BALTIMORE 06: JIMMY PALMIOTTI TALKS DC EXCLUSIVE

[MattBrady]

<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/dclogoblue8jf.gif" align="right">If you thought all writers and artists in comics were already signed to exclusive contracts with either Marvel or DC…well, you thought wrong. At today’s <b>DC Nation</b> panel at the <b>Baltimore Comic-Con</b>, Jimmy Palmiotti took the opportunity to announce that he and co-writer Justin Gray have signed exclusive contracts with DC.

Palmiotti approached Newsarama for a brief interview to talk a little more about this change in his personal status quo.

<b>Newsarama</b>: First off, why go exclusive with DC when you both were, for lack of a better phrase, having plenty of work by playing the field?

<b>Jimmy Palmiotti</b>: Justin is on a well earned vacation this week, so I will try my best to answer some of this. We were looking to stabilize our comic book work load and working for different companies takes a lot of leg work , pitches, disappointments , follow up meetings and so on, and we really wanted to stop doing that for a bit. We’re getting plenty of work in comics, that’s true, and will finish a bunch of commitments as well, but DC, Dan Didio and that hipster Jack Mahan made us an offer we couldn’t refuse…an offer other companies were not offering us; and at the end of the day, you will not find another company as diverse as DC - Wildstorm, Vertigo and the DCU have just about every single genre there is coming out on a monthly basis. Where else could we do a monthly western, a book about a serial killer and a politically charged superhero team?

<b>NRAMA</b>: Just to clarify - was this a package deal? Would one of you signed on without the other?

<b>JP</b>: We are a team and would not have done a deal without each other. I am having the most fun in my entire career right now and Justin is a huge part of that . He is one of my best friends , so really…why would I even think of doing this without him. If its not fun, I hear it becomes work…and I wont have that!

<b>NRAMA</b>: But still, what can the two of you do under an exclusive that you couldn’t do without an exclusive?

<b>JP</b>: Relax mostly, and focus our talents better…not worry about hustling up enough work to pay bills. With this exclusive, we get to spend more time digging into the exciting DC Universe of characters and have a chance to work on projects that might have only been offered to their exclusive people first to fill their commitments.

<b>NRAMA</b>: At the end of the day, why with DC?

They truly have a great booth. [laughs]

Really, it’s people and opportunities. I have been in this industry for a while and know that each company has their perks…but overall DC has a better long term plan for guys like us that want to make comics their livelihood. It’s big picture stuff and relationships with the people that made me personally want to sign to DC…and that booth.

More seriously, there are a lot of reasons we went with DC really…from people, to creator deals, past treatment, and so on. The list is a really big one.

<b>NRAMA</b>: Probably more so than any other creators who’ve signed recently, the two of you have numerous fingers in many pots at different publishers. What does this mean for that work, such as <b>Heroes For Hire</b> at Marvel?

<b>JP</b>: Anyone that knows us, knows we work way in advance. Half a year of <b>Heroes</b> is already in the drawer and <b>Claws</b> has been done for a long time now. We have another project coming from Marvel as well that’s to be announced, and we’re excited as hell about it. But one thing I really want to say is that this deal is not about being anti-Marvel. I will not play that game. I have a long and wonderful history with them and it will continue to stay that way. I have friends at both these companies that even if I stopped doing comics altogether, I would still be hanging out with them

<b>NRAMA</b>: On your personal work front, what will happen with <b>Painkiller Jane</b> at Dynamite Entertainment?

<b>JP</b>: Jane and the event characters are creator owned characters that Joe [Quesada] and I will continue with for the life of the characters. DC is totally cool with this. Other creator-owned stuff like <b>Trigger Girl, Trailblazer</b> and others that have been written already will come out in the future. Justin and I have been sitting on a lot of projects that are all done, but waiting for the right time to release them. Timing is everything. DC understands prior commitments and has worked with us on this.

As far as Painkiller Jane on TV, well, that’s not a problem at all - the exclusive is for writing and inking comic books.

<b>NRAMA</b>: This may be pulling the curtain back a little more than you’re comfortable with, but within the industry, you know everyone, and have played a role in <i>far</i> more projects and deals that most readers would ever realize. I mean – you’re Rick in <i>Casablanca</i>…career wise, how does firmly aligning yourself with one publisher over another help?

<b>JP</b>: Ah, <i>Casablanca</i>. Love that movie.

