MICHAEL DORAN JOINS MARVEL

[MattBrady]

<font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><img src="http://classic.newsarama.com/Marvel/fd_webformex_1036564673.tmp" width="176" height="140" align="right" border="0"></font>Veteran comic book news reporter Michael Doran has joined Marvel as Marketing Communications Manager. From writing press releases to overseeing Marvel's monthly section in Previews to acting as the point person between The House and the industry's media sources, Doran will aim to keep people talking about Marvel's key projects, creators and characters.

A fixture of the internet community since the mid 1990s, Doran began his career by compiling industry news on the Prodigy Comic Book Forum. This led Doran to create "Newsarama.com", and after joining fellow reporter Matt Brady, the two turned it into one of the internet's leading comics newsmagazine. In addition to his online reporting, Doran has written for many industry print outlets, including Comics Buyer's Guide, Comics International and Comic Shop News.

"I've had more fun than anyone should be allowed over these last six years, speaking with creators, editors and publishers, and then passing the news along to eager fans," said Doran. "The best part of joining Marvel is that I get to keep doing the same thing: spreading the word about Marvel Comics while working even more closely with the press community I've enjoyed being a part of so much."

"The first comic book I ever read was an issue of AVENGERS, and I grew up a loyal Marvel kid, so all roads in my life seemed to have led to this," Doran continued. "Now I plan to get the word out as loud and far as I can about the comic books I've enjoyed so much throughout my life."

"Although Mike will play it down, he's one of the true visionaries in our industry," stated Marvel editor in chief Joe Quesada. "Both he and his partner Matt Brady saw a niche that needed to be filled in the area of comic book news and marketing, and before you know it they were the #1 source of comic online news content. Visionaries are what Marvel is all about, and when an opening came up in our marketing department, I knew that Mike would be the perfect fit."

As of Thursday, November 14th, media contacts can reach Michael at Mdoran@marvel.com.

[Brian Jacks]

The rumors were true! Congratulations, Mike.

[John Osen]

Good Luck, Mike! :D

[csGuy]

I don't think Marvel could have made a better choice.

Good stuff.

[Eschel]

Ahhh...so now we see the "secret" destination.

Cool! And congratulations!

Good luck in your new endeavor.

Eschel

[Ben Hurricane]

[quote]Originally posted by csGuy:
<strong>I don't think Marvel could have made a better choice.

Good stuff.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I second that. Good luck.

[Justice]

I was THIS CLOSE to saying "Good luck at Marvel" in my "good bye and thanks" message. Glad to see its true. Very exciting news. Good luck Mike!

[Rich Johnston]

Poacher becomes gamekeeper.

I'm ****ed, aren't I?

[Brian Garside]

Wow, I've got mixed emotions on this one, on one hand I know that Matt will do an awesome job on the site, and will keep us in the loop as always, but on the other, it's tough to watch a legend move on.

Here's hoping that we see some sort of "Newsarama@Marvel" to replace the old YourMan stuff that used to be there.

It's exciting to see a guy who's been in comics journalism get on the inside...here's hoping that he doesn't use all the knowledge he's gained over the years to get information in order to stop info getting out.

[Ace]

Congrats Mike!

I've been following Newsarama since Prodigy, the boards, and the old chats there, and you were really nice to me back then, even sending me (snailmail at that) a LOSH help file so I'd be better able to dredge through 30 years of continuity.

Good luck. Marvel's really lucked out here as much as you have.

Matt DiCarlo

[Simon DelMonte]

Vast congrats to you, Mike. I wish you the best of luck in what is likely to be an exciting but demanding position. I don't know how much of the job is PR-related, but if there is a PR component to the position, you may have your work cut out for you if certain pending legal matters stay newsworthy. You certainly will have to deal with hordes of reporters wanting tons of info on the Hulk and Daredevil next spring.

[Maynard McGuffin]

Congrats, Mike! You deserve it!

