BALTIMORE '07: LIFE AFTER WORLD WAR HULK: PANICCIA, PAK, & LOEB TALK

[MattBrady]

The World War may not be over just yet for the Hulk, but Marvel’s already looking ahead and the Hulk to come. And, as revealed at the Diamond Retailer Seminar tonight – apparently that Hulk to come is part…red? And by the creative team of Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness? And at the same time, Greg Pak isn’t leaving the book.

Huh?

We spoke with Pak, Editor Mark Paniccia, and Loeb to (try to) figure out more.

Newsarama: First off - you've got World War Hulk ending in October...but yet, the world keeps spinning. For both of you, does working in this market's specific conditions (Previews tells us that the Marvel Universe and its heroes are still around in October and beyond...) hamper the visceral impact that you can effectively convey in a story? Or is that a sacrifice that's already assumed in episodic, shared-universe fiction and you just make the best of it as you go?

Mark Paniccia: Editorially speaking, I’m going to say it’s the challenge of a shared universe. And every one of these challenges can be solved with the right amount of imagination—which, thanks to the creative teams involved, there’s no shortage of.

Greg Pak: Right – and while it might be possible to infer certain information about the end of World War Hulk from post-October solicitations -- but rest assured, no one on the outside has spoiled the shocking ending of the series or has any idea of its insane ramifications.

NRAMA: That said though, in November, you've got Hulk: Aftersmash. Greg - broad strokes, what's this issue about?

GP: The Aftersmash one-shot follows a number of key heroes as they grapple with the fallout of World War Hulk in the dangerous ruins of Manhattan. It's a mini-epic of emotion and action with three intertwined stories exploring questions of rage, revenge, and responsibility. And it sets up major turning points for several key characters that will launch them into several new Aftersmash miniseries over the following months.

NRAMA: The one-shot’s solicitation lists the Warbound, the Renegades, Heroes for Hire, Iron Man, Tom Foster, and Damage Control as players. Of the characters listed in the solicitation, who's been most affected by the events of WWH?

GP: Bill Foster's nephew Tom, Heroes for Hire's Misty Knight, and the Warbound's Elloe Kaifi. None of these characters will be the same by the end of the Aftersmash one-shot.

NRAMA: And also in all of this follow-up, there's Warbound - a five issue miniseries. Was this always in the plan from the start of WWH and Planet Hulk, to spin these characters off into their own project?

GP: It was always the hope. From the early days of Planet Hulk, Mark and I talked about how awesome it would be to have the chance to cut these characters loose on Planet Earth some day. So many, many thanks to the readers and reviewers and retailers whose support of Planet Hulk and World War Hulk has made the Warbound mini possible.

NRAMA: Any hints as to who makes it to Warbound? Are all of the members still with the group following WWH?

GP: At least one member won't make it to the mini. And at least one of those who does won't be all in one piece. It ain't easy being one of the Warbound -- should be interesting to see who actually makes it through the mini!

NRAMA: So where does this miniseries take place, and who else might readers see in it?

GP: The series takes place in an location essential to the Hulk mythos and features one of the Hulk's deadliest opponents -- and one of his most beloved former allies. The series will provide major pay-offs for certain elements seeded in the Incredible Hulk comic while setting up some critical elements for upcoming stories. At the same time, it's a self-contained story that anyone can pick up and enjoy -- fans of Planet Hulk in particular should dig Warbound's crazy mix of savage sci fi hijinks and high stakes heroic adventure.

NRAMA: Mark - in your eyes, what's responsible for the expansion of the WWH storyline post-WWH?

MP: The readers and retailers, of course! While Greg and I knew there would be all kinds of cool stories and characters to play with after this event, the success of Planet Hulk and World War Hulk has made it possible to further explore the post-WWH world. So a whopping big thanks to everyone who supported the book!

NRAMA: And over to the main series - we've gotten word (and image) that Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness are on Incredible Hulk, but also, that Greg and Carlo aren't leaving. What th-? Any explanations?

GP: A major expansion of the Hulk mythos is in the works. Two monumental stories are on their way that no Marvel fan will want to miss. I'll say no more.

NRAMA: Mark?

MP: You’ll have to wait and see. Jeph and Ed have been jonesing to do a Hulk-related story for a while now and this was the perfect time to challenge these guys and show just why they’re two of the top creators in the industry. Greg and Carlo have a different story to tell, and I think both of these projects are going to be biggest things to come out the Hulk mythos in decades. That’s saying a lot because Planet Hulk and WWH were huge for us, putting the character back on the map and making it a top ten book. 2008 will be a great time to be a Hulk fan. Trust me!

(Newsarama Note: We’re adding Jeph Loeb into the conversation now)

NRAMA: Okay, Jeph, it’s already been revealed you and Ed McGuinness were doing a run on the Hulk, now we know it will be post World War Hulk. Can we assume it will be immediately following that storyline?