Anyway, DC is a publisher that gave us our first creator shared books - <b>21 Down, The Resistance, The Monolith</b> and so on - has given us titles like <b>Hawkman, Jonah Hex, Terra, Friday the 13th, Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters and so on</b>, and has always gone out of its way to make sure we have had enough work to be happy. Even without the exclusive, they have been keeping Justin and I in a very good place and offering us work instead of always having to pitch it. Paul Levitz has been a stand up guy on all levels with me since I first got into the business…and that means a lot to an Italian from Brooklyn.

Everyone there has treated us with respect and loyalty. On a business level, no one can beat the accounting at DC. Royalties on our work, collections…foreign royalties, multiple copies of my books and trades before they hit news stands, and they have gone out of their way to make Justin and me feel special by inviting us to conventions, dinners, meetings and so on. The list goes on forever. Aligning ourselves with them at this exciting time in DC’s history is probably the smartest thing we can do. This is a publisher with vision that has enough sense to involve the creators with their characters and the fruits of their labor. This is a multi-leveled company that encourages its creators to be involved, and Justin and I see this as a great opportunity for us as well as for the people that work with us.

<b>NRAMA</b>: Did anyone specifically help you guys make this decision?

<b>JP</b>: Yeah, everyone there. Every single person there.

<b>NRAMA</b>: Finally, as you said, this covers <b>Freedom Fighters, Friday the 13th</b> and <b>Jonah Hex</b>… what else?

<b>JP</b>: <b>Supergirl #12</b> featuring Terra, drawn by Amanda Conner, and many more exciting things….to be announced.

[Jed Saxon]

Bummer for Marvel fans. Curious as for who will follow them on HfH (if it won't ce canceled after #6).

As for the decision - for people who crave to work outside superheroes DC (or Dark Horse) is the right harbor IMO (at least for work in the mainstream market). Marvel dropped the ball when they terminated the second EPIC and right now has nothing that is as good and diverse as Vertigo (they try to build up the MAX label but with prices of $4 for 22 pages this will likely fail).

So congrats to them. :)

And now that I canceled Supergirl (despite it being drawn by Ian Churchill) you come and write an issue (please take over that series full time!) and even with Amanda Conner, one of my favorite artists... AAAAAARGH!!!!!! I. Hate. You!!! :D

[Deadshot77]

Congratulations to the both of them!
They had a fun run on Hawkman. I might have to check out that Supergirl issue if Terra guest stars.

[EyesBL7]

Supergirl #12 by Connor? Even I might buy that!

[Jeff Hoffman]

Congrats to both. I can see how this could hep them relax and just focus on their writing. I am not currently getting anything they write. I had to drop Hex because of financial reasons, but I have enoyed everything I have read by them.

Hopefully I will be able to add some of their books in the future.

[spidertour02]

This probably seals it. Heroes for Hire will be cancelled (maybe not immediately, but probably within 10-12 issues as I predicted before it started).

[victor lanza]

Loved their 21 Down series. I haven't read a Hawkman/Hawkgirl issue since they left! And Jonah Hex is one of DC's best right now. READ IT MONTHLY!:D
Congratulations.

[Titansmaster]

Congratulations to you both!!

I think JONAH HEX is the best book out there right now. Liked their HAWKMAN run so much better than what is going on in HAWKGIRL right now.

Look forward to following you guys in the future.

[IronWolf]

Wait didn't they Just Start Heroes for Hire? how do you leave something so soon..boy oh boy.

[Bevbos]

Well, maybe H4H can continue any new writers. Unlikely, but I would love to see that, because it has such a weird cast. I must admit that I was a tad underwhelmed by the first issue, but Paladin, Black Cat, Misty Knight... how can you go wrong?

The good news is that this guarantees hopefully several years of solid Jonah Hex tales, which makes my day.

[DaVeO]

This probably seals it. Heroes for Hire will be cancelled (maybe not immediately, but probably within 10-12 issues as I predicted before it started).

I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) you predicted it failing because of content and not because of a change on writers. Isn't really the same is it?

[protege]

Wait didn't they Just Start Heroes for Hire? how do you leave something so soon..boy oh boy.
Ask Jeph loeb, who left Supergirl after #6 and went marvel exclusive- if J&J were the regular writers on the book, i MIGHT pick it up again.... maybe Uncle Sam and the FF will become a regular series now.

[Nobody]

Congrats, Jimmy. Couldn't happen to a better guy. I'm enjoying more and more, the work Jimmy and Justin are doing.

[JoeZhang]

Wait didn't they Just Start Heroes for Hire? how do you leave something so soon..boy oh boy.


Because that was freelance work that marvel could boot them from at anytime and this way they know they have bankroll coming in for a specific period and can concentrate on writing rather than working out where the next piece of work was going from?

[Scorned1]

Well, good to see that money changes people once again. Think Joe Quesada is gonna be holding a grudge ?

