FRANK CHO: ON LEAVING THE MIGHTY AVENGERS

[MattBrady]

by Benjamin Ong Pang Kean

It is true. Award winning and fan favorite artist Frank Cho is leaving Mighty Avengers.

In a post on his Apes and Babes message boards, Cho revealed that “After the Mighty Avengers #6, I'll be jumping straight to Mighty Avengers Annual #1 (and Liberty Meadows #38).

”Nothing is finalized but that's the general schedule.”

He later added that “I, too, am disappointed with my speed on this series. I learned the hard way that I'm not a solid 6 week guy anymore and drawing a team book is like drawing two books a month due to the copious amount of figures that I have to draw in multiple panels in every page.

”It's weird the more I draw comics the more self-conscious I get about the quality of my drawing, thus slower I get.

”My original goal was to stay on Mighty Avengers for the long run but with my tardiness I was hurting all the books that are tied in with Mighty Avengers. So I pulled myself out.

”Don't know what my plans are with Mighty Avengers after my 6 issue run. My editors and I are looking into Mighty Avengers stories with flexible deadlines, such as Mighty Avengers Annual #1.”

The creative team of high profile creator and New Avengers writer Brian Bendis and Cho on Mighty Avengers was officially announced at last year’s Comic-Con International in San Diego.

Last December, we sat down with Cho for a two-part interview (click here and here) prior to the debut of the first Mighty Avengers issue in March this year.

In April, Bendis revealed to all that long-time Ultimate Spider-Man artist Mark Bagley was joining the book for the second arc to allow Cho to take a break and play catch-up.

And for those who’ve read the solicitations for December, Bagley is indeed drawing issue #7 of Mighty Avengers.

So, what happens next? We’ll keep you posted on the latest developments and announcements as and when we have any.

For now, we checked in with Cho to discuss about his decision to bid farewell to the Mighty Avengers gang, and his big plans for next year.

Newsarama: Okay, you'd said that you're not happy with how it's all turned out. The book is not monthly. You thought you could work on a 6 week schedule per issue, right? Bendis and you talked about doing this as an ongoing on a monthly basis back when this series was first announced.

Frank Cho: There were many factors that led to this point which I’ll elaborate later. To put it simply, I wasn’t fast enough.

NRAMA: When you first started with Mighty Avengers, how many issues did you initially sign up to do per year?

FC: It wasn’t that kind of a deal. I was on board as long as I could keep up the workload and was happy. I could leave any time. Tom Breevort and Brian have been very generous and patient with me.

NRAMA: In saying that, do you now have to "compensate" by providing covers for some of Marvel's titles?

FC: “Compensate” isn’t the right word. I haven’t really talked with Tom and Brian about it but I would like to be the cover artist on Mighty Avengers for a spell while I recharge my batteries.

NRAMA: What's the most challenging thing for you with Mighty Avengers? Okay, Mighty Avengers is your first ongoing team super-hero comic book project, right? The two issues of New Avengers didn't count, right?

FC: There are two major challenges for me doing the Mighty Avengers: 1) Too much to draw and 2) mismanagement of my time. Brian wrote some of the most exciting scripts I’ve read in years. His scripts were wonderful. Tons of action and intrigue. Army of Iron Men fighting Avengers in grand aerial combat. City blocks getting leveled. Sweeping cityscape visuals amongst the chaos. They were awesome scripts. The downside was that I had to draw them all.

NRAMA: But how long did you take to finish the two New Avengers issues back then?

FC: Roughly 6 weeks each.

NRAMA: What's it like to be working with Bendis? He turns in his scripts pretty fast, I reckon?

FC: Brian has been wonderful. Very receptive to my ideas and accommodating to my schedule. Not only is he a great writer but a good egg all around. Brian had those scripts written way in advance. Script to issue #6 was done back in February.

NRAMA: Did you enjoy illustrating Ms. Marvel, Ares and the others?

FC: Yes, very much so. Ares and Ms Marvel are two of my favorite characters in the Marvel universe right now.

NRAMA: So, what issue are you on right now?

FC: I’m currently drawing issue #6 right now. Knock on wood.

Going back to the speed factor for second, lot of people doesn’t know that I actually took about 3 months off to do the Liberty Meadows animated show treatment which we’re still in negotiation. You have to remember I was writing and drawing Liberty Meadows daily comic strips for 5 years before I broke into comic book industry. I was very confidant of my drawing speed and thought I could easily make up the lost time.

But I didn’t factor in the outside projects that constantly sidetracked me and my family life. I have two young daughters. When they get sick or the Daycare is closed for whatever reason, to put it bluntly, I don’t work that day. It’s funny all these factors all happened like the perfect storm on this Avengers run.

NRAMA: Mighty Avengers #6 would be your last issue before you jump straight to the Annual?

