the matt fraction cavalcade of whimsy

[mattfraction]

Hey matt,

Something I always meant to ask you. I know Joe Q. said it was just a weird coincidence when I asked him but curious if you had access to the Thor script before it was released and if Dr. Eric Solvang was at all a nod to Stellan Skarsgård's character Erik Selvig in the movie or if the name similarities were just pure chance? In any case, should we now consider Solvang the 616 equivalent of Selvig?

I didn't read the script early. I had some access to conceptual art because of the game stuff but had no idea what what going on with the script at all.

I think my eric is younger than the movie eric -- he's jane/blake's age, basically. i suppose he's the equivalent?

all kinds of strange things have happened to me around the writing of THOR. when i'm done with the book i'll talk about it all but otherwise i sound crazy. or like i'm cosplaying as grant morrison.

the whole book as been a strange experience. good-strange. magical-strange, even, if you believe in such things. that was just one of 'em.

[Arion]

I didn't read the script early. I had some access to conceptual art because of the game stuff but had no idea what what going on with the script at all.

I think my eric is younger than the movie eric -- he's jane/blake's age, basically. i suppose he's the equivalent?

all kinds of strange things have happened to me around the writing of THOR. when i'm done with the book i'll talk about it all but otherwise i sound crazy. or like i'm cosplaying as grant morrison.

the whole book as been a strange experience. good-strange. magical-strange, even, if you believe in such things. that was just one of 'em.

I'll be waiting for your 'strange coincidences' tale.

[Kelly Sue]

This is a question for Matt and Kelly Sue - My wife and I are about to have our first child; what books, if any, did you guys read to prepare you for kids? I enjoy and appreciate seeing the little bits of your family life that make it to the internet.

And comic related, Matt, little bits and pieces are popping up here and there about you having a new Icon series. When can we expect to hear details about it? I've heard you reference projects you'd like to do one day, like the Lincoln thing or the Baseball thing, but never anything that seems like a fit for Icon, so I'm really interested to see what else you've been thinking about.

Thanks,
Patrick Drury

Matt, are you talking about the books Michael May sent you? It was a set of 4, I think. We actually still have them. I have to remember where I just saw them...

[Arion]

Oh and thanks for bringing back Henry. It was a great surprise, although a little bittersweet. Nice to know at least one guy can have a happy ending in the Marvel U.

There are many happy endings, I'd say.

[Kelly Sue]

This is a question for Matt and Kelly Sue - My wife and I are about to have our first child; what books, if any, did you guys read to prepare you for kids? I enjoy and appreciate seeing the little bits of your family life that make it to the internet.

And comic related, Matt, little bits and pieces are popping up here and there about you having a new Icon series. When can we expect to hear details about it? I've heard you reference projects you'd like to do one day, like the Lincoln thing or the Baseball thing, but never anything that seems like a fit for Icon, so I'm really interested to see what else you've been thinking about.

Thanks,
Patrick Drury

DM your address -- we found the books and Matt wants to pass them on to you.

[patchdrury]

DM your address -- we found the books and Matt wants to pass them on to you.

Thank you both again!

[bobawasright]

Hey Matt,
Perchance, would having articles published in a magazine help with breaking into comics?
I've heard that experience in other fields is often looked for. Is this true?

K.

[TheTravis!]

Apologies if this has been asked before, but - who is writing the corner bits for Defenders? Is that you, the editor, or a combination?

[mattfraction]

Hey Matt,
Perchance, would having articles published in a magazine help with breaking into comics?
I've heard that experience in other fields is often looked for. Is this true?

K.

Depending on the field, sure. It'll show you write professionally, that you can handle deadlines, editorial, and should at least hint at what your voice is. I suppose I think the best samples are still going to be comics but literally nothing youv'e been paid to write can hurt.

unless it sucks, then? then it's totally hurtful.

[mattfraction]

Apologies if this has been asked before, but - who is writing the corner bits for Defenders? Is that you, the editor, or a combination?

me.

[TheTravis!]

me.

Love them. They fill the hole in my heart that was missing when you stopped doing Uncanny X-Men, and the description blurbs went away.

[bobawasright]

Good, good. Do you know Mike Vuolo from Megabrain Comics?

[mattfraction]

Good, good. Do you know Mike Vuolo from Megabrain Comics?

Who -- me?

I don't think I do? We might have met at a con or something but I'm pretty terrible with names, especially when meeting, y'know, lots and lots of people all at once. But the name doesn't ring a bell.

[beamish]

I would love to see your input over here. (http://www.606studios.com/bendisboard/showthread.php?214787-What-comics-are-you-reading)

[Karen Mahoney]

Do you read reviews of your work?

(I am curious about this with all writers because it's something that I can't do. Unless someone specifically sticks a review under my nose, I steer well clear.)

[bobawasright]

Okay, I was just wondering because he recently reviewed a script of mine and I wanted to know if he had any.... friends in the field. Thanks though. If you or any other pros wants to read a demo, email me at ks.buffett@gmail.com , I could really use the feedback.

[Arion]

Apologies if this has been asked before, but - who is writing the corner bits for Defenders? Is that you, the editor, or a combination?

Why is it that most of the time I assume editors write them?

[nickellis]

Why is it that most of the time I assume editors write them?

Not to answer for Matt, but they are presented in the style of editorial balloons/notices.

"See what happens to the Puma in next week's Punisher: War Journal! - Ed."

...but then play with the idea, breaking the fourth wall, commenting on ads, other comics.

I'm keen to see what happens, this is a fun, messy, very Marvel comic. :)

N

Edited to add: That style of editorial balloon/comment has been a hallmark of Marvel comics from wayback. Stan Lee's jokey bullpen commentaries, the cross promotion of books, a conversational tone. Very Marvel.

[mattfraction]

lately it's all been homework. i have a pile of art comix i've been waiting to have a spare five minutes to look at and failing. brian chippendale, mat brinkman, ben marra, etc.

i read SAGA. i read jon's FANTASTIC 4 this week, and thought it lovely. thinking about reading Y THE LAST MAN which i've not before. but, again - i have no time for reading at the moment.

[mattfraction]

Very rarely, and when I do it tends to be for CASANOVA.

[mattfraction]

Okay, I was just wondering because he recently reviewed a script of mine and I wanted to know if he had any.... friends in the field. Thanks though. If you or any other pros wants to read a demo, email me at ks.buffett@gmail.com , I could really use the feedback.

those earlier ones should've had quotes in 'em... they were beamish and kaz, in that order.

and thanks, but no time, and, too, it's apparently legally witchy for me to do so anymore. or at least it exposes me to lawsuits. so i haven't gotten to read any scripts for feedback in a long time. sorry, though. best of luck.

[mattfraction]

Not to answer for Matt, but they are presented in the style of editorial balloons/notices.

"See what happens to the Puma in next week's Punisher: War Journal! - Ed."

...but then play with the idea, breaking the fourth wall, commenting on ads, other comics.

I'm keen to see what happens, this is a fun, messy, very Marvel comic. :)

N

Edited to add: That style of editorial balloon/comment has been a hallmark of Marvel comics from wayback. Stan Lee's jokey bullpen commentaries, the cross promotion of books, a conversational tone. Very Marvel.

they were real things, back in the day:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6989067585_1bc456795b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6989067555_3d17475046_o.png
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6842943430_a4484244ff.jpg

and i always enjoyed 'em, for whatever reason.

i just go through previews for the month that issue of DEFENDERS is out and write promo blurbs based on other promo blurbs, largely decided by whatever my whims and tastes are at that moment.

i'd put up a whole page with a caption on it but haven't got my shit set up properly at the moment.

[mattfraction]

Okay, I was just wondering because he recently reviewed a script of mine and I wanted to know if he had any.... friends in the field. Thanks though. If you or any other pros wants to read a demo, email me at ks.buffett@gmail.com , I could really use the feedback.

also for all i know dude might have LOTS of friends in the field, just not me in any resonant and lasting way. know what i mean?

