MEGACON '08: CUP 'O JOE [QUESADA] PANEL

[MichaelDoran]

Report by Steve Ekstrom

Prior to the panel, in the convention hall outside of the room where the panel took place, a number of convention-goers seemed to be lighting metaphorical torches in preparation to grill Joe Quesada for his involvement in the “One More Day” and “Brand New Day” storylines which altered the status quo of Amazing Spider-Man. As Joe Quesada introduced himself, he was — much like Friday — met with a mixed reaction of silence and light applause. He quickly established the rules of the loose Q&A similar to his panel the day before.

The first question actually did not involved Spider-Man but the seemingly endless number of deaths taking place in the current status quo of the Marvel Universe. Joe laughed and pulled out a coin and flipped it and said, “Dead or alive…oops, dead,” to which the audience immediately laughed.

Another audience member asked about the necessity for franchise books like New Avengers and Mighty Avengers being written by the same writer — to which Quesada jokingly mocked, “Yeah! I’m still waiting for sales to drop so I can be rid of the damn Bendis!” He became serious and said, “No, Bendis is going to be around for a while” and he hinted that readers of the Avengers titles should expect big things to occur in the two titles following Secret Invasion.

And like clockwork, the Spider-Man questions began to flow — but unlike Friday’s somewhat “mob mentality” of fans who did not like OMD and BND this somewhat docile and considerate group (who were ready to run roughshod on Quesada only minutes before…) listened intently as Quesada stated, “…give it time, Peter is such a loveable loser. MJ isn’t dead so who knows what can happen down the road.” He also explained that there is a missing gap of time — its duration has not yet been revealed.

For the most part, the audience participating in the Q&A seemed to be in favor of “Brand New Day”, praising writer Dan Slott for his spot-on accuracy of his portrayal of Peter Parker and Spider-Man. A number of fans seemed to agree that Harry Osborn was a missing part of the supporting cast and Quesada added, “I understand that focus of the dislike of these events were based more on the execution of ‘One More Day’…” and, “It had to be done — and now, Harry is back — to me, he’s a really important character in Peter’s life.”

He also tried to explain his stance on Peter and MJ’s marriage by saying, “I don’t like the idea of Peter and Mary Jane giving up on each other. We knew when we were developing this story nearly two years ago that the idea of Peter and MJ divorcing was not the right response for those two characters.”

Another audience member commented on Quesada’s very apparent weight loss to the elation of the crowd and a congratulatory ovation from the audience. He also asked Quesada who he wanted to “rope up” the most — if he had a favorite writer outside of comics that he thinks he would want to personally see writing projects for Marvel. Quesada quickly responded, “Stephen Hunter, he’s my favorite novelist — he’s a very masculine writer.”

Another audience member brought up the issue of trade paperbacks and how some fans rely on these collections to enjoy certain books and that Marvel doesn’t seem to be as timely with the production of collected material. Quesada was notably interested in this question and responded that the matter should definitely be looked into. The questioner also asked if books with single, standalone issues would be collected as quickly as current trend of stories that possess decompressed and slower paces.

Quesada went into a lengthy explanation which detailed how Marvel struggles in areas like this because the needs of the retailers and the needs of the readers do not always match up. He explained, “Oftentimes, retailers let us know that we’re doing right by them with longer stories that are interconnected with other books because people buy more books. Retailers benefit; but, at the same time, readers approach us and let us know that they’d prefer stories that don’t necessarily drag them all over the place. It’s these kinds of mixed signals that make out job difficult — we want to make you all happy…ultimately, its all of you that are paying our bills. Fans vote for our decisions with their dollars or their feet.”

A question was asked regarding a Deadpool solo project; to which Quesada stayed, “It’s in the works.”

A question was asked about all of the films that were being released from Marvel and how much involvement did Quesada have in their actualization. Quesada explained that his presence has increased in the past several years as the two mediums became easier to unify as developments in CGI and special effects allowed Marvel to make the movies they wanted to make. He said, “There is a new sense of editorial presence in Marvel films, now. You’ll feel it when you see Iron Man. This movie is like nothing we’ve done before.”

