RE-OPENED!!! the loeb report Q thread

[sonnylarue]

we've unlocked the forum, so post away...

2 questions 30 posts only

go

[SpecialK]

Hey Jeph and John. Thanks for doing these, as always. Sorry to hear about your departure from Heroes. Hopefully the new year yields many new opportunities for you both.

Hope you both had some good holidays. Any gifts you want to mention?

In a previous Loeb Report, you mentioned coming back to the Evolution arc from Wolverine in January (or early this year). Are those plans still there?

[Armored Dildo]

Mr. Siuntres and Loeb,

Thank you for another Loeb Report. Jeph, I thought "Dual" was the best episode of the last season of Heroes and I am enjoying Ultimatum very much as well.

1. Given that Geoff Johns' first writing stint on Smallville aired very recently, and given that you both share the Empath Magic Tree House studio, I'm wondering if you have served as a mentor of sorts for Johns' screenwriting credits for television up until this point?

2. Which do you value more when you yourself engage with a piece of fiction: A narrative that is ambitious and even borderline-experimental in form but is a failure otherwise, or a narrative that is solidly executed but doesn't move you and can only really be appreciated on a formal level?

Happy new year and thank you very much for all the excellent stories.

[Captain Sensation]

Hey Jeph,

Can we expect to see Red Hulk fight Wolverine?

[nickmaynard85]

wow, another one so quickly! awesome.

who, out of all the people currently working in comics and of all the people who have ever worked in comics, do you have the most respect for, and why?

could you talk a little bit about the age of apocalypse storyline, the genesis of the concept, your participation in the "event", and how you feel about it now? it's probably my favorite x-men story so i was curious to hear any behind the scenes tidbits about it.

[JesTr]

John, love your podcast. Thanks for all the hard work and I'm looking forward to many great interviews this year. Jeph I just bought the Absolute Batman Long Halloween and loved it. Please write more Batman! On to the questions.

1. Jeph do you have any other TV or movie projects in the works for 2009?
2. When Rulk's identity is revealed will he stick around in Hulk and/or will he be present in any other books in the Marvel U?

[The Funketeer]

Let's forget about comics for a minute.

1) What's your favorite novel and why?

2) As a father, what was your favorite children's book to read to your children?

[auron lupin]

Ji Jeph and John

1.When you start writing a story how important is plotting. When I start a story I have an idea where its going to go, but I find myself re working it to fit the new ideas i have while writing.

2.Since you, and other creators have many different stories out right now do you feel it difficult to concertrate on just one. I'm curently trying to finish a scifi novel, but my mind keeps on coming up ideas for a different story. any suggestions

3. My one fanboy question: Can u please do a what if or an annual that has the red hulk kill the entire marvel universe. please iw ould definately pay a 4 dollar price for that

thanks jeph and john love the show makes my comute fly by

[darknyt1938]

Hey Jeph and John, thanks as always for your time and hard work.

Jeph, being surrounded by so many talented writers, do you guys ever help each other out with ideas? For example, do you ever say to Geoff Johns, "Green Lantern should do this!" or tell Bendis, "This character should so be a member of the New Avengers!" Vice versa, do you get suggestions from them? If so, can we get some examples of specific ideas either inspired by you or used by you?

Thanks again!

[dnwilliams]

1. how did you come to write ultimatum? was it your pitch or were you selected? why not bendis, since he birthed the universe and, clearly, bendis needs to write more books?

2. will the next color book follow hot on the heels of cap white, or would you like to work with sale on another project beforehand?

[PJ1336]

Jeph and John, thanks a ton for doing these!

1. Firstly, aside from Cap White, do you have any upcoming Marvel projects you want to talk about, or for that matter upcoming comics or television projects elsewhere?

2. What is the likelihood you will write anything regarding the true lord and master of the universe, Foggy Nelson, anytime soon? Though it may seem especially difficult to associate such a powerful man with only one color, maybe a Foggy Nelson color book is in order?

Thanks!

[Gideon Gloom]

Jeph & John, thanks a lot for doing this.

I have just the two questions, as per Mr. Siuntres' instructions!

1. I'm really curious as to what your views are on the recent mini-controversy surrounding Bill Willingham's polemic against what he termed as the 'decadence' of comic book superheroes and his call for a return to more traditional storytelling, where the nobility of heroes is played up and the lines between good and evil are more clearly drawn than is now generally the case. Would you be sympathetic to Bill's position or take another view?

2. With the global economy in the state that it's in, reader grumblings about price increases and the perception of event fatigue, it seems like there are some storm clouds hovering over the comics industry right now. Broadly speaking, are you feeling optimistic or pessimistic about how the industry is likely to fare in 2009?

Thanks again for doing the show, both of you. I really enjoy the Q&A-style Word Balloon interviews.

[Ultimate Dead Cap]

Thank you both for taking the time to do this.

I always enjoy listening to Loeb’s answers and I think he deserves more praise then he gets. I truly enjoy all your writing. :hulk:

John, listening to these podcasts – not just the hits, all of them – makes work much less torturous.

