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Old 11-06-2006, 06:20 PM   #1
MattBrady
 
JIMMIE ROBINSON ON WHAT IF? WOLVERINE: ENEMY OF THE STATE

by Benjamin Ong Pang Kean

Marvel’s latest What If? continues with What If? Wolverine: Enemy of the State later this month..

Unlike the first two, What If? Avengers: Disassembled and What If? Spider-Man: The Other by Jeff Parker and Peter David, respectively, the third one-shot is written by Bomb Queen creator Jimmie Robinson, a writer who’s set to make his Marvel-ous debut with What If? Wolverine: Enemy of the State.

The solicitation reads:

WHAT IF? WOLVERINE: ENEMY OF THE STATE
Written by Jimmie Robinson, penciled by Carmine Di Giandomenico, cover by Doug Alexander.
What if the world's deadliest killing machine was never de-programmed? Over half a year has passed since the Hand took control of Wolverine, forcing him to assassinate one great hero after another. Now only a handful of super-powered beings are left to stop him. Who will risk their life to end the path of death and destruction?
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Nov. 22.

Newsarama: How did you land this gig? After all, this is your first step into the world of Marvel...

Jimmie Robinson: The true story is Marvel knocked on my door. But makes no bones about it, when the window opened I was ready to jump. Especially when I was asked to write. My art never fit a Marvel/DC house style, so I've always been a self-publisher indie creator. So, I'd rather write for Marvel than draw. I have my own book(s) to sharpen my art skills.

I suspect my Bomb Queen tipped the Marvel hat my direction. This What If? story is a joy ride of blood spray and body parts. Perhaps there's a connection between the violence in my current Image title and the pools of blood I left on the floors at Marvel. However, I don't wish to become the "go to" guy for extreme violence. After all, there are others who are doing well with that right now. My fellow Image creator, Robert Kirkman being one of them.

NRAMA: For an indie sensation like you, have you been reading (and enjoying) the Big Two's books? Especially Marvel's?

JR: I like comics, period. You won't catch me in that indie-snob mentality. I grew up on Marvel/DC much like many did in my era. My coming-of-age with comics didn't feature stores chock full of alternative titles as you see nowadays. I like both the DCU and the Marvel Universe. But like I said, I like comics period. Just as I like movies, books, music, animation, et. It's all entertainment to me. Some of it more popular than others, but all of it enjoyable to me. I scratch my head when folks break up comics into competitive groups as if they orbit different industries. Like the oxymoron of manga and comics. The "big two" was all I had at my local corner store reading Teen Titans, ROM SpaceKnight, Batman, and G.I. Joe. I got in late with comics. My late teens, in fact. But I stepped in when the world of comics was changing. So I was at this fork of discovery with "old school", for a short time, then later alternative, then black & white boom, then the birth of Image, the melt down of the distribution system, and so on... up to now. A lot has changed within my career so far. But I've always enjoyed comics through it all - on all levels- from self-publishing to company owned.



NRAMA: What are your thoughts on Mark Millar's Wolverine run?

JR: I like what he did. Mark had a solid year to develop not only Wolverine, but also the battle within Wolvie's mind, then the revenge-filled Logan in the home stretch. And of course juggling all the characters between and within the scenes. It was a monumental effort and my hat is tipped off to him.

NRAMA: So, the world's deadliest killing machine was never de-programmed and he goes on a rampage and starts killing off superheroes. This is your chance to do a "Wolverine vs the Marvel Universe", right?

JR: In a long way 'round, yes... however... this really is a Kitty Pride story; from her view. And ultimately it becomes a battle of opposites. But reaching the main event is a path of blood and body parts. So yes, I painted Wolverine as a villain against the Marvel Universe. The heroes know he's brainwashed. Nothing can be done. It's like preparing for a hurricane, it's out there, you know it's coming. What do you do about it?

NRAMA: While it's not an in-continuity book, how are you approaching the character of Wolverine in November's What If? Wolverine: Enemy of the State? What makes him tick?

JR: Keep in mind, in this What If?, Wolverine has been brainwashed for six months and he's pretty far gone. His loyalty is now with Hydra and The Hand. This is not the Wolverine you know. However, I didn't want to waste a whole issue introducing a new type of Wolverine. In this format we learn about him through the view of others and what they plan to do about Wolverine. As for motivation, I continued Millar's plot with Hydra and The Hand's plan for world destruction. Wolverine is still "doing his job", collecting heroes and villains to be brainwashed just like him. The What If? spins from Millar's capture of Wolverine at the X-Men mansion. That never happened, Wolverine continues on. The impact is widely felt.