[nickellis]

they were real things, back in the day:

and i always enjoyed 'em, for whatever reason.

i just go through previews for the month that issue of DEFENDERS is out and write promo blurbs based on other promo blurbs, largely decided by whatever my whims and tastes are at that moment.

i'd put up a whole page with a caption on it but haven't got my shit set up properly at the moment.

Awesome.

[Karen Mahoney]

Very rarely, and when I do it tends to be for CASANOVA.

Thanks. I can understand that, because CASANOVA is your baby! (Well, one of them. :))

Kaz

p.s. I just read vols 1 and 2 of Casanova back-to-back, and I think with Gula I really got it. I liked vol 1, don't get me wrong, but I LOVED Gula. (Also, I want a huge art print of that gorgeous cover.)

[Arion]

lately it's all been homework. i have a pile of art comix i've been waiting to have a spare five minutes to look at and failing. brian chippendale, mat brinkman, ben marra, etc.

i read SAGA. i read jon's FANTASTIC 4 this week, and thought it lovely. thinking about reading Y THE LAST MAN which i've not before. but, again - i have no time for reading at the moment.

I preordered Saga so I'll be getting it when DCBS sends me the next package. If I like it (and I'm sure I will) I'll review it on my blog.

[bobawasright]

sure do. also, Y The Last Man is pretty edgy and just plain cool. just though you should know (if that sways you further to read it in any way)

[Kefky]

Twilight Zone or Outer Limits?

[beamish]

Do you think, after reading about you WW comment, Dan Didio added 'Call Fraction' on his schedule for the day you current exclusive ends?

[Arion]

sure do. also, Y The Last Man is pretty edgy and just plain cool. just though you should know (if that sways you further to read it in any way)

I'm a big fan of Y the Last Man.

[mattfraction]

twilight zone or outer limits?

zona4lyf

[mattfraction]

Do you think, after reading about you WW comment, Dan Didio added 'Call Fraction' on his schedule for the day you current exclusive ends?

fuck no

[beamish]

Side, (unrelated) question, are you ready for opening day? I just set the DVR for Cubs baseball and my excitement is peaking.

[Iron Fist]

Hey Matt,

Who is your favorite suprvillain and why?

[mattfraction]

Side, (unrelated) question, are you ready for opening day? I just set the DVR for Cubs baseball and my excitement is peaking.

gonna see how much of the game tonight i can get the kids to watch, and go to portland's Cubs bar tomorrow in my ron santo jersey.

[mattfraction]

Hey Matt,

Who is your favorite suprvillain and why?

right now? mandarin.

[Curt Pires]

What's going on with the ICON HC of Last of The Independents ? Haven't heard much since you informally announced way back in Avaritia #1.

[mattfraction]

What's going on with the ICON HC of Last of The Independents ? Haven't heard much since you informally announced way back in Avaritia #1.

great question.

[Jim Schnobrich]

I don't have a question or anything but I wanted to hop in and say that I just read Invincible Iron Man #514 and it was awesome! That is all.

[Arion]

What's going on with the ICON HC of Last of The Independents ? Haven't heard much since you informally announced way back in Avaritia #1.

I'm curious too.

[bobawasright]

So, just a quick question (really quick), do you just write any and everything now? Where do you find the time for all of this?

[Arion]

I don't have a question or anything but I wanted to hop in and say that I just read Invincible Iron Man #514 and it was awesome! That is all.

What other Fraction titles are you currently reading?

[mattfraction]

So, just a quick question (really quick), do you just write any and everything now?

Just stuff that interests me.


Where do you find the time for all of this?

y'just do it. time compresses with publication though so it looks misleading. you work consistently long enough and it looks crazier than it is.

[mattfraction]

and thank you, everybody, for saying the nice things up there.

[Arion]

What ? I never said anything nice.

Oh wait, I did.

[Karen Mahoney]

Matt, what's your favourite Prince song? ("Don't u just love Prince?")

Cheers,
Kaz

[bobawasright]

Just stuff that interests me.



y'just do it. time compresses with publication though so it looks misleading. you work consistently long enough and it looks crazier than it is.

I sortof figured.

How do you go about getting in with Marvel (or DC, or whatever else) [generally]? Do you call them or will they call you?

[Arion]

I sortof figured.

How do you go about getting in with Marvel (or DC, or whatever else) [generally]? Do you call them or will they call you?

I didn't know Matt had worked for DC.

[mattfraction]

Matt, what's your favourite Prince song? ("Don't u just love Prince?")

Cheers,
Kaz

ooph -- um... can i go with album? SIGN O THE TIMES. Just a song would be way too tough. and it might not even be on SIGN. hmm.

you?

[mattfraction]

I sortof figured.

How do you go about getting in with Marvel (or DC, or whatever else) [generally]? Do you call them or will they call you?

i knew editors and writers and aritsts from shows and the web; whenever i made work (film or animation or comics) i tended to give it to people of whom I was a fan; later that paid off as Axel Alonso called me on the strength of my first graphic novel to pitch on PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL.

So what worked for me was: do work, and give it to people who can hire you. now, there were hundreds of pages of pitches that nobody but me, axel, or axel's then-assistant Warren Simons ever saw, but i had a day job that i liked so i could wait and keep trying.

[Slewo.O]

Hey Matt.

I just read Defenders #6. I've really been enjoying every issue, and like I said earlier in the thread: seeing you write Danny again was a treat. So was seeing the Immortal Weapons again, even if you did kill half. :p

I have what's probably a petty question to ask about the issue. In the flashback to the Confederates of the Curious, Orson's Iron Fist costume is white now. Is that a coloring mistake, or is it more Concordance Engine monkey business?

Also, I'd really love to see another Orson Randall story. We need more of him and the Confederates in this world. I'm sure anyone here can agree with me. :)

[mattfraction]

Hey Matt.

I just read Defenders #6. I've really been enjoying every issue, and like I said earlier in the thread: seeing you write Danny again was a treat. So was seeing the Immortal Weapons again, even if you did kill half. :p

I have what's probably a petty question to ask about the issue. In the flashback to the Confederates of the Curious, Orson's Iron Fist costume is white now. Is that a coloring mistake, or is it more Concordance Engine monkey business?

Keep reading.


Also, I'd really love to see another Orson Randall story. We need more of him and the Confederates in this world. I'm sure anyone here can agree with me. :)

Keep reading.

[Slewo.O]

Keep reading.

I figured that'd be one answer, thanks.

[Karen Mahoney]

ooph -- um... can i go with album? SIGN O THE TIMES. Just a song would be way too tough. and it might not even be on SIGN. hmm.

you?

Ha! Okay, I'll let you off with an album. Can't argue with SIGN.

To be honest, I was always more of a hits gal when it came to P, but in the seven years I've known my boyfriend (a fan of 26+ years) I've become a total convert. I saw Prince live 6 times in 2007 and that makes you view the songs in a whole new way. Like, I've loved Purple Rain since I was a kid, but seeing the Purple One himself play it live... man, that's almost a transcendent experience. Saying I like something like Let's Go Crazy somehow makes me feel like I should apologise for it, but I'm talking about it played LIVE. The energy and all that goes with it

Have you seen Prince live? Do you have a favourite memory?

[mattfraction]

Ha! Okay, I'll let you off with an album. Can't argue with SIGN.

To be honest, I was always more of a hits gal when it came to P, but in the seven years I've known my boyfriend (a fan of 26+ years) I've become a total convert. I saw Prince live 6 times in 2007 and that makes you view the songs in a whole new way. Like, I've loved Purple Rain since I was a kid, but seeing the Purple One himself play it live... man, that's almost a transcendent experience. Saying I like something like Let's Go Crazy somehow makes me feel like I should apologise for it, but I'm talking about it played LIVE. The energy and all that goes with it

Have you seen Prince live? Do you have a favourite memory?

never have. he and the flaming lips i'm cursed to never see.

