I wish to thank. For you readers, my last story here at Newsarama will actually be my first and you can skim ahead.
Following the thank you’s you’ll find a “reprint compilation” of the 01-26-97 edition of what would a few weeks later become known as “Newsarama”… or in other words, the first widely-distributed (relatively) edition, along a few more of those first few columns. For those few hundred (maybe) of you who were around to see it, it’ll be a blast from the past. For you newer readers I hope it’ll just be a last fun indulgence.
I’ve also included other bits from the first few columns, explaining our early name change.
So here goes … a sincere thank you to:
First and foremost my then girlfriend and now wife Karyn. Guys, if you ever find a more supportive, trusting and indulgent women, BUY THE RING! Trust me…
My Compaq 25Mhz, 4mb RAM, b&w VGA laptop and my dining room table, which served as the “Newsarama world headquarters” for longer than most people would likely believe and I want to remember.
Still works though!
Gary Guzzo and the 20 some-odd members of the Prodigy Comic Book Forum circa 1995, my first receptive audience. Spurred on to get information about Usenet rumors of something then called “Unfinished Business” (you know it now as “Heroes Reborn”), they got me on my way to compiling and reporting news and my first “professional” gig (a free Prodigy account, $9.95 a month – woo woo!)
Jeff Mariotte, the patron godfather of Newsarama. Mariotte was the first industry professional to help me though he didn’t know me from Adam at the time and I had an audience the size of a softball team, sending me current information on “Heroes Reborn” whenever I asked. That as much as anything led me down this road.
Now you know who to blame…
The comics pros on the old CompuServe Comics & Animation forum, circa 1996-‘97. This is where I really started emailing comic creators, almost all of whom were supportive and accepting.
And while there are TOO many pros that have been supportive over the years to name here, I want to mention a few names.
While none of them probably recall, the words “Busiek”, “Waid” and “Ellis” likely appeared in those early columns as often as “a”, ”is” and “the”, encouraging me that this sort of thing could be done. And they’ve been continually supportive throughout the years and into today.
The Usenet community for their early acceptance and comic book web pioneers like Chuck LePage and David LeBlanc, for thinking, “Hey, I think people may want to read this”. Who knew…
Cliff Biggers, who in a community sometimes more marked with rivalry, immediately and selflessly welcomed me to the club, showed me around the joint, introduced me around and sponsored me for membership.
Comic Book Resources, because healthy rivalry is fun and productive!
Patty, she knows why…
Scott Dunbier, Matt Hawkins, Jimmy Jay, Rob Liefeld, Jim Valentino, Bill Rosemann, Joe Quesada, Jimmy Palmiotti, Beau Smith, Shawna Ervin-Gore, David Bogart, Julio Soto and other folks I could count on for help even very early on in the ballgame.
Matt again … and Shari too, especially when I call around 8pm.
Steve Milo, who offered me my first professional gig and a relationship that lasted until Fandom bought out AnotherUniverse.com a few years ago.
Jim Lee, for trusting a nobody to tell his big story…
Brian, Jay, Devin, Geoff, Joe, Joe and Joe… who I had the privilege of “coming up” with doing my thing while they did with theirs.
John Miller, Brent Frankenhoff and Maggie Thompson of CBG for not holding the Internet thing against me!
Joe Casey, who took a chance with us as our first pro contributor. What the hell was he thinking?
Dandy, otherwise known as Don MacPherson (spelled it right!) and Randy Lander, subjective ying to our objective yang.
Mike Sangiacomo for bringing another solid voice and Patrick Keller for bringing the funny. That was a good year.
Comicon’s Steve Conley and Rich Veitch, who came to our rescue we needed it and gave us their time and resources and a room to keep things going and growing.
And to CrossGen and Dynamic Forces for their support.
Chuck Rozanski and Mile High Comics, our always-supportive sponsor in now two incarnations of the site.
Kevin Smith and Graphitti Designs’ Bob Chapman, current sponsors and huge supporters of that thing we do.
Ming Chen, Stuart Moore, Mike Sangiacomo (again) Cliff Biggers (again), Jimmy Palmiotti (again) and Alex Segura Jr., for making me look better.
Rich Johnston, for no other reason than I think he’ll really enjoy being mentioned.
Again, to more creators and publisher reps than I can list here, who were and are the true fuel of the site. I’ll be thanking them personally when I get the chance.
And to anyone I really should have named by name. Please forgive me, my weekend was from hell.
Lastly, but not leastly, our readers. The support I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy from readers has been a constant surprise and source of encouragement and it’s sincerely, deeply appreciated.
Okay, okay … ya’d think I’m frickin’ Lou Gehrig or something over here. Hey, I told was it was going to be self-indulgent. Anyway, on to the archives. Return with us know to those thrilling days of yesteryear…
See ya around (promise),
-- michael doran 11-11-02</font>
THE COMICS NEWSWIRE 1-26-97
Compiled, written and edited by Michael Doran
A FEW ODDS & ENDS
PETER DAVID has confirmed what has been widely reported elsewhere, that GARY FRANK is departing as penciler on DC's SUPERGIRL. According to David, issue # 9 will be Frank's last. No word yet on a permanent replacement, or Frank's next assignment. Jennifer Graves pencils Supergirl #10.
