A CANADIAN NATIONAL COMIC EXPO REPORT

[MattBrady]

by Greg Picken

The Canadian National Comic Expo in Toronto mixed comic books, horror, sci-fi, gaming and anime in one big mega event, the largest in Canada. Celebrities in attendance included headliners James Marsters and Elijah Wood, plus Erica Durance and Margot Kidder, Kevin Sorbo, Linda Park, Tim Russ, Elvira, Tony Todd, some anime voice actors and Gary Gygax. Comic VIP’s were Neal Adams and Jhonen Vasquez.

A quick recap of comic news and items of interest:

From the Marvel panels

C.B. Cebulski, standing in for Joe Quesada at the “Cup ‘O Joe” panel seemed to confirm that Jeph Loeb and Joe Madureria are the new team on the recently announced Ultimates v3. Cebulski was asked “What are Jeph/Joe doing?” and answered “See Wizard in four days”.

He was then asked “Who’s the next team on Ultimates?” and answered “See Wizard in four days,” and then added “I think you guys can put two and two together.”

The next Wizard will also have David Finch’s first piece of Moon Knight art. Someone actually asked (seriously) if Wolverine would be making an appearance, a question that seemed to stun Finch for a minute.

The artist of the upcoming second Ultimate Iron Man mini-series written by Orson Scott Card will be named at WizardWorld: Boston.

Further clarification of the “King” announcement will be made in the mainstream press in 2006, and will see this person working on an ongoing series of mini-series later that year.

The writer of the Leinil Yu-illustrated Ultimate Hulk vs. Wolverine mini-series is slated to be announced within the next two weeks, presumably in the mainstream media.

News from the DC panels

DC’s panels didn’t have a great deal to say in regards to news, as they were entirely artists (Frank Quitely, Dale, Eaglesham, Ian Churchill, Carlos Pacheco, and Karl Kerschel) and only really know what they’ve gotten in scripts for their series. Eddie Berganza was also there and provided most of the answers not relating to drawing.

Asked if DC had plans to bring back a new version of the Suicide Squad, Berganza answered with a question: “Do you guys want it?”

Carlos Pacheco said that he loves the other Crisis on Multiple Earths team-ups between JLA and JSA and would love to do an annual that brings together the JLA, the JSA and the Authority. Berganza was enthusiastic about the idea.

Pacheco’s next (and last, for now) Green Lantern arc will feature Green Arrow and Mongul. With both Ethan Van Sciver and Pacheco leaving the series, the new artist has yet to be named.

Clarifying a slight continuity issue, Pacheco explained that Hal Jordan’s Commanding Officer in Green Lantern #3 was supposed to know that Hal was GL because when he was punched by each guy, he realized the ring was the same. Not knowing this in advance, Pacheco drew Hal using the wrong hand on one of those punches, thus making the reveal a little bit different.

At other panels, Neal Adams and Maggie Thompson spent a fun hour telling stories from Neal’s past, including how he finally got DC to give him royalties for the new collections that are basically selling on Neal’s name and work, and how as soon as he got this new deal, he turned around and called Joe Kubert, so Joe can work out the same deal on the Sgt. Rock trades. He also talked about his days heading up the Academy, and how they managed to accomplish a lot by having the iron fist, but never actually having to wield it.

Overall, the crowd mix was about 60/40 male to female, with the overwhelming majority of females in the anime crowd. Costumes were abundant, mostly anime, with some Star Wars and horror mixed in. Comic costumes were few and far between. A Thing, a couple of Jokers & Harley Quinn's, a Batman or two.

[x23nocturne]

This was a bit pointless. Basically nothing was announced... except for one thing: I do NOT want to see Joe Madeuria on Ultimates. No, not at all. He is one of the LAST people I want on it.

[Riliss]

Joe Mad - ugh
Jeph Loeb - boring.

The Ultimates would suffer under them.

[Michael X]

Ultimates could be interesting. I PRAY that Pachecho has some Marvel work coming up.

[ThatNickGuy]

Loeb and Mad on Ultimates?

Think I'll pass faster than I did with Liefeld on Titans.

[Chip]

Originally posted by Riliss
Joe Mad - ugh
Jeph Loeb - boring.

The Ultimates would suffer under them.

I hope Jeph is not the new writer on Ultimates. That said, I did very much enjoy CATOWMAN: WHEN IN ROME.

[Kusanagi]

Mad on ultimates?

But the realistic feel of the art by Finch was one of the greatest things of this title.

Compaired to the "manga"esqe style Mad has.....
Damn, that's no good news indeed.

I'll await preliminary art, before deciding to drop this.
Madureira better do good on this one.
Ultimates has been great so far.

[xdemon]

Strange: With the incredible return of Hal and the new ongoing, the two artists associated with Green Lantern are already leaving. I wouldn't be surprised if its sales drop dramatically. I personnally dropped it with #3 - It was just kind of bland.

[bob_at_york]

I like MAD and Loeb but I don't think this is the right book for them.

[Utizzle]

Screw all the nay-sayers. I will certainly give the Ultimates a go with the new creative team. I can't wait to get my grubby mits on the new ish of Wizard.

[Ace]

Well Millar got the Ultimates gig by making cruel horrible parodies of the Marvel Characters (something which would have probably prevented him from working at Marvel with any other regime but Quesada/Jeams, and with good reason), so now Loeb gets to do the same, more or less. His were more mean spirited(apparently as a way to strike back after the Pulse issue where Norman kills Lois Lane) than cruel though.

Millar's done nothing for me, and I'm not going to be coming along for Loeb either. This works fine in my eyes. A place where Loeb and his sloppy, haphazard misuse of continuity can't hurt anything.