[beamish]

never have. he and the flaming lips i'm cursed to never see.

Yup, this is a new thread now.

[Karen Mahoney]

never have. he and the flaming lips i'm cursed to never see.

Maybe you will one day, and then the curse will be lifted!

[bobawasright]

i knew editors and writers and aritsts from shows and the web; whenever i made work (film or animation or comics) i tended to give it to people of whom I was a fan; later that paid off as Axel Alonso called me on the strength of my first graphic novel to pitch on PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL.

So what worked for me was: do work, and give it to people who can hire you. now, there were hundreds of pages of pitches that nobody but me, axel, or axel's then-assistant Warren Simons ever saw, but i had a day job that i liked so i could wait and keep trying.

Thanks. Really. Just so you know, you've probably provided me with some of the best information/advice I've ever had. You sir, are an inspiration. When I'm doing what you're doing now (hopefully sooner than later) I hope you remember that.

Oh, and I just finished Iron Man #515 & 516 (I'm just catching up now) and I had multiple heart attacks throughout. They definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.

[Iron Fist]

Hey Matt,

Defenders #6 was yet another great issue and so it looks like there will now be a new Dog Brother, Tiger's Beautiful Daughter and Bride of Nine Spiders later on?

[Arion]

i knew editors and writers and aritsts from shows and the web; whenever i made work (film or animation or comics) i tended to give it to people of whom I was a fan; later that paid off as Axel Alonso called me on the strength of my first graphic novel to pitch on PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL.

So what worked for me was: do work, and give it to people who can hire you. now, there were hundreds of pages of pitches that nobody but me, axel, or axel's then-assistant Warren Simons ever saw, but i had a day job that i liked so i could wait and keep trying.

That was a really smart move. Next time I'll make sure to send you some The Gathering comic books, I have mostly done 2 or 3 pagers, but some of them turned out nice.

[mattfraction]

Hey Matt,

Defenders #6 was yet another great issue and so it looks like ..

of course! that's how the immortal weapons work. question is how do THESE immortal weapons work?

[Iron Fist]

of course! that's how the immortal weapons work. question is how do THESE immortal weapons work?

You have me pondering now!

Also the revelations in this issue were so good, a few others and myself included are trying to figure out the rest of the members on John Aman's team/

Just who are they? Thanks again!

[mattfraction]

You have me pondering now!

Also the revelations in this issue were so good, a few others and myself included are trying to figure out the rest of the members on John Aman's team/

Just who are they? Thanks again!

They are.. well, like the immortal weapons and the iron fist timeline, they are all immaculately planned out in their detail (if not execution) in my notebooks. if i have a chance to get it down on the page, i will. you'll get hints and teases in future DEFENDERS issues and... and who knows?

Some hints: pay attention to the lineup. Watch who comes and goes; that's a clue. It's something like a LEAUGE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, almost. Not deliberately, but... well. I don't want to say more.

Oh! Tell you what, pick up Blake Bell's excellent Bill Everett bio and his collection of Everett comics to read the real and true secret origins of John Aman-- the green mist OF! DEATH! -- as they called him. Anyone that says he's not supposed to be acting villainously doesn't know their fucking history...!

(thanks and i hope you keep enjoying -- coming up with this ridiculous stuff, this dumb level of detail, is part of the job i love. the joy of just Making Stuff Up is unparalleled in this life...)

[Iron Fist]

Well I can't wait for more, Defenders is a book I look forward to reading every month.

When will we see Ant-Man and Nick Fury?

Thanks again Matt.

[Slewo.O]

Well I can't wait for more, Defenders is a book I look forward to reading every month.

When will we see Ant-Man and Nick Fury?

Thanks again Matt.

Am I the only one hoping it's Eric? He'd be wonderful in this iteration.

[mattfraction]

Well I can't wait for more, Defenders is a book I look forward to reading every month.

When will we see Ant-Man and Nick Fury?

Thanks again Matt.

10 and 9

[mattfraction]

Am I the only one hoping it's Eric?

yes.

[Slewo.O]

yes.

That's just cold, man. :lol:

Either way I'm loving the book, so I guess I can't get butt-hurt if it's a different Ant-Man.

[Iron Fist]

Hey Matt, I was wondering, what happened to Colleen Wing? It's been a long time since we've seen her...

Thanks again.

[Arion]

They are.. well, like the immortal weapons and the iron fist timeline, they are all immaculately planned out in their detail (if not execution) in my notebooks. if i have a chance to get it down on the page, i will. you'll get hints and teases in future DEFENDERS issues and... and who knows?

Some hints: pay attention to the lineup. Watch who comes and goes; that's a clue. It's something like a LEAUGE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, almost. Not deliberately, but... well. I don't want to say more.

Oh! Tell you what, pick up Blake Bell's excellent Bill Everett bio and his collection of Everett comics to read the real and true secret origins of John Aman-- the green mist OF! DEATH! -- as they called him. Anyone that says he's not supposed to be acting villainously doesn't know their fucking history...!

(thanks and i hope you keep enjoying -- coming up with this ridiculous stuff, this dumb level of detail, is part of the job i love. the joy of just Making Stuff Up is unparalleled in this life...)

Making stuff up is better than anything else.

Except food and sex, maybe.

[Slewo.O]

Making stuff up is better than anything else.

Except food and sex, maybe.

We should talk about his Arion... Preferably over a glass of orange juice. :shifty:

[chariset]

Hey, Matt. Would you ever want to do a Doctor Strange/Iron Fist ongoing?

I'm really looking forward to the moment in Defenders when Strange breaks out the Doc-Fu

[PaleBlueEyes]

Do you happen to know if there is audio or a transcript of the addiction in comics panel you did at Emerald City?

[Arion]

We should talk about his Arion... Preferably over a glass of orange juice. :shifty:

Orange Juice goes with vodka, you know?

[mattfraction]

Hey Matt, I was wondering, what happened to Colleen Wing? It's been a long time since we've seen her...

Thanks again.

Wasn't she running around in HEROES FOR HIRE...?

[mattfraction]

Hey, Matt. Would you ever want to do a Doctor Strange/Iron Fist ongoing?

I'm really looking forward to the moment in Defenders when Strange breaks out the Doc-Fu

Nah; though i think they fit well together in a lot of ways. Would still do a DOC solo book if the chance arose, i think.

[mattfraction]

Do you happen to know if there is audio or a transcript of the addiction in comics panel you did at Emerald City?

If there is, i've not been made aware of it.

[chariset]

Nah; though i think they fit well together in a lot of ways. Would still do a DOC solo book if the chance arose, i think.

I'd love to see it, provided you scaled back the Strange-as-sexual-predator angle.

[mattfraction]

I'd love to see it, provided you scaled back the Strange-as-sexual-predator angle.

Excuse me?

[chariset]

Excuse me?

Defenders BEGAN with a the-morning-after scene of Strange and some poor disposable grad student, with no real excuse except "She was there, we'd both been drinking, and I was lonely." That was your way of introducing his character to people who'd never read him before, and it isn't him. He could be cold, aloof, manipulative -- yes. But he never preyed upon young women who came to him for help.

That said, I'm still reading Defenders, and I loved #4. I liked your way of showing that he's a knowledgeable yet flawed human being, which in my view is exactly the way to write Strange.

[mattfraction]

Defenders BEGAN with a the-morning-after scene of Strange and some poor disposable grad student, with no real excuse except "She was there, we'd both been drinking, and I was lonely." That was your way of introducing his character to people who'd never read him before, and it isn't him. He could be cold, aloof, manipulative -- yes. But he never preyed upon young women who came to him for help.

That said, I'm still reading Defenders, and I loved #4. I liked your way of showing that he's a knowledgeable yet flawed human being, which in my view is exactly the way to write Strange.