Jeph Loeb: [chuckles] I don't think we can assume anything. We don't even know if there is a Post World War Hulk. So what's our book about? The Hulk. Maybe that'll be the title, The Incredibly Vague Hulk. I can tell you that this is the culmination of a lot of the stuff we talked about in Los Angeles at the beginning of the year. And yes, the Watcher will get punched out.

In terms of how long, this is the book that McGuinness was born to draw. We've talked about
staying on for a long time -- he's very involved in the storytelling - or so he thinks! [laughs]
So, we're never at a loss for this twist or that turn.

NRAMA: And it’s fallout from WWH, at least?

JL: It absolutely is a direct result of what happens at the end of WWH.

NRAMA: So we’ve asked them and gotten not much, but according to Marvel, Greg’s not off of Hulk either, coming up…how’s this going to work?

JL: Yeah. How about that? Grek (as we like to call him) has just so planted a flag on the Hulk with Planet Hulk and World War Hulk that there had to be a way for him to continue. What those guys have in mind -- incredibly cool.

NRAMA: Can we assume your story has something to do with the teaser image showing a half green and half red Hulk?

JL: I wouldn't assume anything, Pal. It'll just make an ASS out of U and ME. How awful is that joke?

NRAMA: Very. Red – as opposed to green – has traditionally been the color to illustrate someone in state of rage. And looking at the picture, it does appear the left (red) side Hulk seems even “angrier” than usual. Can readers speculate that we may be looking at a new incarnation/evolution of the Hulk? And even angrier version than ever before?

JL: I wouldn't speculate on anything. It'll just make a ... um... that doesn't work does it? Look, all I can say is that it'll be unexpected. I'm sure the guys online will speculate all sorts of things, but the one that is the answer is pretty far out there. Some people would even say it's a mystery.

NRAMA: In the past, the Hulk has also “split” personas – the Hulk and Bruce Banner has existed separately from one another for periods – how literally should readers take the image? Is that the same Hulk we’re looking at, or two distinct Hulk, which might make some sense if indeed two different creative teams will be working with the character?

JL: I believe that is you speculating. Good!

NRAMA: There is also buzz of the/a Hulk going off-world again at the conclusion of WWH. Any light you can shed on that?

JL: Love Buzz. I'm not being very helpful am I?

NRAMA: Not particularly, no.

JL: Part of this is because WWH isn't done yet. So I can't spill the beans until the beans are...ummm... what was that "assume" joke again?

NRAMA: Whatever you’re doing, any clues for readers where you can take the Hulk from here? World War Hulk seems like a climax, a plateau for the character. How do you give readers a satisfying conclusion to that story but still up the ante in a continuing story..?

JL: How does a murder sound? And maybe the least expected detective you can imagine. Okay, maybe not you can imagine. It's not a chimp.

There'll be more to say soon.

NRAMA: Back to you Greg - you've made no secret in the fact that WWH was Act II of a three-act story. When does Act III proper get rolling? Are we moving directly to it a la Planet Hulk to WWH, or is there a break?

GP: Act III is the story that Carlo and I are collaborating on. It'll launch some time in early 2008, after the four issue Incredible Hulk arc I'm co-writing with the brilliant Fred Van Lente. And it will be awesome.

NRAMA: Mark - in as much detail as you can, could you sketch out how far and wide the Hulk-verse will be reaching in the immediate future? We’ve just got a lot of info here, so can you roadmap it out for us?

MP: Sure - Aftersmash sets up three titles that will spin from WWH. One, as you know is Warbound which is five issues and tells the tale of the Hulk’s surviving alien allies. It’s firmly entrenched in the Hulk mythos but will be accessible to all comics readers. While I can’t say much about the other two un-announced titles, I can say that one deals with Goliath’s nephew, Tom Foster and the rebuilding of NYC while the other deals with Misty Knight’s new team (featuring a familiar character from Planet Hulk and World War Hulk).

Incredible Hulk #112 through #115 will bridge the gap between the end of the WWH event and Jeph and Ed’s book. Co-writers Greg Pak and Fred (Super-Villain Team-Up) Van Lente take the title in a direction you wouldn’t expect and all I can say is if you enjoyed the Incredible Hulk tie-ins you’ll love these four issues. Khoi Pham’s art is out of this world.

Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness’s project gives us an action-packed mystery that I can’t tell too much about except it’s scheduled as an ongoing.

And Greg and Carlo’s project, the third chapter of the overall epic that includes Planet Hulk and World War Hulk will start early next year and is currently scheduled for 12 issues.

Hold on tight! If you thought 2007 was sumpthin’, wait till you see what’s coming. 2008 is going to be a great year to be a Hulk fan!

[Somebody]

Wasn't the Loeb/McGuiness thing announced as a "Hulk: The Strongest One There Is" mini yoinks back?

[btjs]

Superman Red and Superman Blue!

[lpjunior]

A WORLD WAR HULK CHRISTMAS!