[Futtbuck]

Newb question (just getting back into comics after a 20 year hiatus)

-Jeph Loeb and Joe Madureria

What is the story with these guys? Are they coming over from DC? Is the apparent dislike simple fanboy hatred of those who are popular or are these guys really divisive choices? What else have they done?

[Bloodmage]

This could be good, Jeph Loeb is a great writer, and Joe Mad can churn out some badass character designs, so we'll see how it goes.

However, if I were going to put this team on any Marvel book, it'd be Exiles. Loeb's big on alternate realities, and Joe Mad would get to put his unique spin on almost every Marvel character.

Anyone else out there think that would be a good fit?

[funjoe]

Originally posted by Riliss
Joe Mad - ugh
Jeph Loeb - boring.

The Ultimates would suffer under them.

Maybe. On the other hand, Marvel's in a bit of a spot. They're faced with either trying to find someone to continue what Millar and Hitch have done so well for the past two volumes (and risk inevitable unfavorable comparisons) or go in a completely different direction.

If this is in fact the new team it'll be quite a jarring change. I'd certainly be willing to give it a shot though. I remember loving X-Men when Joe Mad was drawing it (I haven't re-read them lately so I don't know if it hold up though).

[Tiger47]

I really hope this is Cebulski just messing with us. While I don't mind Loeb, when he's not bashing Marvel, and I don't mind Mad, when he actually does work, I definitely thing they're the wrong choice for the Ultimates 3. With Mad's style the book would lose it's tone of realism and groundedness that has made the book so captivating. Ultimates is the only Ultimate ongoing I read, and if they are indeed the new time, my time with the book will probably be done once Millar and Hitch leave.

[bob_at_york]

Originally posted by Bloodmage
This could be good, Jeph Loeb is a great writer, and Joe Mad can churn out some badass character designs, so we'll see how it goes.

However, if I were going to put this team on any Marvel book, it'd be Exiles. Loeb's big on alternate realities, and Joe Mad would get to put his unique spin on almost every Marvel character.

Anyone else out there think that would be a good fit?

Good suggestion!

Now to try and answer Futtback's question:

Loeb has worked at DC quite a lot over the years. He has done numerous mini-series and he was the writer on Batman: Hush and Superman/Batman. I think he can be a fine writer, but I think this is the wrong book.

MAD - broke in at Marvel and worked on Uncanny X-Men. He then broke away to start his own studio at Image. But his creator owned book was constantly delayed and he disappeared from comics for awhile. This is essentially is comeback into comics.

[Grape Fruit]

when millar said it wasn't a team we would be expecting he wasn't freaking kidding. this seems like a bad idea. i hope i'm wrong.

[rob liefeld]

If Loeb and Mad are doing Ultimates v.3.....then sign me up for 10 copies baby!

I hope this is true as it will keep me interested in the title after Millar and Hitch excellent run concludes. I so don't want third rate Millar's and Hitch's taking the wheel with attempts at political intrigue and sub-standard photo realistic art. Millar and Hitch were tops and in many regards with what they do, untoppable.

Loeb and Mad would be for me and my pals, a peffect change of pace!

Lookin' forward to Wizard on Wed!

rob

[Michael X]

At least Marvel are taking a risk and trying something different, rather than to try to follow up by emulating Millar and Hitch.

[Patrick_Wedge]

Originally posted by Kusanagi
Mad on ultimates?

But the realistic feel of the art by Finch was one of the greatest things of this title.

Just for the record, Hitch was on art, not Finch.

[Lex]

Originally posted by MattBrady
Carlos Pacheco said that he loves the other Crisis on Multiple Earths team-ups between JLA and JSA and would love to do an annual that brings together the JLA, the JSA and the Authority. Berganza was enthusiastic about the idea.

Pacheco’s next (and last, for now) Green Lantern arc will feature Green Arrow and Mongul. With both Ethan Van Sciver and Pacheco leaving the series, the new artist has yet to be named.

Pacheco's leaving GL? Aw, man. I wasn't too sad about Van Sciver leaving... but Pacheco's art is one of the best parts of the new GL book. That makes me sad, but hopefully we'll get to see more Arrowsmith.

At other panels, Neal Adams and Maggie Thompson spent a fun hour telling stories from Neal’s past, including how he finally got DC to give him royalties for the new collections that are basically selling on Neal’s name and work, and how as soon as he got this new deal, he turned around and called Joe Kubert, so Joe can work out the same deal on the Sgt. Rock trades.

That was nice of him. Mr. Kubert deserves recognition for his awesome Sgt. Rock

[BanMan]

Nevermind

[Cyphon]

Originally posted by Lex
Pacheco's leaving GL? Aw, man. I wasn't too sad about Van Sciver leaving... but Pacheco's art is one of the best parts of the new GL book. That makes me sad, but hopefully we'll get to see more Arrowsmith.

Sorry, I could have been more clear on that. Pacheco was only signed on for six issues, sandwiched around the Van Sciver arc. So, he could come back, at this point he only knows that he signed on for six issues. I'd like to see more as well!

[bob_at_york]

Originally posted by Cyphon
Sorry, I could have been more clear on that. Pacheco was only signed on for six issues, sandwiched around the Van Sciver arc. So, he could come back, at this point he only knows that he signed on for six issues. I'd like to see more as well!

Hey Cyphon! Congrats on your reporting debut! Nice job!!

[jmarshall]

Originally posted by MattBrady
Pacheco’s next (and last, for now) Green Lantern arc will feature Green Arrow and Mongul. With both Ethan Van Sciver and Pacheco leaving the series, the new artist has yet to be named.

Jeebus, can't anybody stay on a series for any decent length anymore? THis one had TWO good artists and they're BOTH leaving? Thank god for people like Bagley, Risso, Wieringo, Maleev, etc. who can actually put work into a series for a good long chunk with little or no fill-ins.