"Sexual Predator" suggests he's a pedophile or sex criminal on the prowl. He was an adult; she was an adult. Was it a good idea? Not necessarily. But 'predator' is a gross misstatement.

And check out some of the classic Doc stories, the early years, the Clea stuff. This is pretty much *right* in character for how he was conceived and presented...

[chariset]

And check out some of the classic Doc stories, the early years, the Clea stuff. This is pretty much *right* in character for how he was conceived and presented...

I've seen your "Clea was his student/He slept with Clea/Therefore he sleeps with his students" argument before. But I've read the classic Doc stories and she wasn't his student when they first became lovers. She was a woman he loved first and she only became his student when he found her trying to study on her own. She didn't even live with him when she first came to Earth.

Was there a conflict of interest in having his lover as his disciple? Yes, but it was more that he let his desire to protect her get in the way of teaching her magic.

[Terry.Tyson]

Jesus.

[Slewo.O]

Jesus.

I know, right?

[Iron Fist]

Hey Matt,

A few questions....

If you could pick one villain to revitalize who would it be?

Pick two heroes for a team up book who would they be?

Kevin Feige confirmed the Iron Fist movie is inspired by Immortal Iron Fist:


the movie is definitely inspired by that great run

Who would be your choice for Danny Rand?

Thanks!

[mattfraction]

I've seen your "Clea was his student/He slept with Clea/Therefore he sleeps with his students" argument before. But I've read the classic Doc stories and she wasn't his student when they first became lovers. She was a woman he loved first and she only became his student when he found her trying to study on her own. She didn't even live with him when she first came to Earth.

Was there a conflict of interest in having his lover as his disciple? Yes, but it was more that he let his desire to protect her get in the way of teaching her magic.

well, even though we've got such different takeaways from those stories, i do appreciate you've kept reading DEFENDERS. and I promise you -- Molly was anything but unimportant. keep, as I am so fond of saying, reading.

[mattfraction]

Hey Matt,

A few questions....

If you could pick one villain to revitalize who would it be?

I dunno that I'd say he needs revitalizing, but it's looking like I'll get a chance to get my mitts on one of Marvel's biggest and most notorious soon. I'm looking forward to spending time in the shadows of that particular legend.



Pick two heroes for a team up book who would they be?


I think I figured out how I'd do a POWER MAN AND IRON FIST book. That'd be fun. I still feel like there's a way to do MARVEL TEAM-UP in a way that's not Instant Sales Death but that seems to fly in the face of Conventional Wisdom.



Who would be your choice for Danny Rand?

Armie Hammer.

[bobawasright]

"Sexual Predator" suggests he's a pedophile or sex criminal on the prowl. He was an adult; she was an adult. Was it a good idea? Not necessarily. But 'predator' is a gross misstatement.

And check out some of the classic Doc stories, the early years, the Clea stuff. This is pretty much *right* in character for how he was conceived and presented...

Just laughed really loud at work when I read the above.

[bobawasright]

Just laughed really loud at work when I read the above.

The first part.

[Iron Fist]

Thanks for the reply, really look forward to it. :D

A few more...

Who would you cast in a Dr. Strange movie?

Which Marvel solo movie is your favorite?

If you could pick one character and give them a shot at an ongoing series, who would it be?

[tomgastall]

...so is the plan for Cassanova still seven volumes? Just read the cbr interview about finishing Act I (of three, I guess.)

-Tom

[chariset]

Who would you cast in a Dr. Strange movie?

Seconding this one. We've been around and around this question on another forum.

Also: Do you think any of the Defenders have actual psychological issues, as opposed to odd habits or personality quirks? Does Danny have ADD? Is Silver Surfer clinically depressed?

[Arion]

"Sexual Predator" suggests he's a pedophile or sex criminal on the prowl. He was an adult; she was an adult. Was it a good idea? Not necessarily. But 'predator' is a gross misstatement.

And check out some of the classic Doc stories, the early years, the Clea stuff. This is pretty much *right* in character for how he was conceived and presented...

I don't understand why sex is such an issue for some readers.

Sure, maybe having sex isn't the only thing Dr. Strange does, but he hasn't take any cellibacy vows as far as I know.

[tomgastall]

I don't understand why sex is such an issue for some readers.

I don't understand why some readers project mental illnesses onto literary constructs.

It would be one thing if they were talking about a fellow human being... but they're not real.

-Tom

[Iron Fist]

Screenwriter Damon Lindelof (Prometheus, Star Trek 2, Lost, Cowboys And Aliens) has just stated that he wants to do an IRON FIST movie, what are your thoughts on this?


"One character I've always loved is Iron Fist, and Matt Fractions incredible run with him a couple of years back. I always thought that would make a really cool movie. But I am hard pushed to think of me doing anything better than The Avengers which I just thought was phenomenal."

So awesome, really hope this happens!

[Arion]

I don't understand why some readers project mental illnesses onto literary constructs.

It would be one thing if they were talking about a fellow human being... but they're not real.

-Tom

I can't explain it but yes, a lot of people seem to do that. Maybe they should go to therapy or something.

[tomgastall]

I can't explain it but yes, a lot of people seem to do that. Maybe they should go to therapy or something.

Oh, I don't mean that in the Freudian sense... and I'm not insinuating that the original poster is ill in any way.

I just think applying specific mental conditions to company-owned super heroes that dozens of people work on is too precise. For example, saying Batman is troubled, sure... but saying he has Aspergers... nah.

-Tom

[chariset]

I just think applying specific mental conditions to company-owned super heroes that dozens of people work on is too precise. For example, saying Batman is troubled, sure... but saying he has Aspergers... nah.

If you're curious, here's the reason I ask.

In one of Matt's pre-Defenders #1 interviews, he said:

"There's a line that Hulk has in the first issue, while Strange is gathering up all the old gang. The line is, 'I hate myself and I want to die, but not today.' It sort of occurred to me, that resonated with a lot of the cast, deep down."

And it made me wonder -- the Defenders have always been the non-team-players, the loners, the weirdos who get stuck with each other because they won't work with other people. But I'd never seen a writer write them as if they were genuinely messed up before. If Matt's doing that, it's an interesting twist, but I don't know if he is, so I'm asking the horse, as it were.

(Interview link: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=35115)

[Curt Pires]

You just tweeted about running and defenders and sex criminals. is sex criminals a creator owned book you're doin? Is sex criminals the Chaykin creator owned book you've alluded too? Comix and running are funn.

[Karen Mahoney]

Not that I'm a moderator, and at the risk of making myself unpopular, maybe we should get this thread back to what it's meant to be: Q&A for Matt.

If there's fallout/further discussion as a result of those questions and answers, shouldn't we think about moving that to another thread. I keep checking in here in the hope of hearing from Mr. Fraction, and there are now a couple of pages taken up with... other stuff.

If I'm out of line, or you guys don't agree, that's cool - let me know. :)

Cheers,
Kaz

[Kelly Sue]

I will totally make you a mod if you want.

[mattfraction]

Thanks for the reply, really look forward to it. :D

A few more...

Who would you cast in a Dr. Strange movie?

Which Marvel solo movie is your favorite?

If you could pick one character and give them a shot at an ongoing series, who would it be?


Benedict Cumberbatch!

The first IRON MAN.

And Black Panther.

[mattfraction]

...so is the plan for Cassanova still seven volumes? Just read the cbr interview about finishing Act I (of three, I guess.)

-Tom

we excel at making god laugh

[mattfraction]

Seconding this one. We've been around and around this question on another forum.

Also: Do you think any of the Defenders have actual psychological issues, as opposed to odd habits or personality quirks? Does Danny have ADD? Is Silver Surfer clinically depressed?

I think everybody has actual psychological issues; I don't think Danny has ADD nor that the Surfer is clinically depressed, necessarily. But... yeah, I look at that group and I see issues (again, though; every group has issues. Something about the history of THE DEFENDERS and of those characters in particular move those issues closer to their cores, somehow).