David also reports that MARTY EGELAND, who is stepping down as regular penciler for AQUAMAN (to be replaced by semi-regular penciler JIM CALIFIORE) is working on this summer's Aquaman Annual, which David says marks the triumphant return of ...TUSKY! Also, look for the return of Garth to that title.
The January 20th edition of the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER reports that the late Jack Kirby's NEW GODS is being developed by Warner Bros. for a Japanese-style animated feature to be released in 1999.
Rumors continue to swirl around Karl Kesel's departure on DAREDEVIL. According to several sources, including Tom Brevoort and Kurt Busiek, Karl's resignation had NOTHING to do with the departure of DD editor James Felder, but was simply due to Karl wanting to lighten his workload.
DAN JURGENS has reported on AOL that issue # 12 of TEEN TITANS will be a double-sized issue that brings back original TT'ers Dick, Garth, Wally, Donna and Roy in a four-issue story arc along with the new team. The story will also lay the groundwork for new developments in the Titans mythos in year two.
Announcements in X-O MANOWAR #4 confirmed what had been rumored for weeks. As of issue #7 MARK WAID will step down as co-writer to that title due to his hectic schedule and Brian Augustyn will take over as sole, regular writer of the series. Waid will stay on as "story-consultant" and he and Augustyn are also working together on what Acclaim described as " April's event issue"" -- OPERATION: STORMBRINGER.
It was also announced that Scot Eaton and Pam Ecklund will take over as art team on X-O for the departing Sean Chen and Tom Ryder as of issue #5.
Add the names BATTON LASH and MIKE OEMING to the list of contributors to the JINX CHARITY SPECIAL scheduled for release in April from Caliber Press, this according to Jinx creator Brian Bendis.
REMAKING THE "IMAGE"
That Indy-Imperialist-in-the-making JIM VALENTINO has announced more titles annexed by the IMAGE imprint. Add to the ever-expanding list -
BLISS ALLEY - created, written and ILLUSTRATED by William Messner-Loebs (July)
SHIP OF FOOLS by Bryan Glass and Michael Avon Oeming, a science fiction book previously published by CALIBER (August).
CHILDHOOD'S END, by Malcolm Bourne and Jim Calafiore (AQUAMAN).
An undetermined project by former DOOM PATROL artist Richard Pace.
And RAGMOP, a political satire by Rob Walton (September)
THE ONLINE GRAPEVINE (a.k.a. "The Rumor Mill")
Speculation is intensifying regarding a Diamond Distributors/Marvel deal. According to rumors reported from many sources over the last few months, Marvel is considering shutting down it's own Heroes World distribution system and signing on the Diamond line. Stay tuned...
WAGNER'S SANDMAN DAYS PUT TO SLEEP?
MATT WAGNER has confirmed that he is stepping down as full-time plotter on SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATER. According to Wagner, "I'm stepping down as the full-fledged plotter of SMT. I am still writing a brief story outline for each ish, though. Thus, the series should retain the flavor to which most readers have become accustomed. RUMOUR TIDBIT--my last full ish (#52) ends with a MAJOR plot development in Wes and Dian's relationship. "
The series' new credits will read; "Written by Steven Seagle based on a story by Matt Wagner."
Wagner went on to say of other projects, "And...yes, negotiations are under way for Robinson (James) and I to co-write our version of the origin of the JSA"
According to posts by Wagner on AOL, "The six-eight issue mini-series would be co-written by myself and James Robinson and concern the FORMATION of the Society (not the first adventure, per se). The plan is to have a variety of artists draw the various characters’ short stories-- ala the old All Star Comics. All leading to their first meeting as the group."
BYRNE BABY BYRNE
John Byrne tells the Newswire that he is in planning a follow-up to BATMAN/CAPTAIN AMERICA Elseworlds crossover. "I do plan a BAT/CAP Prequel..." Byrne responded via email, "possibly a miniseries set in that "world" but in this instance utilizing none of the Marvel characters -- as well as two possible Sequels, which would utilize Marvel characters."
According to posts on AOL, the prequel, currently being referred to unofficially as "1939" and proposed for release next year, would deal with the 1939 incarnations of Batman and Superman. The book would partly commemorate Superman's 60th birthday.
The sequels involving Marvel characters, could be along the lines of "JSInvaders" or "JLAvengers."
ALL the proposed DC projects from Byrne, Wagner and Robinson are being supported by letter writing campaigns on AOL.
My thanks to Bob Simko (a.k.a. Brotherpwr) for his contribution to this report.
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
Artist TOM LYLE has confirmed that THE PUNISHER is canceled as of issue #18.
Tom will be going to work on UNTOLD TALES and AMAZING SPIDERMAN annuals until Marvel finds him a regular assignment.