NRAMA: So, what's pissing him off?

JR: In this story, Wolverine is picking up a few loose ends. Captain America and Wolverine have unfinished business and it's time to settle up. In this What If?, instead of Capt. America containing Wolverine, they took it to the mud in a bloody battle. You'll see the results of that in the book. But the fight was never resolved and Wolverine needs to finish his job. However, Cap has a few surprised up his sleeve.



NRAMA: What are some of your favorite Wolverine runs? Stories?

Mariko love story arc. Because I'm a sucker for "love" stories. As much as I like working with powerful characters I think the power of love is the most challenging aspect between them all. Historically, love has brought down powerful people, nations and even gods. Everyone wants to be loved, no matter who you are, hero or villain. It often bugs me when characters are treated as "powers" and "abilities" and not as people with emotions. I admit, I wasn't too thrilled that Mariko had to die - and by Wolverine's hand at that. I'd like to see him with a steady girl, it builds character, defines his decisions and motivations. And makes him someone we can relate to. Whenever he's written as the "loner", or Ronin I think we're losing the bigger picture.

NRAMA: What else have you got in the works? And what's coming up in Bomb Queen?

JR: Bomb Queen art is wrapped up and cleared into 2007. The new mini-series kicked off last month, and it explores Bomb Queen's origin and how she came to rule New Port City. After that expect big, huge news from our lovely villain. In fact, I have stories mapped out into 2008. Sales on that title continue to rise with each issue. Bomb Queen isn't for everyone, but if it has found an audience then I'm working for them. Personally, what I really want to do in 2007 is launch more than one title. Watching my fellow Image creators like Remender, Kirkman and Moore juggle multiple books has made me insanely jealous. Believe it, or not I also have a romantic-comedy and an all-ages book I'd like to launch, too. I'm not all blood and gore... I hope I'm seen as a writer / creator of comics and not just one aspect of it.

Related stories:
PETER DAVID ON WHAT IF? SPIDER-MAN: THE OTHER

JEFF PARKER ON WHAT IF? AVENGERS: DISASSEMBLED
 
Old 11-06-2006, 06:37 PM   #2
Godfather
 
Is What If? the new tryout for writers? First Remender, now Robinson, from Image.
 
Old 11-06-2006, 06:46 PM   #3
Kid Doozer
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Godfather
Is What If? the new tryout for writers? First Remender, now Robinson, from Image.

We can only hope that new "Peter David" guy works out for them.

 
Old 11-06-2006, 06:47 PM   #4
imwithcap
 
it might be, what with unlimited being canceled/revamped....... although i thought they were doing some of that with MCP as well.........
 
Old 11-06-2006, 06:47 PM   #5
Clem
 
I really like the What If series, but i hope this outing is better than the "Avengers: Disassembled" issue.

Its never going to work if you try and convince us that Captain America has always been a brain damaged loon looking to shag Wanda and change the world.
 
Old 11-06-2006, 06:50 PM   #6
imwithcap
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Clem
I really like the What If series, but i hope this outing is better than the "Avengers: Disassembled" issue.

Its never going to work if you try and convince us that Captain America has always been a brain damaged loon looking to shag Wanda and change the world.


that's the great thing about What If? its like an experiment. its great to see one little thing changed to make the whole outcome different. how does OUR avengers react to that? im sure it would have a much more earth shattering effect than wanda bein crazy, cause everybody already knew that..... i mean for real, look at her brother, sister and father........... you had to know it was coming.....
 
Old 11-06-2006, 06:57 PM   #7
H.W.
 
Jimmy is going to make Logan kick some serious ass.
 
Old 11-06-2006, 06:59 PM   #8
Kid Doozer
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by imwithcap
that's the great thing about What If? its like an experiment. its great to see one little thing changed to make the whole outcome different. how does OUR avengers react to that? im sure it would have a much more earth shattering effect than wanda bein crazy, cause everybody already knew that..... i mean for real, look at her brother, sister and father........... you had to know it was coming.....


I think the quality and creativity of the What If? line directly reflects the quality and creativity of the 616 line. They are at their best when there are lots of original, creative (if not universally loved) stories coming out of the main books.
 
Old 11-06-2006, 07:01 PM   #9
AbacusComics
 
Looking forward to this!

That art is really something. What else has that guy worked on?

Last edited by AbacusComics : 11-06-2006 at 08:24 PM.
 
Old 11-06-2006, 07:05 PM   #10
Arvandor
 
If this is anywhere near as good as Bomb Queen, it'll be one of the best What If stories ever. Jimmy rocks.
 
