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09-08-2007, 03:12 PM
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#1 |
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BALTIMORE COMIC-CON 07: DC NATION PANEL REPORT
 DC started their programming portion of the Baltimore Comic-Con on Saturday with the DC Nation panel, covering, well…a little bit of everything. The room was full of fans who at many times, were more than a little contentious with the panelists and DC Sr. VP and DCU Executive Editor Dan DiDio. DiDio opened the panel by thanking the crowd for coming to the panel, and expressing his hopes that everyone had enough water, as the panel was slated to run one hour and 45 minutes (which it ultimately did). He then introduced the panelists: Ran Marz, Jann Jones (newly promoted Sr. Coordinating Editor), Sean McKeever, Jimmy Palmiotti, VP of Sales Bob Wayne, Kurt Busiek, and Jim Starlin whom DiDio described as “a man who likes to kill characters almost as much as I do.” DiDio also introduced assistant editor Adam Schlagman and DC’s newest staff member – Sr. Story editor Ian Sattler, both of whom were seated in the audience. DiDio gave the standard disclaimer and instructions for a DC Nation panel – saying that he wanted to keep it as interactive and as freewheeling as possible. Asking at the start who is reading Countdown, the room responded with lukeward applause. Breaking things down and asking by storyline, all of the storylines received middling applause and a handful of raised hands from the audience, and some fans expressing their likes among the stories. The panel moved into a free-flowing question and answer session. Asked if the Palmerverse was part of New Earth or some separate place outside of the “52 Earth” multiverse. DiDio explained that there are 52 earths, and then alternate dimensions within each universe, as well as alternate timelines and microverses within each. “Why put a number on the earths in the first place?” a fan asked. DiDio pointed out that the number of earths goes back to the final battle of 52 where Mr. Mind’s actions caused the 52 identical earths to change from one another. IN that vein, a fan then pointed out that the original Crisis seemingly simplified the DC Universe, and that 52 needlessly complicated things in their eyes. DiDio asked the crowd if they felt that the developments and 52 earths complicated tings, or allowed for more story potential. “More story potential” was heard over the din. Asked about the Challengers Beyond the Unknown one-shots that explore some of the various earths, Marz said that the purpose of the series of one-shots is that the characters serve as proxies for the readers – through the story, they investigate the world to see where they are, and how it’s different from the earth they know. Are there any series currently running that are set on another earth, unbeknownst to readers? DiDio: “No.” A fan said that they felt that smaller characters are being lost in the shuffle, and asked what’s going on with Cassandra Cain. DiDio joked that he couldn’t hear the question, and asked the person next to him to ask their question. The second fan said that they had the same question. “We’ve got a story coming up in Gotham Underground where she’ll be seen,” DiDio said. “Along with the Bat Family.” The “Titans Tomorrow” storyline, McKeever explained when asked, shows the Titans of the future of New Earth, not one of the 52 other earths. Asked to talk about the thought process that led to Bart Allen’s death, DiDio said that they always had the plan to bring Wally West back as the Flash, and that one of the thoughts was to drop the “multiple Flashes” in the DCU that had been running for a while, hence the collapsing of the Speed Force and one true Flash. The storylines in Flash and the JLA/JSA crossover began to converge, and “It’s one of those things that just happened,” DiDio said, saying that, to be true to the story that was being told, Bart had to die. “Then why does that seem to be where all your stories seem to go?” a fan asked. “Because herpes doesn’t sell comics like death does,” Palmiotti answered back. The fan then pointed out The Death of the New Gods slide that was up – “Death was already in the title, so I felt obliged,” Starlin joked. “It seems like there are other dramatic tools that you can use,” the fan responded. Didio asked if the fan felt this was a particular concern about a particular character, and the fan said that at this point, the deaths are “soap opera” deaths – that she doesn’t expect them to stay dead, “Thank you Jason Todd.” Vamping, Palmiotti pointed out, “But we have a fabulous wedding coming up,” noting the Green Arrow/Black Canary slide that was up. DiDio said that the fan does