-Maynard

[oo7]

Congrats, I've been following your site for almost five of the six years. Now I'll follow your work on my favourite comic publisher.

[Icewing_X]

Congratulations, Michael. This is truly fantastic news.

~Icewing, a worthy successor to Rosemann, if one ever existed

[Chris Hunter]

Duse, that's so freakin' sweet!!!

Congrats, Mike!!

And don't tell Rich Johnston a thing!! :D

[Elayne Riggs]

Congrats, Mike! I'll take you out to lunch to celebrate, now that you're in NYC - e-mail me privately!

- Elayne

[LFKittsteiner]

Wow.

The best news I´ve heard from Marvel in some time.

Good luck, Michael.

LFKO.

[Wade @ Sighnub.com]

Whoa! Excellent news! What a great match!!!

Mike, congratulations!!! It's nice to know that you will still be at the forefront of the industry!!!

Way to go!

It feels like "local boy makes good" around here! You give us all hope. It's nice to know our friend won't be too far.

[Aaron Weisbrod]

Excellent news indeed!

Marvel has picked another winner! The coup continues! ;)

I had a sneakin' suspicion,
Aaron Weisbrod

[William Coate]

Wow! Congratulations goes to Mr. Doran!

This is not surprising because he is the most qualified individual for the job.

William Coate

[Morlun]

[quote]Originally posted by Matt Brady:
<strong>Veteran comic book news reporter Michael Doran has joined Marvel as Marketing Communications Manager.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Hey, Matt, how about an interview with the new guy @Marvel? :p

[KACH]

Well done, Boss!

--J.

[DragynWulf]

Sorry to see Bill Rosemann go because I know that he did a great job of not only doing his job, but answering questions by fans on various levels of communication. He was always happy to do that for the fans and would give an honest oppinion about things as well as try to promote Marvel any chance he could.

Good luck with the job Micheal and hope things work well for you at Marvel.

[Disraeli Gears]

Hmm, I guess that explains his clear Marvel bias that he had in running the site. If Quesada was shoving money into my pants, I'd favor them, too.

[MurrayC]

[quote]Originally posted by Matt Brady:
<strong>...writing press releases to overseeing Marvel's monthly section in Previews....</strong><hr></blockquote>


One word for you Michael: SYNOPSIS

Other than that, good luck! :)

[Roast Beef]

I know it would make a dodgy start to your new career, but think of the benefits to humanity in general if, on your first day at Marvel, you bit Bill Jemas on the nose.

Think about it. And either way, congratulations.

[DanLTaylor]

Now that ain't too shabby.

Congrats!

[MattBrady]

[quote]Originally posted by Disraeli Gears:
<strong>If Quesada was shoving money into my pants, I'd favor them, too.</strong><hr></blockquote>

No, no, no - shoving money in our pants ONLY bought you that dance, nothing else.

MattB

[Michael Eidson]

Here's wishing Mr. Doran the best of luck and to Mr. Brady who now has to find someone who can fill Michael's spot....

Newsarama has continuously been the best source for all comic book news and Michael deserves the new job.

[quote]Originally posted by Disraeli Gears:
<strong>Hmm, I guess that explains his clear Marvel bias that he had in running the site. If Quesada was shoving money into my pants, I'd favor them, too.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Look how original this guy is. :rolleyes:

[krimsun]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Michael Eidson:
[QB]Here's wishing Mr. Doran the best of luck and to Mr. Brady who now has to find someone who can fill Michael's spot....

Well done to Mr D! A great move.

Mr. Brady can claim a long overdue payrise now he's on his own!

[CylverSaber]

Isn't this just formalizing the existing situation?

Ok, now that the obligatory cheap shot is out of the way...

Congrats Mike.

And all you up-and-coming comics journalists, you could learn a lot from Mike's journalistic career...

Like how to win a job at Marvel!