1. When writing, which part do you prefer or feel most comfortable with, figuring out the overall arc and the structuring/pacing or filling in the seemingly “smaller” details in dialogue and action – or does it just all come together organically?

2. What special take on the marvel universe – example: Marvel Noir – would you like to see done?

[Brown Bear 76]

I just completed Wolverine Evolution, the Ultimates 3 and Onslaught Reborn Hardcovers and have to say I loved them. Great tales. And Hulk is the book I am most excited to read every time it comes out. Really fun stuff that you are doing with the characters. Love the interation with Rulk and Thundra. I enjoyed the interaction between Hulk, Ms. Marvel, Moonknight and the Sentry. Can't wait for the Offenders. Can't wait for you to return to Wolverine.

1. Since you don't write ahead of your artist the way guys like Bendis do, how do you keep track of where you left off on a story? Especially when there are delays.

2. Do you keep note pads for all of your ideas? Do you have a separate notepad for TV and one for comics?

[ChuckMcButcalf]

Hey Jeph and John. Thanks again for taking time out for our questions.

1. Okay, so Batman (Bruce Wayne) is out of the picture over in DC land for right now. I loved Batman RIP and eventually grew to love Final Crisis rereading it one sitting.. What are your feelings about the "death" of the Dark Knight and the upcoming Battle for the Cowl event that's being teased? Morrison's Batman and Robin looks to be pretty awesome.

Thanks again Jeph. Looking forward to the rest of Ultimatum. Please don't kill Ultimate Gwen Stacy again. Haters be damned, you write fun comics.

And John, thanks again for the podcast. There's not a lot of Indy book selection in my neck of the woods, and Wordballoon has pointed me in the direction of some really amazing stuff.

[staredcraft]

Hey Jeph, thanks for doing all this again. I keep missing out on asking questions on the bendis tapes but I at least make it for the Loeb Report it seems.

Both of these questions tie into your Superman/Batman Run

1) Seeing as how, in Absolute Power, you used the Legion of SuperHeroes/villains I assume you have an understand of the property. What has been your opinion on the team's history as a whole and which, if any, incarnation of them have you liked best and why. Also what is your stance on what Geoff is doing with them currently.

2) SEeing you use many Elseworld properties in your Vengence arc, such as Red SOn superman or, for a panel, Vampire Batman. What is your opinion on Elseworlds, what is your favorite/least fav elseworld, and have you ever had an elseworld idea in you head you wanted to write?

[Dave]

Hi Jeph and John.

John, thanks for doing these podcasts. I discovered them a little over a year ago and they've been making me look forward to my morning commute. Jeph I've really enjoyed your work over the years and so has my father. He grabs any book of my self I have written by you when he comes to visit.

1) When I was a kid one of my favorite comics was the Superman Bloodlines Annual where Loose Cannon was introduced. I recently pulled out that book and your Loose Cannon mini when I saw you were writing a Red Hulk. Did any of your ideas for the mood-ring Hulk like character evolve into what is now Red Hulk?

2) Looking back you illustrated Loose Cannon's emotions through use of color, the tone of the Marvel color books were expressed partially through color and now you are using green's opposite on the color wheel, red in your Hulk series to play up the difference between the two Hulks it seems as though color is has been a big theme in a lot of your works. Considering that do you have a hand in picking colorists and do you find yourself giving the colorist direction either before or after he starts coloring it?

Thanks again!

[darthmil]

Hey John and Jeph thanks for doing another Loeb Report I'm a big fan!

I know you too are busy and that you guys dislike silly questions so I'll make this short and quick!

1. Whenever I write a female character I always wonder about their voice and if they sound authentic...and since you have a history of writing great female characters (like Super Girl, Selene and now Buffy) I was wondering how do you make them sound so real? Any advice on how to improve on voice?

2. Michael Turner will forever be my favorite artist and I was wondering if you could describe what it was like to take a look at his art before anyone while you two were working on Super Girl together.

[Lazlo's Reign]

How's it going guys, want to thank you guys for doing these and keeping my train ride to work entertaining.

1) Jeph, how has the new Ultimates book been coming along?

2) How does it feel to work with Tim Sale once again?

on a personal note I hope both of you are doing well and once again thank you.

[sloth_love_chunk]

Hey Jeph and John, hope you are doing well.

Jeph, I'm a big fan. Loved your Superman/Batman run as well the Hulk run currently. I am really curious as to who Red Hulk is going to turn out to be. I have two questions:

1) I heard some time ago (I think in Wizard or online or something) that you were working on a Spider-Man story with J. Scott Campbell. When is this coming out? I would LOVE to read it as your stories are often so fun.
2) Any chance you will work with John Cassaday again soon? The Fallen Son story with his art was really great.

[Dave0923]

Hey Jeph, thanks again for the oppurtunity to ask these questoins, I'll keep 'em short and sweet.

1) You've done a lot of phenominal Superman stories in your time whether they be in comic form or on Smallville, what are some of your favorites that you've done.