[JoeZhang]

Well, good to see that money changes people once again. Think Joe Quesada is gonna be holding a grudge ?


How is that "changing people" - if you were working month to month and had no idea if you would be working next month, wouldn't you take a bit of security if it was offered to you?

[Nobody]

Well, good to see that money changes people once again.

Y'know, I think everyone likes money. And I think everyone wants a steady income of money on a regular basis. God forbid a steady job.

[JoeZhang]

Y'know, I think everyone likes money. And I think everyone wants a steady income of money on a regular basis. God forbid a steady job.


God damn the self-employed for looking out for themselves in the employment market! :rolleyes:

[Tom Daylight]

Does this exclusivity cover Palmiotti as inker, or just as writer?

[JoeZhang]

Does this exclusivity cover Palmiotti as inker, or just as writer?


Generally when they go exclusive - they allow them to do creator-controlled and some other stuff but nothing at all for the other one of the big two.

[Scorned1]

How is that "changing people" - if you were working month to month and had no idea if you would be working next month, wouldn't you take a bit of security if it was offered to you?

Yes, I would. But there are some boundaries that shouldn’t be crossed. Like abandoning/betraying a friend. Now Palmiotti is an enemy of Marvel. He was already employed. There is no need to sign an exclusive unless he is out of money or desperate. He should have stayed as a freelance so that he can work for everyone. Not knowing where a person next dollar is coming from should make that person work even harder.

[Unknown]

Amanda Connor on Supergirl! OMFG OMFG!!!!!

Now if only they brought in PAD's Linda...

[JoeZhang]

Yes, I would. But there are some boundaries that shouldn’t be crossed. Like abandoning/betraying a friend. Now Palmiotti is an enemy of Marvel. He was already employed. There is no need to sign an exclusive unless he is out of money or desperate. He should have stayed as a freelance so that he can work for everyone. Not knowing where a person next dollar is coming from should make that person work even harder.





Like abandoning/betraying a friend.

Repeat after me - FREELANCER, FREELANCER, you understand what that is don't you?

Now Palmiotti is an enemy of Marvel.

And whom at marvel told you that?

He should have stayed as a freelance so that he can work for everyone.

You DID read the interview didn't you?

Now stop being so silly...

[Scorned1]

Now stop being so silly...

Yes sir I will.

[RedSquirrel]

<b>JP</b>: <b>Supergirl #12</b> featuring Terra, drawn by Amanda Conner, and many more exciting things….to be announced.

This one is confusing. In Previews, DC solicits Supergirl #12, with writing by Joe Kelly, art by Churchill & Rapmund, and just the cover art by Amanda Conner.

Plus it says "guest starring Batgirl," not Terra.

Anyone know the final word on this?:confused:

[christosgage]

Congrats to two of my best friends in comics. Jimmy is the reason I have a career in the field.

And whoa, I can understand being upset that they're leaving H4H, but I can tell you it's not personal at all and not a money-grab either. Just one factor: when you're exclusive you get health insurance, which you don't get freelancing. Having health insurance: good. Getting sick without insurance: bad. Also, I think Bendis said this, when you're a freelancer you spend 50% or more of your time lining up work and the rest actually doing it. Exclusivity helps you focus 100% on doing the work.

Congrats again, guys, keep HEX coming!

[BeastCharming]

Yes, I would. But there are some boundaries that shouldn’t be crossed. Like abandoning/betraying a friend. Now Palmiotti is an enemy of Marvel. He was already employed. There is no need to sign an exclusive unless he is out of money or desperate. He should have stayed as a freelance so that he can work for everyone. Not knowing where a person next dollar is coming from should make that person work even harder.

I have read many, many questionable things on Newsarama, including various actual articles, but this one sort of takes the cake, doesn't it? An enemy of Marvel? Crossing boundaries? What is this, the cold war?

I hope you realize that there's rather few freelancers left, and with good reason. The comics industry, despite its current respite, is a flailing industry, which doesn't exactly throw out money by the bundle to the writers and artists working in it. An exclusive means job security, a steady income, health benefits, without burning any bridges for the future, because if things go well over at DC, you can bet that Marvel will be waiting with their own exclusive once Palmiotti and Grey are finished with their stretch over at DC.

Even before the mania of exclusives, many freelancers would work for just one of the Big Two at a given time, because it makes more sense anyway, schedule-wise. Why involve several "bosses" when you can deal as easily with just the one? So the exclusives change relatively little for the fans, but a lot for the actual former freelancers.

Good for Jimmy and Mick, even if I don't always like their writing (or the former's inking).