(that was the gratuitous cheap shot)

[Tom Daylight]

Congratulations Mike!

Hope this exit doesn't damage Newsarama too badly.

[Reaper]

Congratulations Michael and good luck in your new endeavor. I wish you nothing but success.

-Tim

[Santo]

I humbly suggest the moniker "MarvelMan", in honor of his almost-namesake Michael Moran (who was also a journalist I believe).

I hope this means we'll be hearing more from Mr. Doran and less from Jemas.

[Hmm]

[quote]
"The best part of joining Marvel is that I
get to keep doing the same thing: spreading the word about Marvel Comics while working even more closely with the press community I've enjoyed being a part of so much."

<hr></blockquote>

What ever happened to unbaised journalism?

Ya get to keep spreading the word about Marvel, but now you'll be (offically) on their payroll! Way to go!

:rolleyes:

[Morlun]

[quote]Originally posted by Disraeli Gears:
<strong>Hmm, I guess that explains his clear Marvel bias that he had in running the site. If Quesada was shoving money into my pants, I'd favor them, too.</strong><hr></blockquote>

And if I was jealous, I'd post like this too. :rolleyes:

[spaz45]

congrats.

[San]

In an article by Matt about Michael:

"This led Doran to create "Newsarama.com", and after joining fellow reporter Matt Brady, the two turned it into one of the internet's leading comics newsmagazine."

*grin* like Holmes said, modesty is a sin ;)

Congrats Michael :)

San

[Sean Walsh]

Oh great, now I'm going to feel bad about making fun of Marvel! :p

Congrats, Mike. All the best...

Sean
:)

[sat]

[quote]Originally posted by Matt Brady:
<strong> Veteran comic book news reporter Michael Doran has joined Marvel as Marketing Communications Manager. </strong><hr></blockquote>

Congrats, Mike! Movin' on up to that deluxe appartment in the sky... :)

How will this effect Newsarama? Going it solo now, Matt?

[quote]Originally posted by Matt Brady:
<strong> From writing press releases </strong><hr></blockquote>

Any plans for new approaches?
Maybe a less formal style?
And, especially, completely free of fanboy or anti-fanboy reactionary attitude?
Something more catchy for a mainstream press appeal?
And with big full colour eye catching art?

We need to help the industry grow again. If comics are to gain any substantial new readers, publishers and creators have to start proudly standing up for for what they offer. And treat comics publicly in advertising and other promotion with the same seriousness as a similar story would be as a novel or tv show or miniseries or movie.

[quote]Originally posted by Matt Brady:
<strong> to overseeing Marvel's monthly section in Previews </strong><hr></blockquote>

Hopefully, an improvement topping the list will be solicit info that's more representative of the actual comics?

Art -- and not *just* covers -- that's actually from the issues being solicited?

And *some* text for *every* issue? Not a long paragraph plot synopsis, but a short blurb of the interest-catching story hook? Let retailers and preordering readers have some fair knowledge of what they're committing money to.

... Should I have stopped after "Congrats"? :)

[Jeremy Williams]

One day DC make an avalanche of news, the next one of the top guys in the comic news site joins Marvel! I hope the roll-coaster ride never stops. ;)

Good Luck, Mickeal!

[KingStalin]

Congrats Mike I know you'll do a great job. Let's hope your solicitation write ups have a bit more meat to them.

[Slangword]

[quote]Originally posted by Disraeli Gears:
<strong>Hmm, I guess that explains his clear Marvel bias that he had in running the site. If Quesada was shoving money into my pants, I'd favor them, too.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I'm curious - does anyone have any sort of analysis that shows that Newsarama really has/had a Marvel bias? I see that in the occasional post, but it's all anecdotal. Any actual data, showing amount of coverage vs. amount of information released to the press (i.e., you would not expect as much coverage of Aardvark-Vanaheim as you would of Marvel)? Additionally, if creators from company X choose not to talk to Newsarama, that would influence coverage because they wouldn't have the news to report.