have a real concern, but it’s not being done randomly, saying that there were going to be four deaths and a wedding in 2007. Another fan pointed out that the fear that many fans had was the “Dallas fear” that characters would wake up and the “dead” characters would be back. DiDio thanks a fan who pointed out that death is an inherent risk of what the heroes do, and that, realistically more should be dead. Asked if fans will see the Earth-2 JSA DiDio’s answer was a clear “Yes.” When will we see the end of the Kryptonite story in Superman Confidential? Jones: The creators are working on it, and it will be out and put back into the series when it’s done. A new artist will be coming on board Flash very soon, replacing Daniel Acuna, DiDio and Jones confirmed. Asked if there was a chance to see the post Zero Hour Legion of Super-Heroes, DiDio reiterated that Jim Shooter would be joining the series with issue #37, and that there are many plans coming for the Legion’s anniversary next year. A fan asked DiDio to promise him that DC would not cancel Checkmate or Shadowpact, DiDio said that both series have a lot of fans in the offices, and have big things coming up; but then added that DC has a lot of books coming up next year, so it’s hard for him to say what will make it. Does DC have any plans to do DVD rom collections a la the Marvel collections? DiDio said that they don’t have any plans due to the fact that when DC has tried it, they have not sold very well. Manhunter will return when DC has enough scripts in to schedule it. Will Ollie survive his wedding, given that there are plenty of replacement “Green Arrows” running around the DC Universe a fan asked. DiDio asked Jones if Ollie was in the Wedding Planner, to which Jones replied with a yes. DiDio’s non-answer answer caused some murmurs among the crowd. There are no plans for Barry Allen coming up, DiDio said, noting that was the first time he answered the question about Barry correctly. When asked about Parallax and DC’s plans for him in the future, Busiek replied with a “Wait until you meet Perpendiculax.” “You’ve been just holding back, waiting to use that joke for a long time now, haven’t you?” Marz asked. DiDio added that the Parallax story is about Kyle, and that he’s a favorite character at DC, and they enjoy using him and plan to continue. Marz pointed out that he loved the fact that people refer to Kyle as “Kyle” rather than “the new Green Lantern” or by a hero’s name, showing that they really identify with the character. Palmiotti said that he has no plans whatsoever to put Jonah Hex into the Hex continuity, but maybe a one-shot might be cool, someday, but it would be completely unconnected to the regular series. Is there any chance for a Kurt Busiek team book? DiDio and Busiek made plans to talk about it on Monday. “We’ll get back to you,” DiDio said. How many characters realize that there are multiple earths? DiDio said that he’d like to think that it’s limited to the characters who were exposed to the idea of 52 earths at the end of 52, and those who have learned about it in Countdown. As a concept, the multiverse is being contained as best as possible to keep things accessible. Asked when Brad Meltzer would be coming back to DC, DiDio pointed out that Meltzer is busy with his next novel, and is working on Buffy for Dark Horse, but will be welcome back as soon as his schedule allows. Will we be seeing Earth-1 or any of its heroes in the next year? DiDio: “In the next year? No.” Are there plans for Jack Knight or an Absolute Starman? Wayne: “Will you see Starman available again in the future? I suspect you will, but the format isn’t set.” DiDio: “Will you see Jack Knight again? Defintely.” Asked about Jonah Hex’s upcoming artists, Palmiotti said that Russ Heath will draw #25, and for the foreseeable future, the series will stick with its “done in one” approach, which allows artists to jump on the series for an issue to try it out. Asked if he’ll bring elements similar to Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane into his work on Teen Titans, McKeever said that he won’t be going the full romance route at all, but he will be focusing on the characters, and focusing on the interactions between the characters. McKeever pointed out that DiDio is the oncoming editor for Teen Titans. “Basically he’s babysitting me,” McKeever joked. Busiek confirmed that Carlos Pacheco will be leaving Superman with issue #668, the finale of the “Camelot Falls” storyline. The writer added that the writers are currently framing plans for 2008, the 70th anniversary of the character. Coming up is “The Third Kryptonian,” followed by the debut of the new Insect Queen, and a major “earth(s) shaking” crossover between Superman and Action