Because here's the thing, to me, as a writer -- a character with just quirks, or odd habits, isn't a character. there's no there there. there's no earth for drama to take root. Quirk is fine but it's a detail. Real pathos has to come from something real inside.

my two cents, anyway.

[mattfraction]

You just tweeted about running and defenders and sex criminals. is sex criminals a creator owned book you're doin? Is sex criminals the Chaykin creator owned book you've alluded too? Comix and running are funn.

yes; no. that's called SATELLITE SAM.

[mattfraction]

Not that I'm a moderator, and at the risk of making myself unpopular, maybe we should get this thread back to what it's meant to be: Q&A for Matt.

If there's fallout/further discussion as a result of those questions and answers, shouldn't we think about moving that to another thread. I keep checking in here in the hope of hearing from Mr. Fraction, and there are now a couple of pages taken up with... other stuff.

If I'm out of line, or you guys don't agree, that's cool - let me know. :)

Cheers,
Kaz

well said, and thanks to chariset, for engaging in the discussion. even if we disagree, i appreciate the talk.

[Terry.Tyson]

Because here's the thing, to me, as a writer -- a character with just quirks, or odd habits, isn't a character.

Or reflective of real people. Well said. And that approach has made you a good writer.

Actors often have to learn this tidbit early on as well.

[Karen Mahoney]

I will totally make you a mod if you want.

I will email you. :)

[beamish]

we excel at making god laugh

I guess time, and twitter, will tell.

[chariset]

By the way, Defenders #7 was great. That little bit with the Konami cheat code makes me laugh whenever I think about it.

[Black Bolt]

Congratulations for his work on Defenders series. Spectacular, I wonder, you write something about the Inhumans!
I ask the same question to Bendis , Is there any possibility you present to us his vision of the Inhumans on owner mini series or in Defenders series ?

[Spidey616]

Curious if we'll be seeing Splitlip the dwarf again in Invincible Iron Man? He was a fun character.

[Iron Fist]

Hey Matt,

Will we ever see Danny extend his chi into objects like past Iron Fists Wu Ao-Shi and Orson Randall did?

[mattfraction]

By the way, Defenders #7 was great. That little bit with the Konami cheat code makes me laugh whenever I think about it.

sort of amazed they let me do it.

[mattfraction]

Congratulations for his work on Defenders series. Spectacular, I wonder, you write something about the Inhumans!
I ask the same question to Bendis , Is there any possibility you present to us his vision of the Inhumans on owner mini series or in Defenders series ?

Nnnnot in DEFENDERS...

[mattfraction]

Curious if we'll be seeing Splitlip the dwarf again in Invincible Iron Man? He was a fun character.

Yeah, he pops up again soon.

[mattfraction]

Hey Matt,

Will we ever see Danny extend his chi into objects like past Iron Fists Wu Ao-Shi and Orson Randall did?


Maybe one day. I like the idea of there being a move he can't quite get the knack of, that the book of the Iron Fist is full of stuff, some he gets, some he can't, or won't...

[mattfraction]

Hey Matt,

Will we ever see Danny extend his chi into objects like past Iron Fists Wu Ao-Shi and Orson Randall did?

then again maybe he'll do it tomorrow. WHO CAN SAY.

[Karen Mahoney]

I am so ridiculously excited that you're writing Kate Bishop in your Hawkeye series. I think Marvel should put out a Young Adult (YA! Young Avengers, geddit?) novel starring her, and am sad they didn't think of it already. Girls shooting arrows are where it's at. (See: The Hunger Games.) Of course, now they have time to ask me to write it...

What have you got planned for Kate? Can you tell us anything?? I can't wait another two months.

Cheers,
Kaz

[Arion]

Oh, I don't mean that in the Freudian sense... and I'm not insinuating that the original poster is ill in any way.

I just think applying specific mental conditions to company-owned super heroes that dozens of people work on is too precise. For example, saying Batman is troubled, sure... but saying he has Aspergers... nah.

-Tom

I wonder what kind of fan would dare say that Batman has Aspergers...

[Slewo.O]

I am so ridiculously excited that you're writing Kate Bishop in your Hawkeye series. I think Marvel should put out a Young Adult (YA! Young Avengers, geddit?) novel starring her, and am sad they didn't think of it already. Girls shooting arrows are where it's at. (See: The Hunger Games.) Of course, now they have time to ask me to write it...

What have you got planned for Kate? Can you tell us anything?? I can't wait another two months.

Cheers,
Kaz

Hopefully not a changeover to Hawkingbird. :p

I'm really glad Marvel gets that having two characters with the same identity doesn't mean one has to be pushed over to the side, they can co-exist and even share a book.

Shame we don't have that in Flash anymore. :?

[bobawasright]

Is Fraction your real fake last name? Or is it just fake? Because, I know it's not real.

[chariset]

Matt, what were your notes for whoever designed Strange's new costume (I presume it was Terry Dodson)? Was it something like "Give a call back to his old outfit, but no tunics"?

Also on outfits: will it ever be explained why Danny's still in that fetching but not particularly slimming white number?

[Iron Fist]

Hey Matt,

Will ever see the return of Master Khan? I think it'd be cool to see a modern take on him.

[mattfraction]

I am so ridiculously excited that you're writing Kate Bishop in your Hawkeye series. I think Marvel should put out a Young Adult (YA! Young Avengers, geddit?) novel starring her, and am sad they didn't think of it already. Girls shooting arrows are where it's at. (See: The Hunger Games.) Of course, now they have time to ask me to write it...

What have you got planned for Kate? Can you tell us anything?? I can't wait another two months.

Cheers,
Kaz

She shows up in 2; has the best lines in 3; and in 4 & 5 she... does stuff. or doesn't.

[mattfraction]

Is Fraction your real fake last name? Or is it just fake? Because, I know it's not real.

you mean, have i changed it or something? no. my last name is 'fritchman.' a telemarketer misprounounced it (no doubt due to my horrid handwriting) as "fraction." that became my web-handle Back In The Day and, when i started writing comics, the only connection anybody in comics had to make between me and my work, so... so i used it 'professionally' hoping that the comics people that knew me as 'fraction' would see the work.

[mattfraction]

Matt, what were your notes for whoever designed Strange's new costume (I presume it was Terry Dodson)? Was it something like "Give a call back to his old outfit, but no tunics"?

Also on outfits: will it ever be explained why Danny's still in that fetching but not particularly slimming white number?

I wanted him in a suit... I wanted him looking like William S. Burroughs all the time...

[mattfraction]

Hey Matt,

Will ever see the return of Master Khan? I think it'd be cool to see a modern take on him.

Didn't Namor kill him?

[Slewo.O]

Matt, what made you decide to keep Kate around in your book? Or for that matter as Hawkeye. I know you love the character, but it seems lately the pattern is that when a character dies and their mantle gets handed down, the replacement's time with that name isn't permanent. It's not necessarily always a bad thing (See Bucky) but it doesn't happen often.

[bobawasright]

you mean, have i changed it or something? no. my last name is 'fritchman.' a telemarketer misprounounced it (no doubt due to my horrid handwriting) as "fraction." that became my web-handle Back In The Day and, when i started writing comics, the only connection anybody in comics had to make between me and my work, so... so i used it 'professionally' hoping that the comics people that knew me as 'fraction' would see the work.

So it was basically unintentional? Wow. That's pretty bad@$$.

[Iron Fist]

Didn't Namor kill him?

I think there'd be a possible way for him to come back. *ponders*

[mattfraction]

Matt, what made you decide to keep Kate around in your book? Or for that matter as Hawkeye. I know you love the character, but it seems lately the pattern is that when a character dies and their mantle gets handed down, the replacement's time with that name isn't permanent. It's not necessarily always a bad thing (See Bucky) but it doesn't happen often.


because your lead needs someone to talk to, and to have a smart, competent, heroic, utterly capable but still green and inexperienced female co-lead with whom Clint will not try to sleep frees up the book to do all kinds of things. Putting an Avenger in THE AVENGERS space, a Steed-and-Peel kind of role, isn't something we've every gotten to see with Clint.

