OEMING, ROSEMANN ON SPIDER-MAN/RED SONJA

[MattBrady]

Spider-Man/Red Sonja.

Oh, it’s real – a five issue miniseries starting in August from Marvel and Dynamite Entertainment, written by Mike Oeming, with art by Mel Rubi, starring Spider-Man, Red Sonja, Kulan Gath and the Eddie Brock Venom.

From the outset, it sounds like a fairly nutty idea - he’s a modern-day superhero, swinging through Manhattan. She’s a female warrior of the Hyborian Age, at home in a time a place where the fantastic was real.

Of course, also from the outset for longtime Marvel fans, it has a ring of déjà vu all over again.

We’ll let the Marvel editor of the project, Bill Rosemann explain that aspect.

“When you first hear the title it sounds crazy, but when I’ve mentioned the story to those who know their Marvel history, their eyes light up and they’re like, ‘Oh yeah! Spider-Man and Red Sonja met before – and then Spidey fought Kulan Gath in that cool Uncanny X-Men story!’ So Nick Barrucci of Dynamite, being a huge fan of those stories, approached Marvel about getting Spidey and Sonja back together again. Marvel, seeing how nice Marvel Zombies/Army of Darkness was working out, thought this would be a fun (and a surprisingly natural) follow-up. And when Tom Brevoort asked me to join him as the Marvel editorial consultants on it, I jumped at the chance, because like Nick, I have very fond memories of their previous encounters.”

For Oeming, the writer of Dynamite’s ongoing Red Sonja series, the attraction to the project was a simple one: “I get to write Spider-Man!!!” Though, according to Oeming, getting from point A (agreeing to do it) and point B (doing it) took a little while.

“Nick mentioned it to me, and asked if I wanted to do it, I said ‘sure,’ but I had so much other work both with Sonja and Powers and such, I didn’t really think of it, and I kept it out of my mind knowing that with negotiations and such, it could take forever to happen or not happen at all. Once we got the actual green light, my heart leapt out of my chest – not only do I get to write Spidey, but a Spidey/Red Sonja cross over! It all just added the pressure of making it work so it doesn’t come off silly in any way.”

And adding further to that pressure is that, as Rosemann said, there’s a precedent for these two characters meeting – not to mention that original story being done by two pretty top-notch creators: Marvel Team-Up #79, by Chris Claremont and John Byrne.

Oh – and add to that even more, this miniseries is in continuity, and builds on what’s come before.

“We’re all considering this an ‘in-continuity” story that not only occurs after and follows-up on the events of not only Marvel Team-Up #79, but also Uncanny X-Men #190 - #191 the instant classic by Chris Claremont and John Romita Jr. where Kulan Gath transformed Manhattan into a whacked-out version of Hyboria. It featured Spider-Man, the X-Men, the New Mutants, the Morlocks – Kulan crucified Spider-Man in it -- it blew my mind!”

And as for this story? Well, after pretty much having his way with the world in Red Sonja, Kulan Gath sets out to take another bite out of the Big Apple.

“Much like the original, this is about Kulan Gath trying to take over New York,” Oeming said. “He transforms it into a modern Hyboria, much like the Uncanny X-Men issues where he appeared. In the Team-Up issue, it was just Spidey, Sonja and Gath, but here we'll bring in all of Hyboria and a few classic Spidey villains ‘Hyborian style.’ At its heart, this is a love story between Spidey and Mary Jane, with Sonja stuck in the middle. I think that’s ultimately what makes this cross over work, is that its pretty character driven.”

Oh – and that one villain? Technically, according to Rosemann, for continuity watchers, yes, it will be Eddie Brock as venom, but that shouldn’t be taken as a signal that Brock is back in black.

“I’d say the specific time period is a few years ago – because we wanted to include the ‘I want to eat your brains’ Eddie Brock version of Venom.”

Okay, okay – let’s back the bus up here. Time for a little Kulan Gath 101 with Professor Rosemann.

First off, who is he?

“Kulan, a former pupil of Thoth-Amon and a follower of Set, is a power-hungry sorcerer who won’t rest until he’s killed all his enemies and rules all,” Rosemann said. “He’s battled countless heroes again and again in his quest for might. Recently, he returned to life in the pages of Red Sonja and has been causing the crimson-haired warrior all sorts of pain. His followers slaughtered Red Sonja’s family, so she won’t rest until his blood drips from her deadly blade.