When asked about the crowning achievement of his career to date, Quesada was markedly humble and said that he did not single-handedly “save Marvel” from financial peril — he stated, “I didn’t do all that by myself, there were a lot of dedicated people involved in the success we garnered. I don’t think about anything I’ve done like that. My career isn’t over yet.”

Quesada was asked about his and Marvel’s involvement with the Heroes Initiative. He explained that groups like the Initiative were as important to Marvel Comics as they are to the creators who benefit from their aid. He said, “Marvel’s had a bad track record with some older creators,” and, “I feel like I’ve helped make the company more creator-friendly.”

A question regarding the lateness of the final installment of the Joss Whedon/John Cassaday Astonishing X-Men book was followed by a quick acknowledgment that Kitty Pryde has been absent in “Messiah CompleX” and that the delayed nature of the Whedon book accidentally revealed Pryde’s plight in the newest issue of Uncanny. In response, Quesada pulled out a coin, flipped it, and said, “Ah, you’re #$#@ed,” to the laughter of the audience.

As the crowd’s laughter subsided, Jim McLauchlin, president of the Heroes Initiative, approached the stage and informed the audience that Quesada was to be a target at a dunking tank downstairs. Quesada laughed and said, “If you’re really angry, come dunk my ass.”

Quesada and McLauchlin then went onto explain that the Joe Fridays column was returning — but not to Newsarama. “My Cup of Joe” is going to replace Joe Fridays as a new column on MySpace com March 21st. Quesada openly thanked Newsarama for allowing him to do his column but he feels that MySpace offers bigger possibilities for getting comics out to a larger audience.

McLauchlin then took the mic from Quesada and told the audience that he was really there to serve Quesada some papers — from the government. Quesada smirked and said, “Is my wife leaving me?” McLauchlin then announced that the mayor of Orange County has officially decreed March 8th, 2008 to be officially deemed “Joe Quesada Day” for all of the Quesada’s business and civic accomplishments. And then, McLauchlin handed Quesada more papers saying, “And here’s a paternity suit and a warrant for your arrest…” to the amusement of the audience as they gave Quesada a standing ovation.

With a few moments left, one audience member asked, “Who is a Skrull in the Marvel office?” Quesada responded, “I am — but don’t mess with me, it’s my day.”

Following the panel, Quesada made his way down to the convention center floor and climbed into the dunk tank. Several people of varying age and size failed to hit the target to knock Joe into the dunk tank. After several tries a couple of folks were able to drop Quesada into the water. He just smiled and climbed back up in the seat ready to take another dunk for the Heroes Initiative.

[jonnynyc]

Sounds like a great panel. Congrats to Joe on his day. Putting himself up to be dunked for charity is pretty darn cool of him.

[Spidey616]

What's myspace?........

Ah, well, it was fun whle it lasted. So long NJF.

[Mechamage82]

Totally off topic, but boy does Quesada look good after having lost so much weight. Good for him, I say...

[sweetmisery]

Joe Q always is great. Always gives fun interviews. All hail Quesada. And glad that Bendis will handle Avengers longer. I love his work, even if some dont.

Sad he is leaving his Newsarama columns, but oh well...

[realbone]

"For the most part, the audience participating in the Q&A seemed to be in favor of “Brand New Day”, praising writer Dan Slott for his spot-on accuracy of his portrayal of Peter Parker and Spider-Man. A number of fans seemed to agree that Harry Osborn was a missing part of the supporting cast and Quesada added, “I understand that focus of the dislike of these events were based more on the execution of ‘One More Day’…” and, “It had to be done — and now, Harry is back — to me, he’s a really important character in Peter’s life.”

I wonder how much he had to pay for the plants in the audience to say that, especially after what happen the other day.

What a pathetic spin job.