A REBORN HERO RETURNS
Speaking of what was once known as "Unfinished Business", in a post on Ray Kerby's THOR Webpage (http://www.anet-dfw.com/~kerby), Journey Into Mystery colorist MARIE JAVINS confirmed that Thor would be returning to the MU during the RETURN OF THE HEROES back into his own title. She also went on to explain that because the LOST GODS was selling well enough, that Marvel is considering publishing both a THOR title and J.I.M.: THE LOST GODS separately and simultaneously.
No word on whether the "new" THOR title would kick off with an issue #1.
STILL MOORE
As if he didn't have enough work on his hands retooling Rob Liefeld's Extreme universe, HARRIS COMICS has announced ALAN MOORE has signed on as a writer for a special DRACULA Anniversary Edition later this year.
The book, in celebration of Dracula's 100th anniversary (Bram Stoker's Dracula was first published in 1897) will be similar in format and style to the Vampirella 25th Anniversary Edition. The prestige format book will have three stories in an anthology format and feature tales that explore Dracula's and Vampirella's relationship -- past, present, and future.
WARREN COMMISSIONED
Warren Ellis sends word across the pond that he has agreed to write a special double-sized issue of TALES OF THE WITCHBLADE for Top Cow, and in his words "mostly because EIC David Wohl is a good bloke."
Warren also announced recently that GEOF DARROW as signed on as cover artist for the upcoming Ellis/Darick Robertson HELIX series, TRANSMETROPOLITAN. In his press release Warren had this to say of Darrow…
"Geof Darrow provides the perfect sleeve for the book. His art is an elegant riot of information, Moebius on speed, utterly modern and timelessly stylish all at once. It's a press release, it's not supposed to make any sense."
Smashing...
BEGINNING OF THE "END"
CHILDHOOD'S END, the new IMAGE b&w title by Malcolm Bourne and Jim Calafiore (as reported in the last Comics Newswire) will premiere in September and be "about kids", according to Bourne.
PREMIERE "EVENTS"
EVENT COMICS premieres two new titles in May as GEORGE PEREZ's CRIMSON PLAGUE, and ASH: CINDER & SMOKE debut.
"Crimson Plague" is a science fiction/superhero book written penciled and inked by Perez about a genetically engineered woman whose toxic blood becomes a deadly airborne virus "once a month", capable of devastating entire planets.
"Ash: Cinder & Smoke #1", serves as a relaunch of sorts and marks debut of a new creative team for JOE QUESADA's firefighting superhero ASH.
MOJO WEST YOUNG MAN
MOJO PRESS announced that they have agreed to terms with Joe R. Lansdale and Sam Glanzman to produce a as-of-yet untitled original 64 page western graphic novel.
According to Mojo Press, Lansdale promises the book will be "weird, violent, and funny in a way that his fans have come to expect." This book is currently scheduled for a summer '98 release.
THE ONLINE GRAPEVINE (a.k.a. the RUMOR Mill)
DANGER, DANGER JAMES ROBINSON
Several postings on the Internet suggest that Scott Lobdell is soon stepping down as writer for GENERATION X and that JAMES ROBINSON could be stepping in, for at least a few issues. Might be the kind of exposure the creator of LEAVE IT TO CHANCE needs to really make that title soar?
Remember, any item from the Grapevine is RUMOR and had not been confirmed by any of the parties involved.
So be warned and stay tuned...
*The Comics Newswire is a compilation of news gathered directly from comic book publishers, professionals, or from independent sources on the Internet.
(C) 1997 Michael Doran
[a few weeks later I wrote of our name]
“Turns out the name THE COMICS NEWSWIRE has already been copyrighted elsewhere, so under the advice of my legal team (well actually my cousin Kenny who watches "Law & Order" every week), what was formerly known as the Comics Newswire will now be known simply as The Newswire. Until me and Kenny think of a better one…”
[that lasted a week, then paydirt! ]
“Just a week after changing our name from The Comics Newswire to the more innocuous, THE NEWSWIRE, we again got email from another web service claiming rights to THAT name. Now I'm not sure if you can claim a trademark over something as non-specific as "The Newswire", but we're lovers, not fighters, so it's back to the drawing board...
“Some of the names considered were "The ComicsWire" (thanks Tom!), The Sequential Graphic Storytelling Information Resource Network (doesn't fit on a t-shirt), "Kenny's Fried Foods and Comic Book Party Machine" (guess whose idea that was?) and "The Artist Formerly Known As the Newswire" (been done).
“But after long, agonizing, soul-searching seconds of contemplation, and while thinking of a name no one but us would be knuckleheaded enough to use, like an epiphany if hit us and we were endeared to it immediately. So with out further ado, we bring to you, the CBI (Comic Book Internet) NEWSARAMA!”
[one week later it was cemented]
“Thanks for all the advice and suggestions folks, but we're sticking with NEWSARAMA, it's stupid yes, but I like it.”