Comics. Asked if he has any more “cosmic” stories coming, DiDio said that they are talking with Jim Starlin about dong something, presumably after The Death of the New Gods, with Starlin hinting that it would be more Mystery in Space. Asked if DC would ever consider publishing extra-sized hardcovers a la Marvel HCs, Wayne said that readers will soon see announcements about more collections coming up in 2008. When asked about the possibility of an Infinity Inc. collected edition, Wayne asked the fans who would buy it to raise their hands – and not many hands went up. That’s the problem, Wayne said, there’s not that much demand. Will there be a new release date for the Captain Carrot Showcase edition? Wayne said that hopefully all will get new release dates, given that “we screwed up some stuff” and shouldn’t have announced them until we were sure everything was ready to go. Wayne said that it would be the second half of 2008 before the previously announced books would show up. Grant Morrison’s storyline in All-Star Superman will run for 12 issues, and the series will then move into standalone stories with various artists after that. Asked about the new writer for Robin – DiDio announced that, following the Ra’s Al Ghul storyline, Chuck Dixon would be returning to write the series. Look for a conversation with Dixon about his return coming later this afternoon. The prose story that Grant Morrison wrote in Batman starring the Joker was an aspect of the Joker, and a story and presentation that Morrison wanted to show, DiDio said, and it’s not related to the coming Dark Knight movie, or will necessarily be seen in frequent use in the DCU. Asked about other Warner Bro. properties, DiDio said that DC is working on another Space Ghost miniseries, as well as a Jonny Quest series. While published by DC, Static and Milestone are owned by Milestone, DiDio said, when asked about the characters showing up in the DCU, and while DC would like to use the characters, negotiations haven’t worked out to allow for the characters’ return. Although, Didio added that, in working with Dwayne McDuffie, he’s hopeful that there will be opportunities to work though the negotiations and bring the characters back into print. DiDio confirmed that Dwayne McDuffie will be bringing Firestorm to Justice League of America. Asked what the “big project” he was leaving Aquaman to tackle, Busiek said that the project has been delayed for a year, but is still in the works, still coming, and has, in fact, gotten bigger. The story elements from “The Lightning Saga” which seem to have been left hanging will be touched upon as part of the Legion’s anniversary next year. Peter Tomasi will write Nightwing after Marv Wolfman, and Scott McDaneil will not be teaming with Dixon on Robin. Are The Death of the New Gods or Final Crisis related to the ending of Seven Soldiers? According to DiDio, yes. Some elements from the ending of Seven Soldiers will play into the start of Final Crisis. Are there plans to put Nightwing with another DCU group since he’s off of the Outsiders? Wayne, “Maaaaybe.” The full Absolute Sandman collection will run four volumes, Wayne said. Volume 2 has been printed and is in transit now. For the final ten minutes of the panel, DiDio moved into the lightning round: Any Earth 26 (Captain Carrot’s earth) characters in Countdown: Arena? DiDio: Yes – Blue Beetle from Earth-26. Any progress on the Superboy lawsuit that can be discussed? Wayne: “No comment.” Any word on the Marv Wolfman/Gerorge Perez Teen Titans graphic novel? DiDio: It’s up to to when their schedule allows, but Perez is busy on Brave & Bold and has a big project coming up in 2008. Will the Watchmen movie allow for Watchmen merchandise? Wayne: Nothing ready to roll out now, but there will be something coming in 2009. Are the Amazons coming back? DiDio: The New Amazons are. Are there any future plans for the Wonder Twins? DiDio: None. Is Watchmen one of the 52 earths? DiDio: No. Are there more Legion, Flash or Justice League Archives coming? Wayne said that when you get up to the issues that can be affordably bought by collectors the demand for the Archive Editions goes down. It’s something that they’re working on. Did DiDio know that Bart Allen would die when Flash #1 came out last year? DiDio: I knew that he would be replaced. Where will Deathstroke be seen again? DiDio: The Green Arrow/Black Canary Wedding Special. Newsarama originally reported the villain in the last question to be "Despero," not Deathstroke. |
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09-08-2007, 03:22 PM
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#2 |
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Some interesting tidbits. Can't wait for Jack Knight to return!