Also, there's no reason that 'the pattern' is right or even good; the first Waid FLASH run are some of my favorite superhero comics, and there was, at once point, three flashes running around at once (and four more speedsters filling out the ranks).


yeah, i dunno. it just felt right. let me know after 2 and 3 come out if i'm wrong.

[mattfraction]

So it was basically unintentional? Wow. That's pretty bad@$$.

it was intentional, i just had no idea that it (my career, not the name) would last more than a couple months.

[Karen Mahoney]

...and to have a smart, competent, heroic, utterly capable but still green and inexperienced female co-lead with whom Clint will not try to sleep frees up the book to do all kinds of things.

As a female, superhero comics fan - and a fan of Kate specifically - you have no idea how happy it makes me to hear you say this.

Kaz

[Spidey616]

Hey Matt,

With all you've been building with Mandarin in IIM, curious if ever had plans to include/use his son Temugin in this big Mandarin storyline?

[Iron Fist]

Hey Matt,

Pick one artist you'd love to work with, who would it be?

[bobawasright]

it was intentional, i just had no idea that it (my career, not the name) would last more than a couple months.

Nice. About how long should it take to finish a comic book script? How long does it take you? (in terms of days) I'm on my fourth... or fifth finished script now since about 6 months ago, (though I'm also in high-school with a part time job, so, it takes a while to find the time...) yet I finished 7 pages yesterday with the day off.... as you can see, that doesn't quite add up. I'm assuming it takes you about 2 days for the rough copy is that about right?

Also, I'm about to pummel you with some mindless complimentation (though that is clearly not a word) but would you mind if I threw in a thank you or a shout out to you in my first published comic? I think your work (though not only yours) influenced mine greatly and I kindof like to think of myself as your biggest fan (which is unfair to everyone else, I know). Anyways... if you're cool with that, let me know. I'd like to cite my references properly (so to speak).

Oh, and one more thing, are you familiar with Bobcat Goldthwait? I'm thinking about checking out God Bless America soon and wanted to know if you had any opinion on it.

K.

[bobawasright]

Oh, and I'm sorry for going on and on so much. You're probably thinking I'm a crazy wackjob. I don't try to be, but you're the only guy in the industry who's given me any actually helpful advice. Oh and Iron Man is keeping me on the edge of my seat month after month... just sayin'.

[Arion]

Oh, and I'm sorry for going on and on so much. You're probably thinking I'm a crazy wackjob. I don't try to be, but you're the only guy in the industry who's given me any actually helpful advice. Oh and Iron Man is keeping me on the edge of my seat month after month... just sayin'.

Don't worry about it, usually I'm the one who goes on and on... and on !

[chariset]

If Defenders is canceled before you can finish the story, will you tell us how it would have gone/what would have happened next?

[bobawasright]

If Defenders is canceled before you can finish the story, will you tell us how it would have gone/what would have happened next?

Do you anticipate cancellation any time soon? That's a little bit premature, don't you think? Defenders is one of the most interesting titles on the market (though I certainly can't speak for all of them) and what would it's cancellation say for the industry? I think the best thing a writer could possibly do when an ongoing work is cancelled is leave it exactly at that, over. You shouldn't need to tie up loose ends or tell everyone what you wanted to do. Clearly, I can't speak for Mr. Fraction on this one, but I think it's a wee bit unfair asking him for the unfinished plot of his story. I have great faith in the man, and if the series were to be cancelled I'm sure he could knock us out with that last stunning issue and then be done with it. He shouldn't need to explain himself or apologize... just leave us all in ignorant bliss and keep his unused ideas to himself.

On another note, I've heard that there will be a number of titles switching up between creative teams. Will we see you on anything new in the near future?

[Karen Mahoney]

Do you anticipate cancellation any time soon? That's a little bit premature, don't you think?

Amen!

Kaz

[Iron Fist]

Hey Matt,

Will Iron Fist ever switch back to his traditional green?

Thanks

[beamish]

Thanks for making me a Mountain Goats convert. That's all.

[beamish]

Can we expect your Marvel Now announcements this week? I am getting antsy, after reading the solicits.

[bobawasright]

Can we expect your Marvel Now announcements this week? I am getting antsy, after reading the solicits.

Hear, hear.

[chariset]

Just read Defenders #8.

Don't stop the Fractioncoaster; I don't want to get off!

[beamish]

Howard Chaykin and Matt Fraction joined the panel, who are collaborating on "Samurai Sam." "It's the story of a children's TV host who is found dead in a somewhat compromising position," Fraction. "One of the thing that's found is a box of photographs of every woman Satellite Sam has 'spent time with,' and out of that box are clues to who he was and ultimately who killed him." From CBR (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=39811)

Just wanted to put this somewhere!

[Iron Fist]

Hey Matt,

Just wanted to say Defenders #8 was really great and I can't wait for what's next!

[beamish]

With your departure from THOR is there a change that we will see Galactus and the reverend again?

[beamish]

Okay, weird question, the worship band at my church is planning a Christmas Rocktacular, now, I understand you are quite the Christmas music aficionado, so, for proper rocking, are there any tunes you would recommend? I am looking to stretch the boundaries, a lot. Thanks.

[mattfraction]

Hey Matt,

With all you've been building with Mandarin in IIM, curious if ever had plans to include/use his son Temugin in this big Mandarin storyline?

no. (sorry. hi. sorry)

[mattfraction]

Nice. About how long should it take to finish a comic book script? How long does it take you?

there's no 'should' i don't think. there's no rule. i've written scripts in two days; i've written scripts over the course of two years. Literally. the work is the work and it takes what it takes. You know what I mean?





Also, I'm about to pummel you with some mindless complimentation (though that is clearly not a word) but would you mind if I threw in a thank you or a shout out to you in my first published comic? I think your work (though not only yours) influenced mine greatly and I kindof like to think of myself as your biggest fan (which is unfair to everyone else, I know). Anyways... if you're cool with that, let me know. I'd like to cite my references properly (so to speak).

i'd be flattered. thank you kindly.


Oh, and one more thing, are you familiar with Bobcat Goldthwait? I'm thinking about checking out God Bless America soon and wanted to know if you had any opinion on it.

yeah. shakes the clown is the citizen kane of alcoholic clown movies. i skipped GBA because i heard about a thing in the opening that... well, even though realizing the satire of it all just wasn't something i needed or wanted to see. wildly unfair but i can live with it; i bet bob can too. but i love his work. and his standup back in the day was really important to me.

[mattfraction]

Oh, and I'm sorry for going on and on so much. You're probably thinking I'm a crazy wackjob. I don't try to be, but you're the only guy in the industry who's given me any actually helpful advice. Oh and Iron Man is keeping me on the edge of my seat month after month... just sayin'.

don't worry about it. and crazy whackjobs never worry about sounding like crazy whackjobs.

[mattfraction]

If Defenders is canceled before you can finish the story, will you tell us how it would have gone/what would have happened next?

no, but you're getting the greatest-hits ultra-truncated version. best i could manage, anyway.

[mattfraction]

Hey Matt,

Pick one artist you'd love to work with, who would it be?

bill sienkiewicz

[mattfraction]

Do you anticipate cancellation any time soon? That's a little bit premature, don't you think? Defenders is one of the most interesting titles on the market (though I certainly can't speak for all of them) and what would it's cancellation say for the industry? I think the best thing a writer could possibly do when an ongoing work is cancelled is leave it exactly at that, over. You shouldn't need to tie up loose ends or tell everyone what you wanted to do. Clearly, I can't speak for Mr. Fraction on this one, but I think it's a wee bit unfair asking him for the unfinished plot of his story. I have great faith in the man, and if the series were to be cancelled I'm sure he could knock us out with that last stunning issue and then be done with it. He shouldn't need to explain himself or apologize... just leave us all in ignorant bliss and keep his unused ideas to himself.