FC: That’s correct. Nothing is finalized but that’s the general consensus.

NRAMA: Will the sixth issue be the end of the first arc? Or will it spill over to the Annual?

FC: Mighty Avengers #6 will be the end of the first story arc, and no, it will not spill over to the Annual. As far as I know, the Mighty Avengers Annual will be a stand alone story.

NRAMA: At this point in time, what's the deadline for the Annual? When is it supposed to be due in stores?

FC: It’s not on the schedule. Brian and I are batting around ideas. I think Brian has a story in mind but nothing is on paper right now.

NRAMA: You posted on your boards that after Mighty Avengers, you and the editors are discussing about more Mighty Avengers projects, but with more flexible deadlines? So, there's hope for more Avengers from you then?

FC: Definitely. I would love to do a Ms. Marvel spin-off story.

NRAMA: Since you mentioned Ms. Marvel as a possible project that you'd like to tackle, what ideas do you have for the character (and the spin-off project)?

FC: Ms. Marvel versus the Brood hive.

NRAMA: Would the idea of you doing shorter arcs on, say, Amazing Spider-Man with “Brand New Day” and such appeal to you more post-Mighty Avengers?

FC: Yeah. My goal right now is to stick with mini-series and stand alone fill-in issues.

NRAMA: You are still exclusive to Marvel, right?

FC: Correct. I’m Marvel exclusive for another 5 months, until March of 2008.

NRAMA: So, for the foreseeable/immediate future, what game plan do you have to get yourself up to speed with your work?

FC: My game plan is to finish up all the outside projects so that I can solely focus on the next comic project without distraction.

NRAMA: How do you hope to evolve as an illustrator? Would you consider doing monthly/bi-monthly books again? Draw a few issues, stockpile them before the first official announcement?

FC: I’m pretty beaten up by my fumbling of Mighty Avengers schedule. So I’ll stay away from monthly books for awhile. My general game plan is to focus, work and stock-pile the issues and launch them when it’s 90% finished. I’m actually doing that right now with my outside creator-owned projects. Look for couple of big announcements next year.

NRAMA: You're a writer yourself. Obviously, to write and draw a comic book all by yourself would take longer. Take Shanna for example, although that was also due to the fact that you had to re-draw some pages. Anyway, where do you think you're heading as a writer?

FC: I’m hoping and planning on launching various projects as a writer and writer-artist. Some long term and some short term. You have to understand, I have a drawer full of story ideas and notes that I’ve been jotting down since college. I have about 5 projects that are in various stages of development. 2 of them are ready to launch next year.

NRAMA: Got it. You would still very much like to write and draw.

FC: Yes. That’s the only way I write. I scribble notes as I doodle. If you look at my story notes there are bunch of scribbles that accompany the notes.

I’m comfortable with my dual path as a writer and as an illustrator. I’ve always trusted my gut instinct and it has treated me well. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Eventually when I retire from the rat race, I would like to concentrate on my oil paintings. But for now, I’m happy as a writer-artist creator.

NRAMA: Wrapping things up – plans after March 08? You did mention you’ve got at least two projects “ready to launch” next year…

FC: 2008 and 2009 will be pretty big for me since if everything goes to plan, I’ll be launching 2 creator-owned projects with a third project not too far behind. First is a daily humor web-strip that I’m co-writing with Aaron Williams and I’ll be illustrating. We designing and building up the website as we speak. Look for a big announcement next summer. Second project is called Dragon Line, a fantasy story that I’m writing and drawing. It’s going to be a mini-series. Plus don’t forget I have Liberty Meadows to wrap up.

[Dragavon]

Really, really sorry to read this news. Loved Frank's work on MA, and I would have wanted a much longer run.

[Crump's Brother]

Very sad news, but Frank Cho sounds like a stand-up guy and was willing to do what was best for the fans and for the book.

I love Liberty Meadows and cannot wait for that book to hopefully get on some sort of track.

[TheJerkle]

Maybe Cho could draw a Ms. Marvel Annual

[TheGrayHulk]

It's a shame. Cho's one of the main reasons I like this series. I'm gonna miss all his gratuitous butt shots.

[Ace]

I'm pretty sure Brian Reed would be happy to have a nice Cho-sized boost of sales on Ms. Marvel.

[Steve Magnum]

I must be the only person who's happy that he's leaving the Avengers title. That's not to say that I hate is work. Just the opposite. I love his art style. But I'm thrilled that he's leaving Avengers because now maybe (if things go according to plan) we'll get some more Liberty Meadows. Plus, Dragon Line and the webcomic sound cool! I can't wait to see him illustrate those. This is gonna be awesome!

[Edogawa1983]

he is still drawing issue 6... eck.. I don't think Mighty Avenger can suffer more delays..