“As for this time out, Kulan once again escapes from the necklace that had contained his spirit, and – since he’s one smart and sinister sorcerer – he’s going to prove that he’s learned from his prior defeats. He knows Spider-Man had a hand in defeating him before, so he’s going to target him right away – using a certain She-Devil with a sword!”

And over to Professor Oeming:

“Kulan Gath has found a way to punch into modern day New York once again, he magically transforms the land and the people, polarizing them into their best and worst aspects. In the past, its been established that Spider-Man is immune to this spell for some reason and Mary Jane has a spiritual connection to a very special sword wielded by Red Sonja.”

For even more on Kulan Gath and his previous Marvel history, click here

And how’s this all a…love story between Spider-Man and Mary Jane, as Oeming said?

Oh, that’s easy – Red Sonja is Mary Jane.

“As with the original story, Mary Jane is transformed into Sonja physically, while the actual Mary Jane is buried deep beneath somewhere in her soul, in danger of being lost forever,” Oeming said. “So its Spidey's job to get Sonja to realize she has this other person inside of her, to awaken MJ within Sonja.... not an easy nor safe task mind you. Eventually, Sonja will figure out what’s going on and she's going to have to make a choice about Mary Jane, one that might cost her her life.... or not, because Sonja is a survivor!”

A survivor for whom, a sudden move to modern-day New York ain’t no great shakes.

“Sonja rolls with the punches,” Oeming said. “It’s hard to vex this woman, and if she is, she won’t show it. She's very focused. She and Spidey do not get along. Once they are forced to fight together, it’s difficult for Sonja to take Spidey seriously because he tends to fight with his tongue as much as Sonja does with her sword!

“But Spider-Man – he can be shaken, and that’s the fun of it. He speaks for the reader, but, he's quick to recover, and his wits keep him centered. And as for his memories about encountering these characters before, blame magic - his past memories are clouded.”

Don’t let Oeming’s initial comments about Spider-Man fool you, though – as the writer himself admitted, he was wigged out when the prospect originally came up.

“When I sat down to do this thing, I called [Brian] Bendis and said, ‘Holy shit, man, I’m writing Spider-Man, what do I do?’ I asked him to read the opening scene for me which had to be a classic Spider-Man fights street thugs scene, and yet it still needs to be special. He liked it and gave me some pointers that I wont reveal - but they were a big help and I have to say, I’m loving writing Spider-Man. Peter Parker is the best, I’d love to play with the character again, especially as a writer. Drawing those webs are a pain!”

And end of the day? What will this miniseries mean for the two?

Rosemann: “Hopefully the story will add yet another fun chapter to their long list of adventures, and like I said, we’re considering this ‘in-continuity’ – so it counts! Our goal is to produce an action-packed and dramatic tale that stands alongside their classic prior meetings. If we can entertain the readers who dug those tales, then we’ve done our job. It’s a high goal to reach for, but both characters and the readers deserve the very best.”

Oeming: “For Red Sonja, you can bet we’re going to see more of the fallout from this story in her own ongoing series.”

[Nobody]

If that art is from the book, looks nice. May get this.

[manou]

Wow, seriously? It reminds me of X-men/Star Trek or Punisher/Archie...

[tiso_spencer]

Seriously what type of thinking goes into a meeting like this? I mean how the hell can people just come up with this crap without breaking a sweat or laughing at the absurdity of it?

[Gladiator X]

Sweet!

As a Marvel Zombie that is totally diggin' the new Red Sonja series this is definitely somethin' I'm gettin'!

[xdemon]

Sounds like fun!

I hope Marvel reprints Marvel Team-Up #79 and Uncanny X-Men #190 - #191 prior to the mini.

[MattBrady]

Originally Posted by tiso_spencer

Seriously what type of thinking goes into a meeting like this? I mean how the hell can people just come up with this crap without breaking a sweat or laughing at the absurdity of it?

probably that there's (fondly remembered) historical precedent for it, as mentioned in the article.

MattB

[tiso_spencer]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

probably that there's (fondly remembered) historical precedent for it, as mentioned in the article.