Old 11-06-2006, 07:07 PM   #11
Dr Stranger
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by AbacusComics
Looking forward to this!

Me too, although the ending seems fairly obvious.
 
Old 11-06-2006, 07:20 PM   #12
J-style
 
is it just me or does Spider-man allways get killed in these what ifs?
Even though Wolverine would have a haaaaaaaaard time doing it. Just saying.
 
Old 11-06-2006, 07:29 PM   #13
TS24
 
Wolverine kills Spidey in one page??WTF!! I'd like to think Spidey would give a better fight.
 
Old 11-06-2006, 07:36 PM   #14
Grimm22
 
So...

Is this going to explain how Wolverine made the Thing give up after being stabbed in the arm, despite the fact that Ben has taken much worse and hardly even noticed?
 
Old 11-06-2006, 07:38 PM   #15
HNutz
 
Interesting, to say the least.... Just might have to check it out!

But... IF Wolvie/Spidey is only a page or a few panels, I'm gonna be kinda ticked...

Last edited by HNutz : 11-06-2006 at 07:41 PM.
 
Old 11-06-2006, 07:49 PM   #16
Dr Stranger
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by HNutz
Interesting, to say the least.... Just might have to check it out!

But... IF Wolvie/Spidey is only a page or a few panels, I'm gonna be kinda ticked...

It looks like there's a montage of Wolverine killing heroes. Since the story seems to be more about the aftermath, how many pages can they really dedicate to any given preamble fight?
 
Old 11-06-2006, 08:01 PM   #17
Bearpod91
 
I was thinking of getting this but this article made me have a final decision.

No thanx, bad comic once again from marvel.
 
Old 11-06-2006, 08:07 PM   #18
RedRonin
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr Stranger
It looks like there's a montage of Wolverine killing heroes. Since the story seems to be more about the aftermath, how many pages can they really dedicate to any given preamble fight?
Exactly, he's got to keep things moving really. Sure, it would be fun to see it take place over more pages, but if it comes at the cost of the story.

Carmine Di Giandomenico's art is looking better than ever. I like that Marvel is giving up and coming writers (well except good ol' Peter David) these books, if I like them I'll probably check out their other stuff.
 
Old 11-06-2006, 08:21 PM   #19
InDaMix
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by J-style
is it just me or does Spider-man allways get killed in these what ifs?
Even though Wolverine would have a haaaaaaaaard time doing it. Just saying.


It's funny, I thought to myself "watch Spidey get killed right away" and sure enough....

You're right though, Spidey always dies fast in these things. He's like the hardest guy to kill in 616, but in What If stories he gets killed with ease repeatedly.
 
Old 11-06-2006, 08:45 PM   #20
EmeraldGuy32
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Godfather
Is What If? the new tryout for writers? First Remender, now Robinson, from Image.
What what if is Remender doing?

anyways congrats jimmie. I don't really dig the art, but due to the quality of Bomb Queen I will pick this up. One gripe: why is every hero killed/captured off-panel in the preview? Are we going to be seeing Wolverine kill any A-listers "on screen"?
 
Old 11-06-2006, 09:16 PM   #21
Dirk Manning
 
Awesome news, Jimmie!

Congratulations, my friend!

Marvel has sold another copy just by having your name on it...

SINcerely,
Dirk Manning
 
Old 11-06-2006, 11:31 PM   #22
richstanz
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by InDaMix
It's funny, I thought to myself "watch Spidey get killed right away" and sure enough....

You're right though, Spidey always dies fast in these things. He's like the hardest guy to kill in 616, but in What If stories he gets killed with ease repeatedly.

I think that was an on-going joke in the old "What If?" letters' pages: What if Spider-Man survived an issue
 
Old 11-06-2006, 11:42 PM   #23
POWRSURG
 
Are there two covers to this, or what's with some of the solicit pics? Why do two look so similar to the Romita Jr. cover?
 
Old 11-07-2006, 01:07 AM   #24
Godfather
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by EmeraldGuy32
What what if is Remender doing?

anyways congrats jimmie. I don't really dig the art, but due to the quality of Bomb Queen I will pick this up. One gripe: why is every hero killed/captured off-panel in the preview? Are we going to be seeing Wolverine kill any A-listers "on screen"?

Age of Apocalypse.
 
Old 11-07-2006, 01:45 AM   #25
Nightfly
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Arvandor
If this is anywhere near as good as Bomb Queen, it'll be one of the best What If stories ever. Jimmy rocks.
quoted for truth

JR has my full faith and confidence I can't wait to see him spread his (writing) wings.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dirk Manning
Marvel has sold another copy just by having your name on it...
Well Said
 
 
   

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