I don't see much of a bias beyond that which is likely to interest the greatest number of readers (-- unfortunately, that includes dumb statements from Marvel Management). I'm bored by much of the coverage of Marvel, but I'm also bored by coverage of which superheroes are going to be made into movies -- I can still understand why they are included, because lots of people do care.

--Scott

[Kevin T. Brown]

[quote]<strong>"I've had more fun than anyone should be allowed over these last six years, speaking with creators, editors and publishers, and then passing the news along to eager fans," said Doran. "The best part of joining Marvel is that I get to keep doing the same thing: spreading the word about Marvel Comics while working even more closely with the press community I've enjoyed being a part of so much." </strong><hr></blockquote>

Before I comment on the above quote, I sincerely do wish to congratulate Michael on his new job and wish him the best in the world! Of course, now Matt has to do the job of 2 men! :D

And to the comment someone made about there being a supposed bias towards Marvel in Newsarama.... Wellllll, read the above quote and make your own judgment. I've said similar things like this in the past and I'll say it again: I do not believe there is a bias, but there are times when things like that comment that pop up that makes one wonder. Of course, now Mike is the new Man@Marvel, so I guess it's all right now. ;)

[Michael Eidson]

Damn, am I the only one who LIKES Marvel's solicitations and hopes that Doran & co. continue doing this? All you need to know about a comic is who the creative team is and if it's a start or end of a story arc. I can understand more info for brand new series but otherwise I hope they leave the solicitations textless.

[ScottsdaleSaint]

[quote]Originally posted by Disraeli Gears:
<strong>Hmm, I guess that explains his clear Marvel bias that he had in running the site. If Quesada was shoving money into my pants, I'd favor them, too.</strong><hr></blockquote>you know everyone has their right to an opinion, but it's idiotic remarks like this, that make the first amendment look like a bad idea. i don't know how long you've looked at this site, but m.doran has busted his ass on this site for at least the three years i've been trolling, and i'm sure for a long time before that.

hey mike, congratulations! this just goes to show working your tail off gets justly rewarded once in a while. occasionally the house of ideas has a good one!

[Pariah]

Good luck Mike! Does this mean Matt's looking for a new reporting partner? I'll go to press conferences!

[Taylor Porter]

[quote]Originally posted by Michael Eidson:
<strong>Damn, am I the only one who LIKES Marvel's solicitations and hopes that Doran & co. continue doing this? All you need to know about a comic is who the creative team is and if it's a start or end of a story arc. I can understand more info for brand new series but otherwise I hope they leave the solicitations textless.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Well, since you asked...
I'm fine with them they way they are, for the most part. I agree that knowing the creative team and what part of the story arc is enough. I just don't like when there is no text at all. I'm sure every issue could have at least one sentence ("the story arc continues" or "a good jumping-on issue" or something). That would be plenty for me.

[Boink182]

I don't think I've seen any bias here...other than the calling out Crossgen employees, lol.

Now if Wizard turned into Marvel Magazine next week, I wouldn't be surprised :D .

[beta-ray]

Sounds good for Mike Doran... Now if he can make the Marvel Previews more descriptive in Previews magazine that would make my day! :)

Good luck at Marvel!

[KingStalin]

[quote]Originally posted by Michael Eidson:
<strong>Damn, am I the only one who LIKES Marvel's solicitations and hopes that Doran & co. continue doing this? All you need to know about a comic is who the creative team is and if it's a start or end of a story arc. I can understand more info for brand new series but otherwise I hope they leave the solicitations textless.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I don't want the whole story revieled but since the covers have nothing to do with the story inside anymore i would like solicitations to tell me a general idea of what's going on. like black panther battles the white wold for control of wakkanda, or this standalone x-men issues focuses on havok's reaction to the x-men as they are now. just a general thing i am tired of no info at all and a cover of spidey on a roof.