[dalegon]

In response JoeZhang

Put eveything in context please about "John Byrne on the death of Steve Irwin: "I am GLAD this asshole is dead."

Byrne posted :

...it's sad for his wife, and his kids (aged 8 and 3)...

****

Okay, time for me to rain on this parade. I didn't know he had kids. YOUNG kids. This alters the mix considerably. This makes him an ASSHOLE. Cops and firemen, to name but two, place their lives on the line every day to protect others. There was nothing Steve Irwin was doing that he could not have done -- as did, say, David Attenborough -- without putting his life at risk.
This takes this from tragedy to stupidity, and, worse, irresponsibility.


and

"...Mr. Irwin was widely criticized in 2004 for feeding a snapping crocodile inside a pen while holding his infant son, Bob, in one arm. Though some likened the action to child abuse, he said he had been in firm control of both the child and the crocodile. He was never charged with endangering his son’s welfare."
***

Jesus. . . !!!


and

Jesus H. ____ing Christ on a Pogo Stick!!!!

I border on being GLAD this asshole is dead!

I revise my original statement. I am GLAD this
asshole is dead. Sorry for his wife and kids, but
relieved they are in no further danger from his lunacy!

[dalegon]

anyback back to Grey and Palmiotti

Glad they are now exclusive to DC, I love their Jonah Hex work and since I buy more DC than Marvel it means more from them for me.

[Zeitgeist]

It seems kinda ungrateful to leave Heroes for Hire allready after it got so much publicity, but getting an exclusive must be a pretty good thing and i very much doubt anyone at Marvel is angry

[SyVyN11]

This one is confusing. In Previews, DC solicits Supergirl #12, with writing by Joe Kelly, art by Churchill & Rapmund, and just the cover art by Amanda Conner.

Plus it says "guest starring Batgirl," not Terra.

Anyone know the final word on this?:confused:

Maybe it was changed to conencide with the up coming Terra mini. The Batgirl issue might be resolicited.

[Cray_ws]

Kudos to the people at DC for giving Palmiotti & Gray a much deserved exclusive. You guys are putting out excellent work.

Jimmy, now that you're exclusive with DC, and doing Wildstorm work (Friday the 13th series) maybe they will take another look at continuing 21 Down. ;) Hey....I can dream can I ?

[Prometheus3]

Marvel is looking less and less attractive to me these days as DC is signing all of the top writers and artists in comics. Here is another example.

[renodakota]

Good for them. <i>Uncle Sam</i> has turned out to be the best <i>Brave New World</i> book by a longshot, and it's refreshing to hear Palmotti say that he and Gray write comics well in advance of their release. That makes them a real asset to DC.

[nobleman]

Seems like Jimmy's plotlines either involve turning a good guy bad (hated his Hawkman storyline except for bringing Golden Eagle back from the dead) or introducing a brand new version of heroes (why so many Major Victory's again???) His new Freedom Fighters hasn't impressed me one bit. Not liking his characterization of the new bunch. What number Phantom Lady is this? Black Condor? Bad decision by DC IMO. He's an Image-grade writer at best.

[Dave_Garcia]

Does this exclusivity cover Palmiotti as inker, or just as writer?

"As far as Painkiller Jane on TV, well, that’s not a problem at all - the exclusive is for writing and inking comic books"

[TheLizard207]

bummer for marvel fans indeed

[spidertour02]

I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) you predicted it failing because of content and not because of a change on writers. Isn't really the same is it?

I predicted that it would be cancelled because it would not build up much of a following, especially after Civil War. Changing popular writers certainly won't help in that regard. So yes, it is relevant.

So yes, you are slightly wrong, but that's no problem. :)

[chbryan]

I wasn't a big fan of Palmiotti and Gray early on in the Hawkman run, but I grew to really enjoy it, and their Jonah Hex has been very good right from the start.

I don't question their choice at all to go exclusive, due to all of the upsides. However, based on some of the comments in this thread, I'm curious as to whether the whole "Marvel vs. DC" feeling exists amongst professionals. Sure, there are probably a few who've had some personal bad dealings with current management at either company, but I doubt that the writers and artists feel the rivalry with the same heat as the fans.

At any rate, congrats to Jimmy and Justin.

[BlackDog]

That 'DC vs Marvel' mentality could hurt professionals out there. Even if any of them is exclusive to one of the big two, it's in their best interest to always keep an open mind, be polite and professional, think about the future, and have a good professional relationship with every other company out there, even the little independent companies.