Oh! And Chuck Dixon returning?! I hope he also returns to the Birds after Robin, or whenever McKeever decides to leave the title. |
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09-08-2007, 03:28 PM
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#3 |
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A new artist will be coming on board Flash very soon, replacing Daniel Acuna, DiDio and Jones confirmed.
Best news I've read in a long time...is it too much to hope that very soon means issue two?  |
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09-08-2007, 03:28 PM
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#4 |
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Alot of cool news from DC.
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09-08-2007, 03:29 PM
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#5 |
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it's nice to hear that attendees at Baltimore con, unlike from what i've heard at the other cons, aren't the blind dc fans that cheer everything they do and actually brought up their own concerns.
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09-08-2007, 03:29 PM
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#6 |
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Edited because aperently they fixed it or I imagined it.
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09-08-2007, 03:29 PM
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#7 | |
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Maybe Kolins? |
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09-08-2007, 03:30 PM
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#8 | |
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I agree - and I do think DC listens & tries to correct some of their mistakes. |
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09-08-2007, 03:33 PM
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#9 |
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I think the BC/GA Wedding Special is gonna fly under lots of people's radar. Looks like really big things are gonna be happening there.
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09-08-2007, 03:38 PM
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#10 | |
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Maybe. Winick is hit or miss with most fans but alot of fans like Amanda Conner's art & DC has been pushing the big event! |
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09-08-2007, 03:39 PM
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#11 | |
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Quote:
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09-08-2007, 03:39 PM
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#12 | |
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Oops. Guess I meant the JLA Wedding Special. |
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09-08-2007, 03:41 PM
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#13 |
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[quote=MattBrady
Asked if fans will see the Earth-2 JSA DiDio’s answer was a clear “Yes.” Manhunter will return when DC has enough scripts in to schedule it. Is there any chance for a Kurt Busiek team book? DiDio and Busiek made plans to talk about it on Monday. “We’ll get back to you,” DiDio said. Asked when Brad Meltzer would be coming back to DC, DiDio pointed out that Meltzer is busy with his next novel, and is working on Buffy for Dark Horse, but will be welcome back as soon as his schedule allows. Asked about Jonah Hex’s upcoming artists, Palmiotti said that Russ Heath will draw #25, and for the foreseeable future, the series will stick with its “done in one” approach, which allows artists to jump on the series for an issue to try it out. Asked if he has any more “cosmic” stories coming, DiDio said that they are talking with Jim Starlin about dong something, presumably after The Death of the New Gods, with Starlin hinting that it would be more Mystery in Space. Grant Morrison’s storyline in All-Star Superman will run for 12 issues, and the series will then move into standalone stories with various artists after that. Asked about the new writer for Robin – DiDio announced that, following the Ra’s Al Ghul storyline, Chuck Dixon would be returning to write the series. Look for a conversation with Dixon about his return coming later this afternoon. Asked about other Warner Bro. properties, DiDio said that DC is working on another Space Ghost miniseries, as well as a Jonny Quest series. DiDio confirmed that Dwayne McDuffie will be bringing Firestorm to Justice League of America. Asked what the “big project” he was leaving Aquaman to tackle, Busiek said that the project has been delayed for a year, but is still in the works, still coming, and has, in fact, gotten bigger. The story elements from “The Lightning Saga” which seem to have been left hanging will be touched upon as part of the Legion’s anniversary next year. Peter Tomasi will write Nightwing after Marv Wolfman, and Scott McDaneil will not be teaming with Dixon on Robin. Are The Death of the New Gods or Final Crisis related to the ending of Seven Soldiers? According to DiDio, yes. Some elements from the ending of Seven Soldiers will play into the start of Final Crisis. Any Earth 26 (Captain Carrot’s earth) characters in Countdown: Arena? DiDio: Yes – Blue Beetle from Earth-26. : It’s up to to when their schedule allows, but Perez is busy on Brave & Bold and has a big project coming up in 2008. Are the Amazons coming back? DiDio: The New Amazons are. Where will Despero be seen again? DiDio: The Green Arrow/Black Canary Wedding Special.[/QUOTE] All the above made me very very happy... But the stuff I bolded and italicized made me weak in the knees with sheer giddiness and unrestrained joy. |
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09-08-2007, 03:41 PM
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#14 |
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Firestorm in the JLA = AWESOME!!!!!!!!!