On another note, I've heard that there will be a number of titles switching up between creative teams. Will we see you on anything new in the near future?

yeah, well... that's kinda why i avoided this thread for so long; i didn't have the heart to lie about it. the axe fell a long time ago, sadly, and i kept hoping something would turn it around but... well, that didn't happen. anyway we tried.

the cancellation doesn't say anything for the industry that the industry doesn't say for itself on a nearly-weekly basis. I tried; I hope it at least feels like an ending rather than a just-stopping.

[mattfraction]

(re iron fist in green)

who knows?

[mattfraction]

Thanks for making me a Mountain Goats convert. That's all.

my pleasure! new record soon.

[mattfraction]

With your departure from THOR is there a change that we will see Galactus and the reverend again?

didn't get around to it in THOR again; maybe in FF. We'll see. I think Hickman did such a great Galactus story, though, i'd maybe avoid the big guy for a while.

[nickellis]

yeah, well... that's kinda why i avoided this thread for so long; i didn't have the heart to lie about it. the axe fell a long time ago, sadly, and i kept hoping something would turn it around but... well, that didn't happen. anyway we tried.

the cancellation doesn't say anything for the industry that the industry doesn't say for itself on a nearly-weekly basis. I tried; I hope it at least feels like an ending rather than a just-stopping.

Darn it. Thanks man, it's been awesome.

N

[mattfraction]

Okay, weird question, the worship band at my church is planning a Christmas Rocktacular, now, I understand you are quite the Christmas music aficionado, so, for proper rocking, are there any tunes you would recommend? I am looking to stretch the boundaries, a lot. Thanks.

how good is the singer?

[beamish]

my pleasure! new record soon.

Already preordered.

[beamish]

how good is the singer?

Yikes, how to answer, the singer is me, so, I feel confident that I'm pretty good (or at least that's what they tell me).

[bobawasright]

Matt when're you gonna do a collab with Adi Granov? I've been waiting my whole life for it.

[bobawasright]

Crimefighters USA America?

[nickellis]

Dear Matt,

'Universal Fakebook' - is that a Planetary reference (or, without being a reference, the same sort of idea?)

N

[mattfraction]

Matt when're you gonna do a collab with Adi Granov? I've been waiting my whole life for it.

he doesn't really do comics any more, does he? covers and such, but my impression was he's not really doing that sort of thing anymore. at least very often.

[mattfraction]

//Crimefighters USA America?//

monkey knuckle asteroid?

[mattfraction]

Dear Matt,

'Universal Fakebook' - is that a Planetary reference (or, without being a reference, the same sort of idea?)

N

"fakebook of the cosmos" and -- no? how? is there a universal fakebook in PLANETARY that i've forgotten?

(THE TRUE STORY OF "THE FAKEBOOK OF THE COSMOS" - once upon a time there was an episode of SILVER SPOONS. In it, Ricky encounters, at some point, the entire playbook of his rival soccer team, the Cosmos (COZmos, as if one were to plural-ize 'Cosmo"). At one point he says something like -- wow, the playbook of the cosmos. I misheard the line, as a kid, as 'the fakebook of the cosmos' (which I heard as "Cosmos" in the Carl Sagan way). it stuck with me. It literally didn't occur to me until YEARS LATER -- when I learned what a 'fakebook' was, like fifteen years easy -- that the line was 'playbook.' Anyway i heard the line out of the corner of my ear and always liked the idea of there being a UNIVERSAL UR-PHYSICS FOR DUMMIES book out there in the world and if a supervillain was going to go cutting-and-pasting people from one parallel universe to another, why NOT use a fakebook rather than acutally know what you're doing? and it's xeno's NOT knowing what he's doing, it's xeno stealing and cheating his way into things rather than actually earning the knowlege and skill to do things properly, that sets the second and third stories in motion...

anyway. "Playbook of the Cozmos", 'Fakebook of the Cosmos." No idea where you're coming from re: planetary. unless you mean like a planetary guide or something?

[nickellis]

....
anyway. "Playbook of the Cozmos", 'Fakebook of the Cosmos." No idea where you're coming from re: planetary. unless you mean like a planetary guide or something?

Yeah, I was thinking like a Planetary Guide, along the lines of the secret knowledge gained without actually earning it, but the real answer was so much better. Thanks for sharing.

[Sidenote: I had a fakebook, copy of The Real Book, bought for $50 when I was learning piano. Gave it to a friend who actually is a practising musician in exchange for a burnt CD of all the Real Books in PDF.

It always interested me that I was possibly one of the last people who paid money for that book - the value of what was in it, of the bootleg charts, dropped completely in about two years.]

N

[bobawasright]

//Crimefighters USA America?//

monkey knuckle asteroid?

Okay, I'll admit that was somewhat of an... open question. On the letters page (I guess that would be what it was) of Hawkeye #1 it said that you had lived Hawkeye's life for the past ten years solving murder... etc. etc. etc., Oprah's OWN Network... etc. How spontaneous was the thought to write that down?

[mattfraction]

Okay, I'll admit that was somewhat of an... open question. On the letters page (I guess that would be what it was) of Hawkeye #1 it said that you had lived Hawkeye's life for the past ten years solving murder... etc. etc. etc., Oprah's OWN Network... etc. How spontaneous was the thought to write that down?

i literally have no idea what you're talking about. wacker wrote the letter column; i've not got a copy of the book here so i dunno what it says.

[TRACERfire]

To add some clarity to the discussion here's a screencap of the letters pages taken from my Comixology account.
I have to say, the digital comics thing is kind of addictive.

"Fakebook of the Cosmos" --- that's a good one.
I was hoping Nick would have strung Matt along on the Planetary reference a lot longer though. I thought he was about to shit himself at the thought of accidentally and unknowingly "borrowing" some reference from Warren Ellis.


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8456/7925647328_389051123b_o.png

[nickellis]

Haha, no, no, I wasn't implying Mr Fraction had stolen the idea (I'm generally wary of any claims of originality/unoriginality in concepts anyhow - execution of an idea seems to make much more difference than the idea itself).

The Fakebook just struck me as similar to the Guide - insider information about how the multiverse worked, though as Matt pointed out, the Fakebook is more analogous to a how-to guide, the Planetary Guide is an almanac of strange.

N

[TRACERfire]

Definitely!
I knew that you weren't implying anything.

I just thought it would have been funny, albeit a bit cruel, to string Matt along like he had appropriated it from somewhere.
As they say... humour is inherently selfish.
At least that's what I say! ;)

[Terry.Tyson]

HAWKEYE #2. So good.

So very, very good.

[TRACERfire]

^ Agreed. I had a Scooby-Doo mystery/crime caper thing going around my head while reading.
Perhaps it was mainly due to staying awake till 2am on a work bender.

Just before going to sleep I noticed Comixology send out a twitter message stating their books for this week were up.
All of sudden it's 3:30am and I've blearily devoured a few books. I might need to re-read a few things as it's now just a hypnagogic haze of half-memory.

In addition to Hawkeye I've been catching up on Future Foundation and The Manhattan Projects.
Great reads all around.

[bobawasright]

i literally have no idea what you're talking about. wacker wrote the letter column; i've not got a copy of the book here so i dunno what it says.

Fair enough... fair enough.

[Arion]

Matt, I'm really excited for FF.

Do you hahve anything you might want to share about your collaboration process with artist Mike Allred?

[Slewo.O]

because your lead needs someone to talk to, and to have a smart, competent, heroic, utterly capable but still green and inexperienced female co-lead with whom Clint will not try to sleep frees up the book to do all kinds of things. Putting an Avenger in THE AVENGERS space, a Steed-and-Peel kind of role, isn't something we've every gotten to see with Clint.