It's not only the smart thing to do, but also the proper, sensible thing to do. We all live in the same world, and in comics all professionals are striving for the same thing, to entertain kids, teens and adults all over the world. It was Joe Quesada who started all the infantile 'competition' mentality out there and people out there should forget about that. There was a time when DC was perfectly willing to work with Marvel...way way before Quesada fouled up everything with his idiotic antics. Sure, there was always a healthy competition mentality, but it was never as bad as today. Especially since fans in the internet just can't get out and refuse to talk without that 'DC vs Marvel' mentality.

BTW, to Palmiotti and Gray...CONGRATULATIONS! Your Hawkman run was awesome, and your current JONAH HEX book is excellent stuff!

[protege]

you know, i'd probably be more excited about this, if i hadn't finally made the decision to ad heroes for hire onto My pull list, after much debate- not i'm not sure it's going to continue after this.

[jmcl89]

If 80-90% of the jobs in your industry come from two companies, it's not a good idea to make an enemy of one of them, as that would leave you with no leverage in the future (in other words, Alan Moore is not a good business model for people who are not Alan Moore). That being said, I imagine that Didio and Quesada and the vast majority of the talent in the industry understand that people do what is good for themselves, their families, and their careers. Once in a while, this will leave a project in the lurch, but that's the business.

At any rate, congrats to Palmiotti and Gray. I've liked most of their work, and read mostly DC, so their continued presence in DC/Vertigo/Wildstorm circles is good news.

[JJ Fresh]

Heroes for Hire 1 is a sellout and then these two get exclusives? I don't need to explain that thread anymore do I? I said it once, and I'll say it again, its a sad state when the business revolves around exclusives like this.

[IronWolf]

Because that was freelance work that marvel could boot them from at anytime and this way they know they have bankroll coming in for a specific period and can concentrate on writing rather than working out where the next piece of work was going from?

I understand how Exclusives are good for writers and artist, i guess i just don't like when guys leave books in the middle (or in this case right out of the gate) or a story. like When Loeb Left Supergirl i thought it was a little abroupt.

[Prometheus3]

That 'DC vs Marvel' mentality could hurt professionals out there. Even if any of them is exclusive to one of the big two, it's in their best interest to always keep an open mind, be polite and professional, think about the future, and have a good professional relationship with every other company out there, even the little independent companies.

It's not only the smart thing to do, but also the proper, sensible thing to do. We all live in the same world, and in comics all professionals are striving for the same thing, to entertain kids, teens and adults all over the world. It was Joe Quesada who started all the infantile 'competition' mentality out there and people out there should forget about that. There was a time when DC was perfectly willing to work with Marvel...way way before Quesada fouled up everything with his idiotic antics. Sure, there was always a healthy competition mentality, but it was never as bad as today. Especially since fans in the internet just can't get out and refuse to talk without that 'DC vs Marvel' mentality.

BTW, to Palmiotti and Gray...CONGRATULATIONS! Your Hawkman run was awesome, and your current JONAH HEX book is excellent stuff!
What a stupid comment to say that Joe Queseda was the person who started the competition between DC and Marvel. Both companies have been competing for the top spot way before Joe Queseda. In fact it was Dan DiDio (DC's editor-in-chief) who started the process of exclusive contracts. Exclusive contracts make the Marvel vs. DC fighting even more intense since certain writers and artists will only work with one company.

[Beheader]

The exclusive thing is nothing new. Hasn't hurt that many feelings over the years either. Except maybe for the Morrison exclusive, heard that got a bit ugly.

Anyway, if Marvel should be mad at anything, it's themselves for not signing them first.

There should be a scorecard or something for this. Who's exclusive with who and for how long?

[Hobowatcher]

I'm happy. I only read DC, so this is good news for me because this means more Freedom Fighters, wich I'm sure is going to get an ongoing.

[Lucky Luke]

As for the decision - for people who crave to work outside superheroes DC (or Dark Horse) is the right harbor IMO (at least for work in the mainstream market). Marvel dropped the ball when they terminated the second EPIC and right now has nothing that is as good and diverse as Vertigo (they try to build up the MAX label but with prices of $4 for 22 pages this will likely fail).

You forgot Icon.

[motteditor]

Like others, I'm mostly curious what will happen with Heroes for Hire...

Other than that, couldn't care less about the intra-company politics.

[Prometheus3]

The exclusive thing is nothing new. Hasn't hurt that many feelings over the years either. Except maybe for the Morrison exclusive, heard that got a bit ugly.

Anyway, if Marvel should be mad at anything, it's themselves for not signing them first.

There should be a scorecard or something for this. Who's exclusive with who and for how long?
Marvel is really bad with getting exclusives compared to DC. If there was a scorecard for exclusives it would be something like Marvel-100 and DC-300.