[Uncle Jawa]

Originally Posted by realbone

"For the most part, the audience participating in the Q&A seemed to be in favor of “Brand New Day”, praising writer Dan Slott for his spot-on accuracy of his portrayal of Peter Parker and Spider-Man. A number of fans seemed to agree that Harry Osborn was a missing part of the supporting cast and Quesada added, “I understand that focus of the dislike of these events were based more on the execution of ‘One More Day’…” and, “It had to be done — and now, Harry is back — to me, he’s a really important character in Peter’s life.”

I wonder how much he had to pay for the plants in the audience to say that, especially after what happen the other day.

What a pathetic spin job.

Oh yes, because there couldn't possibly be anyone in the world who has been enjoying BRAND NEW DAY

Seroiusly, some of you OMD/BND haters are the ones who are far more guilty of living in a reality where things are only as YOU perceive them. You're the ones who have the "magic" you so often criticize, where you can just believe that everyone agrees with you and things can only be the way you want them to be.

[skl183]

wow, as usual that solved a lot.

Only new nugget: Kitty Pryde is $#&@ed.

And Deadpool - the solo ongoing or mini is still not confirmed? I thought that was already in the can. As long as Daniel Way and Steve Dillon stinks as bad they have on Wolverine Origins you think a guy would really care less about this book?

[Wormdrink]

Originally Posted by Uncle Jawa

Seroiusly, some of you OMD/BND haters are the ones who are far more guilty of living in a reality where things are only as YOU perceive them. You're the ones who have the "magic" you so often criticize, where you can just believe that everyone agrees with you and things can only be the way you want them to be.

totally agree. i'm not saying that OMD was the greatest thing ever. heck, i actually disliked it very much. however BND has been awesome. it's just like picking up some old issues of spidey. it has that old school feel to it.

all the haters need to realize that just because they don't like it, doesn't mean that no one does. and just because you hated OMD, don't let that stop you from picking up BND and checking it out. you are missing out on some really good stories.

you can be mad all you want at joe q, and blame him for what you perceive as some great trespass against you personally, but give the man credit. he makes you so mad sometimes but the payoff is always worth it it in end.

just lighten up and remember...it's only a comic book!!

[TheWay]

Originally Posted by realbone

"For the most part, the audience participating in the Q&A seemed to be in favor of “Brand New Day”, praising writer Dan Slott for his spot-on accuracy of his portrayal of Peter Parker and Spider-Man. A number of fans seemed to agree that Harry Osborn was a missing part of the supporting cast and Quesada added, “I understand that focus of the dislike of these events were based more on the execution of ‘One More Day’…” and, “It had to be done — and now, Harry is back — to me, he’s a really important character in Peter’s life.”

I wonder how much he had to pay for the plants in the audience to say that, especially after what happen the other day.

What a pathetic spin job.

I was there yesterday and everyone I saw was talking about OMD and BND. All of them were saying the exact same thing. "I wasn't thrilled with OMD, but I am loving BND so much that it doesn't really matter." So maybe there are some haters out there, but I didn't see any of them at the Con this weekend.

[emerald archer]

The long rumored rift between Newsarama and Quesada pretty much seems confirmed. Lying in the gutters reported several weeks ago that Rama was not on Quesada's favorite people list. Has to do with, can you imagine, OMD and the JMS fallout from it.

[artjunkie]

Man, that's too bad about New Joe Fridays/Cup O' Joe. I've been avoiding MySpace as a virtual hangout like the plague for over six months now.

The thing you haters need to realize is this:

Joe Quesada > You.

Get over yourselves.

[spidertour02]

Quesada and McLauchlin then went onto explain that the Joe Fridays column was returning — but not to Newsarama. “My Cup of Joe” is going to replace Joe Fridays as a new column on MySpace com March 21st. Quesada openly thanked Newsarama for allowing him to do his column but he feels that MySpace offers bigger possibilities for getting comics out to a larger audience.

Well, that's one column I'll no longer be reading. If you thought that NJF was one huge advertisement before ...

[emerald archer]

Two things:

1) I'm with you on My Space. I avoid it like the plague.