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09-08-2007, 03:48 PM
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#15 | |
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Really? What do you base that thought on? I can't see any evidence that DC does anything other than whatever the ____ THEY want. |
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09-08-2007, 03:48 PM
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#16 |
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Pacheco leaving Superman? Crap. I wonder who will replace him.
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09-08-2007, 03:48 PM
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#17 |
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Woohoo! Firestorm in the JLA!! And Dixon back on Robin? Awesome!!
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09-08-2007, 03:51 PM
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#18 |
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Maybe these transcripts always come out bad for DC compared to the Marvel panels, but a lot of these guys sound like assholes. Herpes doesnt sell comics like death does? DiDio "joking" and moving onto the next person for a question when asked about Batgirl? Just a lot of random responses that must be out of context or something because they sound really bad in print.
Concerning the All-Star Superman announcement. He says Grant Morrisons will go to 12 and then they will have rotating artists. Does that mean Morrison is staying after 12 and Quitly is leaving or does he mean Morrison is gone too and they are not ready to announce a new writer? |
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09-08-2007, 03:56 PM
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#19 | ||||
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Bulls**t. Quote:
..and giving an intelligent answer to a valid question takes more effort than dismissing it with sarcasm does. Quote:
Oh I'm sure there's nothing random about it. Afterall, you have that precious deathlist to refer to. Quote:
Is death and darkness the only aspect of reality you guys are familiar with? |
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09-08-2007, 03:59 PM
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#20 |
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Thew transcripts aren't as good as hearing it. DCComics.com has a few podcasts of panels like this, and they don't sound as assholey in them. Somethings just don't work in print, y'know?
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09-08-2007, 04:05 PM
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#21 | |
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Quote:
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09-08-2007, 04:06 PM
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#22 |
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It is great to hear that Firestorm will be joining the the JLA; I was thinking that he would some how join Infinity Inc.
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09-08-2007, 04:08 PM
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#23 |
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Good news about Firestorm in JLA!
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09-08-2007, 04:11 PM
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#24 | |
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I have been at cons & the DC panels "feel" more light hearted. Honestly it's the Marvel panels where the answers seem snarky. My daughter even noticed it this year at WW Philly. And after the panels the DC staff were more friendly to my daughter in answering some of her questions. Last edited by md62 : 09-08-2007 at 04:15 PM. |
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09-08-2007, 04:14 PM
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#25 | |
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Replacing Adam Kubert on Action with Gary Frank. Replacing Andy Kubert on Batman with Tony Daniel. Putting Gail Simone on Wonder Woman. Mark Waid on Flash. Trying to get the stupid delays on their books under control. I call these actions "fixing" mistakes. Last edited by md62 : 09-08-2007 at 04:16 PM. |
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