[Kolimar]

Excellent news. Congratulations, guys. Best of luck. :)

[BlackDog]

What a stupid comment to say that Joe Queseda was the person who started the competition between DC and Marvel.

I didn't say that. Like I said, there was always a friendly competition between the two. When Quesada came, he came in with a sophomore mentality and started throwing sexually offensive digs at Paul Levitz, and in every interview he would make sure that he put down DC. Recently he has moderated his behavior, but trust me...in a way Quesada should be proud of himself, because he has a lot to do with lighting a fire under DC's butt. The competition has been fearce since then.

[beta-ray]

In response JoeZhang

Put eveything in context please about "John Byrne on the death of Steve Irwin: "I am GLAD this asshole is dead."


Off topic, I don't see how that helps what Byrne said at all.

On topic, congratulations to Palmiotti and Gray. I don't like exclusives, but certainly understand why you'd take it.

Bummed about H4H though... :(

[Hobowatcher]

Now if only Marvel will sign Keith Giffen to an exclusive....

[Lex]

I don't think people understand how freelancing works. I heard that freelancers sign contracts to work on a series for 6-issue blocks (or so). When those 6 issues are done, they redo the contracts to work on the next 6. At that point, the company could choose to switch creators or those creators could decide to leave.

The point is, I'm guessing that Palmiotti and Gray signed up for 6 issues of Heroes for Hire and completed that commitment and then signed the exclusive. So it may seem that they are leaving in the middle of the story, but they probably finished the story they were working on. (Plus, won't H4H be in post-Civil War mode by then and can go in a brand new direction anyway?)

So, anyway, congragulation to two talented creators.

[Wellness]

I'm goning miss them on Punisher one-shots and H4H.

[Prometheus3]

Now if only Marvel will sign Keith Giffen to an exclusive....
Don't think so. Keith Giffen has always been more of a DC guy than Marvel guy.

[Zeitgeist]

It's not only the smart thing to do, but also the proper, sensible thing to do. We all live in the same world, and in comics all professionals are striving for the same thing, to entertain kids, teens and adults all over the world. It was Joe Quesada who started all the infantile 'competition' mentality out there and people out there should forget about that. There was a time when DC was perfectly willing to work with Marvel...way way before Quesada fouled up everything with his idiotic antics.

Joe may have poked a litle fun at DC but it was hardly mean spirited, acting like a spoiled child and saying you dont want to work with Marvel untill Joe is fired that is stupid, nobody at DC has yet to fire Levitz or even apologise for his comments, but hey im sure it is Marvel fault somehow, it allways is...

[innocentboy]

interesting ...
will be keeping an eye or two out for what these people bring to the table

[Sunless]

Congrats to them, though I'm kinda unsure if I should check out HFH now. I really dont like short runs.

[Hobowatcher]

Don't think so. Keith Giffen has always been more of a DC guy than Marvel guy.
But he's always said he'll take an exclusive from either company if one was offered.

[Hobowatcher]

Joe may have poked a litle fun at DC but it was hardly mean spirited, acting like a spoiled child and saying you dont want to work with Marvel untill Joe is fired that is stupid, nobody at DC has yet to fire Levitz or even apologise for his comments, but hey im sure it is Marvel fault somehow, it allways is...
I remember Byrne saying that, but never Levitz. I've only ever seen him be civil.

And if anything, Queseda has been quite rude. Crass comments, rubbing exclusives in DC's face, incessant gloating to the point of annoyance, the list goes on and on. I can easily see why Levitz would not want to work with him.

[Darkhawk]

In fact it was Dan DiDio (DC's editor-in-chief) who started the process of exclusive contracts. Exclusive contracts make the Marvel vs. DC fighting even more intense since certain writers and artists will only work with one company.

Actually it was Crossgen Comics that started Exclusive Contracts

[Zeitgeist]

I remember Byrne saying that, but never Levitz. I've only ever seen him be civil.

It is well known that Bendis suggested a Batman/Daredevil title to DC, Levitz the replied that it would only happen when Joe Q was fired. And why should Levitz personal feelings get in the way of comics, i though the point was to make money and entertain the fans, whats next firing creators who work on both Marvel and DC comics?

http://www.newsarama.com/WW_Chicago_04/DD_Batman.htm

http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16535

[Hobowatcher]

It is well known that Bendis suggested a Batman/Daredevil title to DC, Levitz the replied that it would only happen when Joe Q was fired. And why should Levitz personal feelings get in the way of comics, i though the point was to make money and entertain the fans, whats next firing creators who work on both Marvel and DC comics?

http://www.newsarama.com/WW_Chicago_04/DD_Batman.htm

http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16535
From what I've read, just because Levitz doesn't want to work with an mudslinging fratboy and a comicbook prima donna who cries foul when he gets rejected makes him a mean man who doesn't care about the fans? Is that it? Because if it is, then I too don't care about the fans.