2) It does allow Quesada to only answer softball questions, because that's all he is going to be asked.

Originally Posted by artjunkie

Man, that's too bad about New Joe Fridays/Cup O' Joe. I've been avoiding MySpace as a virtual hangout like the plague for over six months now.

The thing you haters need to realize is this:

Joe Quesada > You.

Get over yourselves.

[Wormdrink]

Originally Posted by artjunkie

The thing you haters need to realize is this:

Joe Quesada > You.

Get over yourselves.

LOL!! ouch, but so true.

[NoPrize]

Originally Posted by emerald archer

The long rumored rift between Newsarama and Quesada pretty much seems confirmed. Lying in the gutters reported several weeks ago that Rama was not on Quesada's favorite people list. Has to do with, can you imagine, OMD and the JMS fallout from it.

Whatever....he can take his ball and go home. Or should I say go to web sites that censor questions and fans. Because having a team of yes men, always helps creativity.

[WildcardZ]

Whether people have loved or hated his decisions affecting the characters, he is a good guy. He has handle the criticisms and backlash with a great deal of class and dignity. Congrats on the weight loss Joe and keep up the good work.

[tinman23]

i dont hate Joe Q or marvel for changing Spiderman, I really dont but I just cant support it.

I have read the new stuff and its good but one of the reasons I liked Spiderman was MJ and when I read the new stuff I just get a bad taste in my mouth from the whole deal with the devil thing.

Still DC has had so many reboots I can not even start to count them, so all in all it probably (ugh i hate admitting this) be good for the character down the line

[WildcardZ]

Originally Posted by emerald archer

Two things:

1) I'm with you on My Space. I avoid it like the plague.

2) It does allow Quesada to only answer softball questions, because that's all he is going to be asked.

If you avoid MySpace like the plague, you wouldn't know what kind of questions he is going to get. There are going to be supporters and haters everywhere just like there is on MySpace.

[razorwing77]

Originally Posted by spidertour02

Well, that's one column I'll no longer be reading. If you thought that NJF was one huge advertisement before ...

All hype his columns may be, but strangely enough, I kind of miss it. I was a lot more excited about Marvel when I was reading Joe's comments week after week.

I'm not looking forward to having to go to myspace, though. I think I'm too old or something.

[purplerocket]

Yeah, Bendis is a tool if he thinks we're gonna read this non-Avengers crap...oh wait...whats that, we all hate Quesada now?

Bloody Quesada *shakes fist angrily*

[Toneloak]

Hmm?.....I have to get a MySapce account now. I've been planing to, but ah it's never seemed like a good idea. Now I have a reason.

I wonder if Marvel will free advertisement space on MySpace for this soon to be popular column?

If this get as popular and is as connected with the movies. It's also a good way to target the up and coming comic audience. You know, throw some free comic programs together to embed into user's MySpace account and this can be a great move.

[Zeitgeist]

Originally Posted by realbone

I wonder how much he had to pay for the plants in the audience to say that, especially after what happen the other day.

What a pathetic spin job.

realbone in 2006

Mark my words, the end of Joe's reign as Editor in Chief is near.

[LuisMa316]

Originally Posted by NoPrize

Whatever....he can take his ball and go home. Or should I say go to web sites that censor questions and fans. Because having a team of yes men, always helps creativity.

Oh get over yourself man.

[Rollo_Tomasi]

Originally Posted by skl183

wow, as usual that solved a lot.

Only new nugget: Kitty Pryde is $#&@ed.

And Deadpool - the solo ongoing or mini is still not confirmed? I thought that was already in the can. As long as Daniel Way and Steve Dillon stinks as bad they have on Wolverine Origins you think a guy would really care less about this book?

I asked a question about this to the X-editors over at CBR and they answered my question. Its already (like months ago) been confirmed as a new ongoing, but they also let me know its coming out in September, and there has been no decision made on an artist. Here's the link to the article where I ask the question:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/ne...m.cgi?id=13229