[Steve Viscusi]

[quote]Originally posted by KingStalin:
<strong>

I don't want the whole story revieled but since the covers have nothing to do with the story inside anymore i would like solicitations to tell me a general idea of what's going on. like black panther battles the white wold for control of wakkanda, or this standalone x-men issues focuses on havok's reaction to the x-men as they are now. just a general thing i am tired of no info at all and a cover of spidey on a roof.</strong><hr></blockquote>

A quick look at this months previews shows that this is excactly what they are doing. Stand alone issues are marked as are begining and ending issues of story arcs.

Furthermore to all the people complaining about no info. A quick count of the 50 marvel single issue solicits (I didn't include tpd or posters), 44 had at least one line with over half of those with more than one.

[MindTricked]

3rd post on this subject for me, just because....

Once again - congrats Mike, and here's proof that hard work and just plain dumb luck will get you everywhere ;)

[OMAR]

Ah, what's that smell?
Somebody's put in a few years and now it's payoff time. Sweet little deal - wonder how many years it's been in the works?

At least now we know why Rosemann got the boot!

[Taylor Porter]

[quote]Originally posted by OMAR:
<strong> Note: I no longer respond to posts that contain nothing but off-topic namecalling, even to point out the irony of the writers of such posts calling [i]me[i] a "troll".
All of my posts are on-topic and refer to either the subject or presentation of the news/op-ed being discussed, or to an opinion already expressed.
</strong><hr></blockquote>

The fact that you even need this note is very telling, and very sad.

[OM]

...See? I told you kids something sinister was going on! Mikey has been assimilated by the Marvel subadjunct of the Borg Collective :-) :-) :-)

[dr.no]

[quote] Posted by Disraeli Gears
Hmm, I guess that explains his clear Marvel bias that he had in running the site. If Quesada was shoving money into my pants, I'd favor them, too.<hr></blockquote>
[quote] Posted by Omar
Ah, what's that smell?
Somebody's put in a few years and now it's payoff time. Sweet little deal - wonder how many years it's been in the works?
At least now we know why Rosemann got the boot!

<hr></blockquote>

And the frustrated Crossgen/DC fanboy legion strikes again....


You guys should start a comicbook serie of your own. It would sell great... :p

[Franklin Harris]

Ah. The dream of every reporter: A cushy job in P.R. :)

[Oscar Merkx]

Congrats to the new Marvel Job

cheers

[Warren V. Wind]

Excellent choice Marvel
Great for Mike!!
Up the ladder he goes...Maybe someday
EIC!?!
Look out Joey Q.!!!! ;)

[Christopher_Allen]

[quote]Originally posted by Disraeli Gears:
<strong>Hmm, I guess that explains his clear Marvel bias that he had in running the site. If Quesada was shoving money into my pants, I'd favor them, too.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Not only is this insulting, it doesn't really make sense. Doran JUST got the job, in fact replacing Rosemann's very brief replacement. If the wealth of Marvel coverage the past couple years has been part of some overall plan of Mike's, I don't know, but hey, Marvel has made more news than DC or anybody else. While I think Newsarama has had to be cordial to all publishers to keep the info flowing, I don't see that there's been a bias for Marvel or anyone else.

[Machman]

Great news as far as I'm concerned.

One request though - sort out the Marvel section in Previews!! Go back to more detail!! Look at the DC section to see how it's done.

(War looms, firemen on strike in the UK & I'm worried about Previews?)

[John Osen]

quote:
AnthonyL, the word is whether. Weather is what you go outside in without an umbrella.

Dear god no! Not my spelling!!!

Spelling the word "weather" correctly when you meant to write "whether" is not a spelling error. You simply didn't know the difference between two words with completely different meanings. Now's the part where you respond "Get a life, Pointdexter" like you did with Blues Brother. Let the flaming begin.

[JK Parkin]

Way to go, Mike!!!