MattB

So what? That does not make it any less stupid of an idea to do.

[Scorned1]

Originally Posted by manou

Wow, seriously? It reminds me of X-men/Star Trek or Punisher/Archie...

well then you better go back under the bed my friend because from now till the end of summer you'll see alot of crappy team-up books coming like a storm. One of which are Avengers/Transformers and Witchblade/Dorian Gray.

[LIEFELDISGOD]

Not the first time this has happened, so there is some tradition about it.

[MrGreenGenes]

Is this the extra Marvel preview we were supposed to get today, or is this Spider-Man/Red Sonja thing something else entirely?

[MattBrady]

Originally Posted by tiso_spencer

So what? That does not make it any less stupid of an idea to do.

when you run the entire comic book industry, you can make the call. good luck with that.

MattB

[MattBrady]

Originally Posted by MrGreenGenes

Is this the extra Marvel preview we were supposed to get today, or is this Spider-Man/Red Sonja thing something else entirely?

there's another one coming...

MattB

[LaughingJak]

The goofiness of the idea with modern sensabilities - this could be a really great time! (and that art sure is purty...)

[tiso_spencer]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

when you run the entire comic book industry, you can make the call. good luck with that.

MattB

I would hate to run the entire comic book industry when we get dumb retarded ideas like this from people who are supposed to have at least some form of common sense. This is the type of crap that breeds garbage like:

Avengers/Transformers
Superman/Batman vs. Aliens/Predator

I am all for team-ups, that actually make sense. It was the 70s, anything you put in a comic could have gotten away with. This is 2007, why are we still having dumb ideas like this? It is like the same crap when there has to some stupid teen movie every year.

[MrGreenGenes]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

there's another one coming...

MattB

Oh, okay. Thanks.

[MattBrady]

Originally Posted by tiso_spencer

I am all for team-ups, that actually make sense. It was the 70s, anything you put in a comic could have gotten away with. This is 2007, why are we still having dumb ideas like this? It is like the same crap when there has to some stupid teen movie every year.

y'know, it's your opinion. you've got it, you're holding onto it tightly, so I'll just let it go. Buy what you enjoy. Others will do the same. The existence of things you don't (or have prejudged that you won't) will always continue. Such is life.

MattB

[Nobody]

Originally Posted by manou

Wow, seriously? It reminds me of X-men/Star Trek or Punisher/Archie...

Punisher/Archie is one of the greatest comics ever printed.

[skeletorjr]

Originally Posted by tiso_spencer

So what? That does not make it any less stupid of an idea to do.

Please calm down. Are you ever not furious about something? Good grief, relax, they're comic books. If you're going to get this worked up over something you should pick a new hobby.

[Supreme Convoy]

Ya know... Michael Turner does one hell of a Venom...

[Snowspinner]

Originally Posted by tiso_spencer

So what? That does not make it any less stupid of an idea to do.

Dude. We read picture books about men who run around in their underwear fighting crime.

[michaelman9]

covers look great, story seems like fun, i'll at least give it a look

I love that they keep mentioning "in continuity" as if (and often time true) they want people to feel as if it "matters" it'll be fun either way.

[kalorama]

The original MTU issue featuring the two was a classic. But the very thing that made it work and fun to read, namely the sheer absurdity of the idea, makes me wonder if they'll be able to sustain the concept for the entirety of a multi-issue mini. No harm in trying, though. if it works it'll be a fun thing. If not, who does it hurt?

[Bird Flu Man]

Sounds great, especially the "in continuity" part!

But I'm really looking forward to "classic Spidey villains ‘Hyborian style.'"

[tiso_spencer]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

y'know, it's your opinion. you've got it, you're holding onto it tightly, so I'll just let it go. Buy what you enjoy. Others will do the same. The existence of things you don't (or have prejudged that you won't) will always continue. Such is life.

MattB

I do not care if is an opinion or not, it is still a stupid idea. For starters, this being an "in-continuity" story already tells me that I have to at least acknowledge it since I do buy Red Sonja to begin with, both old and new series. This is the type of nonsense that will keep being green lighted because people will continue to mindlessly buy anything that has their favorite character on it. You want to know why crappy comics continue to be made, yet stellar books, books that no one ever hears about because they are canned before their time always seem to go? Because people buy this crap over them.