[RedSquirrel]

You forgot Icon.
It's easy to forget Icon. It's more of a gift to writers than to readers. Book of Lost Souls and Dream Police by JMS were atrocious. Bendis' Powers is OK, but it's an idea started at another company, nothing new or exciting. Hopefully Brubaker's Criminal will turn things around for Icon.
MAX is going through an identity crisis, but Vertigo has a firm direction.

[Lucky Luke]

It's easy to forget Icon. It's more of a gift to writers than to readers. Book of Lost Souls and Dream Police by JMS were atrocious. Bendis' Powers is OK, but it's an idea started at another company, nothing new or exciting. Hopefully Brubaker's Criminal will turn things around for Icon.
MAX is going through an identity crisis, but Vertigo has a firm direction.
Again, you're forgetting David Mack's Kabuki and Jack Kirby's Galactic Bounty Hunters. I have to disagree on Book of Lost Souls. It's the Sandman for the new millenium. Criminal will just make good things even better.

[Zeitgeist]

From what I've read, just because Levitz doesn't want to work with an mudslinging fratboy and a comicbook prima donna who cries foul when he gets rejected makes him a mean man who doesn't care about the fans? Is that it? Because if it is, then I too don't care about the fans.

I see you are avoiding the issue after i gave evidence, but ok ill explain again, the main purpose of a comic company should be to make money and keep fans happy, do you seriously belive a Bendis writen Batman/Daredevil comic wouldnt do that? the second point is that alot of people are complaining about the light jokes Joe makes about DC, but when one of the top people in DC call for Joe to be fired and ignores fans and business at the same time its ok? There is a big difference between a joke and asking for someone to get fired, if Joe had called for someone at DC to get fired there would be Hell to hear for it

[Doowhaadiddy]

SH*T!! I say..... SH*T!!!

Heroes for Hire No.1 is great. Possibly the best received stuff they have done (insofar as I know because I don't generally read DC)... and they have entered the exclusives market. Hopefully Marvel can line up a great writer (hopefully Tucci will remain on board) to replace then.

Congratulations DV (and DC exclusive readers). A positive for DC to be sure. I will follow them to whatever new title they do as I had never read anything by them (as writers ... in the case of Palimotti) before.

[Hobowatcher]

I'm still surprised at how many peopl DON'T read Jonah Hex. It a fantastic book.

[Hobowatcher]

I see you are avoiding the issue after i gave evidence, but ok ill explain again, the main purpose of a comic company should be to make money and keep fans happy, do you seriously belive a Bendis writen Batman/Daredevil comic wouldnt do that? the second point is that alot of people are complaining about the light jokes Joe makes about DC, but when one of the top people in DC call for Joe to be fired and ignores fans and business at the same time its ok? There is a big difference between a joke and asking for someone to get fired, if Joe had called for someone at DC to get fired there would be Hell to hear for itI think the reason people don't care as much is because Joe has constantly insulting them time and time again over the years and realize that DC has finally got fed up. You've read those quotes Quesada said in the New York Observer, they were crass and uncalled for. There's a difference between playful pokes and being a jerk. I don't blame DC for not wanting to work with a jerk. No one does.


I do get what you're saying, and I do understand how you feel, but the whole debacle overall just seemed like a cheap publicity stunt on Marvel's side to syphon attention off of DC's momentum at the time. DC's sales were getting stronger, a sure fire hit movie was coming out, and a popular miniseries was gaining momentum. Marvel wanted some of that, so they said lets talk about something DC doesn't want us to talk about. It was quite unprofessional in my opinion. Quesada got what he wanted, the two houses no hate each other.

[The Marvel]

Well this SUCKS.

Great for them, as they've earned all that and more, but it sucks for me. I love H4H and all their Marvel work.

Man this sucks.

[paulski]

Yes, I would. But there are some boundaries that shouldn’t be crossed. Like abandoning/betraying a friend. Now Palmiotti is an enemy of Marvel. He was already employed. There is no need to sign an exclusive unless he is out of money or desperate.
Bullsh<i></i>it.

[paulski]

What a stupid comment to say that Joe Queseda was the person who started the competition between DC and Marvel. Both companies have been competing for the top spot way before Joe Queseda.
Absolutely.