[Edogawa1983]

I think what Frank should do is do covers for Ms Marvel, and both Avenger titles..
also do annual for MA and Ms Marvel.

[ElijahSnowFan]

It was a beautiful book, and i'm sad he's leaving -- i rarely say that, because i really don't like it when books are late.

but Jesus, the way he drew the Sentry...he made me see something in the character i never saw before. that's powerful art, and while i'll be happy to read more of the book, i have to say i wish he was able to stay and do it.

[SpyGuy]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

In April, Bendis revealed to all that long-time Ultimate Spider-Man artist Mark Bagley was joining the book for the second arc to allow Cho to take a break and play catch-up.

You know, Mark Bagley's so fast, it wouldn't surprise me if he was already done with issue #12. He's the Anti-Bryan Hitch.

[Super Skrull]

Originally Posted by ElijahSnowFan

but Jesus, the way he drew the Sentry...he made me see something in the character i never saw before. that's powerful art,

Yeah, he does have a nice butt

[Capt_Piett]

Looks like Cho got in a dig at DC's Wonder Woman with his comment about #6 being the conclusion of the first arc and that it won't continue in the annual. Heh.

[ElijahSnowFan]

oh, Dear Lord, i just took a close look at those thumbnail pages...wow. just...wow.

i am REALLY gonna miss Cho on this book.

wow.

[Stormbreaker]

This is mixed news. He's a wonderful artist, and his style definitely fit with the tone of Mighty Avengers; however, as he readily admits, his schedule was, to be kind, not good. He showed a lot of class and character being able to admit his shortcoming and step down for the sake of the fans. I look forward to the annual. So i don't imagine we have a release date for MA #6?

[grphxkindaguy]

Originally Posted by TheGrayHulk

It's a shame. Cho's one of the main reasons I like this series.

Cho was the ONLY reason I was buying the book (same for McNiven on NA). Cool, just saved another $3 a month...

[jkincade1984]

This is disappointing news but the upside is, Mr. Cho stepped up to the plate and fans won't be wondering what's going on with the new issues.

The mark of a true professional and very considerate to fans who otherwise, might have been left hanging. In turn, fans will have a greater respect and sense of gratitude towards him. I know I do!

Great job and I look forward to his next work.

In the meantime, Mark Bagley is darn good!

[grphxkindaguy]

Originally Posted by Capt_Piett

Looks like Cho got in a dig at DC's Wonder Woman with his comment about #6 being the conclusion of the first arc and that it won't continue in the annual. Heh.

also a dig at Action Comics...

[Spy_Smasher]

I've not been all that thrilled with Frank's work on MA. It's been ... OK. Having said that, I do consider myself a huge fan and look forward to more Liberty Meadows and more Frank Cho at Marvel and elsewhere. I'd always hoped to see Cho on She-Hulk with Slott, but now Slott's departed from that title and Cho's departed from monthlies. Oh well.

[Sasori]

Sad to hear this. I thought his MA art was some of the most fun at Marvel.

I would, however, love to read a Cho Ms. Marvel mini or even annual, so maybe more good will come of it.

[Travel Exiter]

Frank is off M.A. and Yu is about to leave N.A......
Jim Cheung would be a good fit for either of those books. I imagine Bachalo and/or Larocca are headed for one of these within the next year

[KaijubotX]

Frank Cho's a great artist and it sounds like this was a really hard decision for him, but I think it's for the best. With Avengers being Marvel's "flagship" titles now, and with Bendis trying to synch up the 2 books as much as possible, MA needs a speedier artist. I applaud Frank's professionalism on this and I'll definitely be buying more Cho stuff in the future. Although I'm confused as to how he's exclusive to Marvel and doing Jungle Girl for Dynamite (?).

[Supreme Convoy]

Damn shame. He rocks in Mighty Avengers

On Fanboy Radio, he said he was a very busy guy. Especially with Liberty Meadows business.

[Edogawa1983]

Originally Posted by KaijubotX

Frank Cho's a great artist and it sounds like this was a really hard decision for him, but I think it's for the best. With Avengers being Marvel's "flagship" titles now, and with Bendis trying to synch up the 2 books as much as possible, MA needs a speedier artist. I applaud Frank's professionalism on this and I'll definitely be buying more Cho stuff in the future. Although I'm confused as to how he's exclusive to Marvel and doing Jungle Girl for Dynamite (?).

he can't work for DC, that's about it.

was Cho ever a monthly artist?

[Edogawa1983]

Originally Posted by Supreme Convoy

Damn shame. He rocks in Mighty Avengers

On Fanboy Radio, he said he was a very busy guy. Especially with Liberty Meadows business.

sigh, he shouldn't have taken the MA job if he knew he was busy..
he need to know his limits.. I think he will be a fab cover artist..
his covers are amazing