Someone HAD to. C'mon.

[Ms.Raygun]

the guy who did the 70s Hulk series wanted to turn him red for the same logic. Stan Lee vetoed that idea.


as for Loeb... UGH. Hulk: Grey was one of the worst takes on the Hulk ever, he just didnt get the character at all.

[RedRonin]

Red Hulk? At least McGuiness will make it look good, but with Loeb at the helm and judging by his latest output, I can't say this excites me.

[skl183]

hey another shade of hulk....and we have a symbiote invasion. What next Cable's grandfather is actually Professor-X?

[President Kang]

Why is Pak being moved off Hulk onto a spinoff title for Act 3 when the storyline has clearly been about Planet Hulk / World War Hulk for over a year now? Weak sauce. Put Loeb on the spinoff title. Bo-urns.

[Kent Horton]

So is Misty leaving H4H, or is H4H being canceled? I'll be a bit sad if it's canceled.

[cernunnos]

Damn! Marvel's trying to take all my hard-earned chump change!

[BubbaKanoosh]

Times like this I wish they brought back Mr. Fixit...

[Nobody]

So, how does this affect Ultimates 4? (Gettin' it outta the way).

Or is this ongoing in the vein of one arc before a new team comes one?

[AlanScott]

I liked Planet Hulk and am liking World War Hulk. However, I am feeling a little Hulked out. I think I'll check out the Pak thing just to see the end of the three part tale.

[Gamma Charge]

Loeb on an ongoing? Oh God. The writer that I make a point of avoiding more than any other writing my favorite character. After dropping Hulk because of Jones' run I've been loving what Pak has been doing. He could easily pass even PAD on my all-time favorite Hulk writers list if the quality stays high through until the end of Act III... but Loeb. GAH!

[GohanWinner]

uh...

I'm trying to think positive. But I'm having trouble. A Red hulk sounds lame.

[NedPepper]

:wanders into this thread:

Oh, it's the Hulk. I'm sorry. I have to bitch about the X-Men.

And in seriousness, not really all that excited about any of this. But at least Pak is hanging around Hulk. That's good for Hulk fans...right?


I'm gonna leave now.

[d1jenkin]

Originally Posted by President Kang

Why is Pak being moved off Hulk onto a spinoff title for Act 3 when the storyline has clearly been about Planet Hulk / World War Hulk for over a year now? Weak sauce. Put Loeb on the spinoff title. Bo-urns.

Im pretty sure they said loeb/mcGuinness is going to be the spin off book, Pak's act III should stll be taking place in incredible hulk...

And yeah

Hulk Red and Hulk Green... this is already skating the edge of reason, hope Loeb doesnt pull a wolverine mixed with the worst superman idea ever...

[Kid Q]

Originally Posted by President Kang

Why is Pak being moved off Hulk onto a spinoff title for Act 3 when the storyline has clearly been about Planet Hulk / World War Hulk for over a year now? Weak sauce. Put Loeb on the spinoff title. Bo-urns.

Totally agree with you. I just got used to buying The Hulk on a regular basis (due to Pak's consistenly great work) and now I need to drop the main book and look for a mini? This is not the way to encourage loyalty to a continuing series. Well, at least we are getting more Pak Hulk.

[Uchiha_Prodigy]

Aftersmash is such a stupid stupid name

[ascloseasme]

I feel like The Defenders will be making a return to the MU very soon.

Misty Knight, Hercules, Amadeus Cho... They're all just kind of drifting around as "will be showing up somewhere."

Maybe it's a stretch, but I wouldn't rule it out.

[musclebound]

As Amadeus Cho recently said, "chillax". Marvel knows better than to take Pak off of a title he has single-handedly revived and made into a buzzworthy book. I think he might deserve a break. I think he's earned it. Loeb is just getting started over at Marvel on his exclusive. Don't rush to judgement. Anything that keeps the Incredible Hulk in the perpetual spotlight is for the best.

[KirkWarren]

Loeb. I wonder if we took donations to a Buy Out Loeb's Contract fund would Marvel buy him out with the money we collect and ban him from ever writing another Marvel book again. At least I get to drop Hulk from my pull list. Jeph Loeb, saving me money one book at a time.

[shadowchaser]

i'm happy Ed will be drawing the hulk, but i have no faith in Loeb after that horrendous Wolverine arc

[SanctumComix]

Uh... couldn't the HULK turn RED because he sort of BECAME the RED KING?

(set up an arena, kills everyone (or wants to, anyway), rage and vengeance... any of this making sense?)


Whether it was a visual metaphor or an actual split personality of HULK / RED KING... that could be a valid theory.

Just sayin'.


~P~
P-TOR

[johnny.blaze]

This is really cool. I actually like the idea of powering up the hulk some more (!!!). I remember in some interviews, Pak said after WWh we'd see the true color of anger. Very Cool.

Ed Mcguin on Hulk is awesome. LOVED those WWH/X-men Covers.