However, he and Jemas were certainly the ones who started the animosity between the 2 companies. Hell, I just thank god that JLA/Avengers was well and truly in the creative pipeline before those 2 guys did and said everything in their power to jeopardise it. :eek:

[paulski]

Joe may have poked a litle fun at DC but it was hardly mean spirited, acting like a spoiled child and saying you dont want to work with Marvel untill Joe is fired that is stupid, nobody at DC has yet to fire Levitz or even apologise for his comments, but hey im sure it is Marvel fault somehow, it allways is...
Gee, are you sure about that...? (http://www.sequart.com/news/?story=67)

[ME5]

Hello.

To paulski: Actually, wasn't JQ integral to getting the JLA/Avengers project done? I do seem to recall that...

I read your link. Yes, that was a very unprofessional and crude thing to say. It was wrong. However, I understand what he is trying to get across. DC has a financial backing that Marvel could only dream about, but still usually plays second fiddle to Marvel. It is foolish. Levitz seemed quite content to keep DC under the radar for years, and why? While I don't like everything Dan Didio has done, I certainly respect the man for being willing to get DC noticed, make some interesting changes, bring in different talent, and not be afraid to do what he can to earn money and notice! That seemed to be what JQ was trying to convey. Unfortunately, he did it in a crude, ignorant manner. The fact that the interviewer printed it that way is a little suspect as well, though. There is nothing wrong with printing what someone says during an interview, but I am quite certain that JQ didn't think he would be directly quoted on that. The interviewer could have paraphrased it. Still, JQ is the idiot who put it out there, so he has to live, and deal, with what he said.

Be Well...:)

[Jimmy Palmiotti]

Thanks for the kind words...please stop with the marvel vs dc stuff...no one ever wins that one. '

Please keep picking up heroes for hire...we did a half years worth...not just one issue.

we get along great with all the companies ...dc, marvel, dark horse, dynamite ect.

its called being professional and not playing games with people.

we get our work done in advance...sometimes a half years worth at a time.

again, thanks. :)

JIMMY

[paulski]

Thanks for the kind words...please stop with the marvel vs dc stuff...no one ever wins that one. '
Agreed, Jimmy. I probably should have left it alone but it just bugs me sometimes when people give certain identities free passes for things they've done and said in the past.

Looking forward to more fun Freedom Fighters stuff in the future. :)

[paulski]

To paulski: Actually, wasn't JQ integral to getting the JLA/Avengers project done? I do seem to recall that...
I can't actually recall who helped out on the Marvel side, Mike. Or DC for that matter. I guess I was just happy to see it done after 20 years on the sidelines. :)

And if it was Joe, he was probably still playing good cop to Jemas at that time. :p

[Kevenn]

Loved their Hawkman. Warming up to their Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters. I'm looking forward to their Supergirl issue and the Terra miniseries - just please make her blond, like Terra is supposed to be! :D

Congratulations.

[Hobowatcher]

She's not.

[Kevenn]

She's not.

That's why they need to change it before it comes out. :D

[Jimmy Palmiotti]

no chance of being blonde...sorry.

Jimmy:)

[diana_fan]

Congratulations, Mr. Palmiotti. It seems from the interview that this is more a question of stability and time than anything else. I look forward to your work.

Speaking of which, can you shed any light on the question concerning SUPERGIRL #12? It's been solicited as being written by Joe Kelly, and drawn by Ian Churchill and Norm Rapmund. Is this now not the case? Or are you and Justin and Amanda doing #13?

And are you going to be on the title for just one issue?

Thanks in advance for any clarification.

[Jimmy Palmiotti]

Congratulations, Mr. Palmiotti. It seems from the interview that this is more a question of stability and time than anything else. I look forward to your work.

Speaking of which, can you shed any light on the question concerning SUPERGIRL #12? It's been solicited as being written by Joe Kelly, and drawn by Ian Churchill and Norm Rapmund. Is this now not the case? Or are you and Justin and Amanda doing #13?

And are you going to be on the title for just one issue?

Thanks in advance for any clarification.


we are on for one issue, #12. the solicitation went out wrong is all. :)

[protege]

no chance of being blonde...sorry.

Jimmy:)
So, this is a NEW Terra? or is tara markov just dying her hair? I'm kind of curious as to what happens to her, and how the new one comes into play.

[diana_fan]

we are on for one issue, #12. the solicitation went out wrong is all. :)

Thank you very much. I'm really looking forward to it.

[RedSquirrel]

I have to disagree on Book of Lost Souls. It's the Sandman for the new millenium. That was my problem with Book of Lost Souls. It felt like a Sandman ripoff. Nice artwork though.