2) Who're some of your favorite comic book villains to write or read and why?

[mametfan]

John and Jeph,

Thanks for doing these. John - I love the repartee you have with all of your guests but for some reason the chemistry between you and Loeb and you and Bendis is probably the best. Some of the most entertaining interviews I have heard on air. Ever!

Jeph - Congrats on your recent issue of Buffy. The issue you wrote is one of my favorite comics in recent months. My question for you is pretty simple. I would just love to hear what you think is your greatest strength as a writer vs. your greatest weakness. And how you deal with those elements in your work (i.e. highlighting the strengths and downplaying the weaknesses)

[oconnellmd]

John, thanks so much for Word Balloon! This is like the comics equivalent of IFC's Dinner for Five. It's a great, relaxed environment for creators to just be themselves instead of feeling the need to put on their interview hats, which makes their thoughts and insights that much more valuable to us.

Just one question for you, Mr. Loeb. I'm someone who's finally thinking about getting serious about writing and making a run at it. But I'm a fan of different venues. I've got comic scripts, I have screenplay ideas, I love the idea of writing for television, and I've got a non-fiction book that's been in the works for quite some time. If you were just starting out in writing, and wanted to make your mark, where would be the best place to start - comics, film, TV or books?

And P.S. - At this point, I could give a shit who Red Hulk really is. I'm having too much fine enjoying the ride. Feel free to keep me in the dark as long as you'd like.

[Dr. Hackenbush]

Hi guys:

1.) Will we continue to see She-Hulk make appearances in your Hulk series?

2.) Is there any chance you'll have Hulk cause some major problems for Norman Osborn? I'd love it if Hulk was the one to ruin Norman's Dark Reign.

[RazorGod]

First off thank you John for these interviews, I look forward to each and every interview. They are the best podcasts on the "interwebs".

Jeph...

1. Can you comment on your departure from Heroes and what lead up to the writer changes and what might be next in regards to your tv and film writing?

2. Once your exclusive is done do you have any creator owned properties you might want to explore and what could you say about them without giving anything away? Or would you renew your contract with one of the big two?

[maverick-99]

Do you choreograph fight scenes in your comic scripts? How about your screenplays?

[nightwing1982]

1. I have noticed a lot of books have been getting the axed from all companies, yet, I really don't see a push for them before they got on the chopping block. I mostly see a push for these over the top mega events that leaves the consumers with a funky taste. If you were in the marketing department, how would change the market to help lower selling books?

2. Lately I have been disappointed by Marvel with the $3.99 price tag and only getting 22 pages of material. There are mini/monthlies, I want to read a la THE STAND (because I enjoy the creators pasted work), but I feel very ripped off by the cost. It really upsets me that Joe Q states the "bang for your buck" line. For $3.99, there better be more pages. That's a bang for your buck. At least DC is going that. As a creator, but you fight for the consumer to lower the price, or are you non-aware of what price is placed on the book?

Best,
~Roberto

PS-CUBS, BABY!!!!!!! (and the Marlins :))

[BronxRonin]

Hi guys...
John thanks for getting me through my many train rides around the Bronx, that being said Mr. Loeb do you have any any non comic work coming up? And what kind of music do you listen to while creating? Last movie you enjoyed?

[JimmyF1982]

Good Day Gentlemen, hope all is well.

Jeph, any details on the Smash! one-shot you are doing with Rob Liefeld? I'm completely stoked for this. If it's a success will you be writing more or will it be handed off to another writer/artist team?

Thanks again for doing these WBs, and John as always, you're a true playa!

[Spidey616]

Hey guys.

Jeph. Could you, if you haven't already by now, talk about the upcoming Code Red arc for Hulk that was announced featuring Wolverine?

When can we expect issue #600 featuring this INCREDIBLEAlex Ross cover?

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/88/l_cd0dfa229f514b818a4836829c4fadbc.jpg

[Mark4myself]

Hey guys!

I don't believe I've heard you comment on whether or not you were a fan of Watchmen? So first of all what are your thoughts on the comic? and secondly of course, what is your impression of the film, on its own, as an adaptation, presuming of course if you've seen it.

Also I'm interested what your perception as a creator and as someone who works in Hollywood to Alan Moore's views on adaptations of his works and Hollywood in general. Seeing as you are on both sides of the issue, I'd be interested to hear what your personal take is on it.

Thanks again!

[Zac Goyette]

Hey John and Jeph! Thanks for doing this again, I love Wordballoon, and Jeph is one of the most interesting creator interviews to grace this wonderful podcast.
1) Is there still a chance we may see that X-Men/Avengers crossover you talked about a while back?

2) Are there still any Marvel Characters you want to take a crack at writing, and what artist would you like to work with on said character or characters?

[batjoke]

Hi Jeph and John

I love listening to the Loeb Reports!!

This is a follow-up to the question that Brain Michael Bendis asked Jeph when he was at the Emerald City Comic Con but got Jeph's answering machine. Who would win in fight between Darkseid and Apocalypse?

Thanks!!

Wayne