Also, there's no reason that 'the pattern' is right or even good; the first Waid FLASH run are some of my favorite superhero comics, and there was, at once point, three flashes running around at once (and four more speedsters filling out the ranks).

yeah, i dunno. it just felt right. let me know after 2 and 3 come out if i'm wrong.
Well, I didn't think it'd take me this long to respond to this post, but shit happens I guess. :lol:

I read both issues of Hawkeye, and dug both of em. And I loved the role Kate is playing so far. It felt like something a long time coming between the two.

Just to note though, when I asked about the pattern I wasn't speaking derisively about your decision to add Kate. I loved the Waid, Morrison/Millar, and 1st Johns run as much as anyone else, and I'm glad we can have two heroes sharing the same name running around and sharing a book, instead of someone getting killed or demoted.

So yeah, as a Kate and Clint fan I'm glad to see both sharing a title. It's certainly going to be a fun ride if these issues are any indication. And I'm really glad to see Aja on an ongoing again, makes me wish I could find that Immortal Iron Fist omnibus. :lol:

[Slewo.O]

Also I'm really sad to see Defenders go. No bs, it's definitely been one of the best and unique books coming out of Marvel lately. And this is coming out alongside Hickman's FF run, UXF, JiM, and more. It's really disappointing that the market won't allow for too many books that are insulated and fun.

I mean this book had Nick Fury, Namor, and Iron Fist on a team being drawn by McKelvie, Michael Lark and the Dodsons among others. What more do people want?

Anyway, I wanted to at least thank you for making that 3.99 worth my while.

[Arion]

bill sienkiewicz


Excellent choice, sir.

[totalsellout]

Dropped my lcs in December and just went with my subscriptions. Seemed like a good idea, but it lead to me missing defenders and the last 2 issues of avarita. Feel guilty about trade waiting on defenders now.just got those last 2 avaritas on comixology( my first purchase with the app) and I just want to say, amazing. The unraveling tape was one of the best images I've ever seen in a comic.

Any thoughts on the defenders experience? I have heard nothing but good things about it but it couldn't find an audience. Fear itself got ragged on online(I loved it), and made the top ten every issue. Do these experiences change your feelings towards your audience? Do you become apprehensive about doing a book like hawkeye?

[Arion]

Also I'm really sad to see Defenders go. No bs, it's definitely been one of the best and unique books coming out of Marvel lately. And this is coming out alongside Hickman's FF run, UXF, JiM, and more. It's really disappointing that the market won't allow for too many books that are insulated and fun.

I mean this book had Nick Fury, Namor, and Iron Fist on a team being drawn by McKelvie, Michael Lark and the Dodsons among others. What more do people want?

Anyway, I wanted to at least thank you for making that 3.99 worth my while.

I think we're all sad to see Defenders go.Like you said, great writing and great art.

[motorfirebox]

Also I'm really sad to see Defenders go. No bs, it's definitely been one of the best and unique books coming out of Marvel lately. And this is coming out alongside Hickman's FF run, UXF, JiM, and more. It's really disappointing that the market won't allow for too many books that are insulated and fun.

I mean this book had Nick Fury, Namor, and Iron Fist on a team being drawn by McKelvie, Michael Lark and the Dodsons among others. What more do people want?

Anyway, I wanted to at least thank you for making that 3.99 worth my while.
+3.99

[Arion]

+3.99

It wasn't more than 3.99 . I remember.

[beamish]

Uuuuuuuudddddddddddddddddddddddeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is all.

[Slewo.O]

Second to last ish of Defenders was awesome, just saying...

[beamish]

Second to last ish of Defenders was awesome, just saying...

That's just what I was sayin, #crosspost! (https://twitter.com/AdmiralBeamish/status/253962160684802048)

[Slewo.O]

That's just what I was sayin, #crosspost! (https://twitter.com/AdmiralBeamish/status/253962160684802048)

Could this all be from the Concor-- uh what were the words I was gonna say?

[Arion]

That's just what I was sayin, #crosspost! (https://twitter.com/AdmiralBeamish/status/253962160684802048)

Oh, the omnipresent Twitter.

[bobawasright]

So, Matt, I just wanted to let you know that I think it's really cool with you helping that little boy out on twitter and all. If I was Obama, I would fist bump you right now, otherwise that would seem inappropriate... let's settle on a high five?

[Arion]

Could this all be from the Concor-- uh what were the words I was gonna say?

Concordance !

[Spidey616]

Hey Matt,

1st heck of a Iron Man run these last few years! Truly one of my favorite ongoing titles from Marvel

-Did you ever expect in your wildest dreams concepts from your IIM run to be used in other media like Pepper's Rescue armor in the CGI Iron Man: Armored Adventures cartoon or Zeke Stane in the upcoming Iron Man anime Rise of Technovore?

[mattfraction]

Hey Matt,

-Did you ever expect in your wildest dreams concepts from your IIM run to be used in other media like Pepper's Rescue armor in the CGI Iron Man: Armored Adventures cartoon or Zeke Stane in the upcoming Iron Man anime Rise of Technovore?

never ever ever ever ever

[Arion]

Hey Matt,

1st heck of a Iron Man run these last few years! Truly one of my favorite ongoing titles from Marvel

-Did you ever expect in your wildest dreams concepts from your IIM run to be used in other media like Pepper's Rescue armor in the CGI Iron Man: Armored Adventures cartoon or Zeke Stane in the upcoming Iron Man anime Rise of Technovore?

Such a great run, I'm just surprised to see it lasted so many years. Creative teams nowadays are in constant movement...

[chariset]

Matt, did you have plans for the Defenders to have other adventures after the end of the Concordance Engine arc? Would they have assembled anyway without the threat of Nul and gone off to fight something else?

[mattfraction]

Matt, did you have plans for the Defenders to have other adventures after the end of the Concordance Engine arc? Would they have assembled anyway without the threat of Nul and gone off to fight something else?

sort of. there was meant to be three, maybe four years of stuff between issues 8 and 12 that, basically, to reach any kind of conclusion, had to be very poorly compressed down into the back-half of the book. i remain proud of issue nine; the rest is a triage job at best. but the axe fell when i was too pregnant to resolve it any better. at least any better than i've been able to think of yet.

so it was always going to end with strange tweaking the teabag in the past to send a message to himself to try being kind instead of scared and angry all the time, and that making all the difference, and everything getting undone.

just... y'know, in 2014 or so. oh well.

[Arion]

sort of. there was meant to be three, maybe four years of stuff between issues 8 and 12 that, basically, to reach any kind of conclusion, had to be very poorly compressed down into the back-half of the book. i remain proud of issue nine; the rest is a triage job at best. but the axe fell when i was too pregnant to resolve it any better. at least any better than i've been able to think of yet.

so it was always going to end with strange tweaking the teabag in the past to send a message to himself to try being kind instead of scared and angry all the time, and that making all the difference, and everything getting undone.

just... y'know, in 2014 or so. oh well.

Now I'm fantasizing about what it could have been.

[tomgastall]

Fyi - the wife went to her workout in her OG casanova tank top that we bought from you way back when.

-Tom

[chariset]

sort of. there was meant to be three, maybe four years of stuff between issues 8 and 12 that, basically, to reach any kind of conclusion, had to be very poorly compressed down into the back-half of the book. i remain proud of issue nine; the rest is a triage job at best. but the axe fell when i was too pregnant to resolve it any better. at least any better than i've been able to think of yet.

so it was always going to end with strange tweaking the teabag in the past to send a message to himself to try being kind instead of scared and angry all the time, and that making all the difference, and everything getting undone.

just... y'know, in 2014 or so. oh well.

For what it's worth, I thought it was a fun ride, and I supported it as much as I could. It was the first book I've seen canceled out from under me (I haven't been into comics all that long) and I was sorry to see it go. Cullen's sort-of-Defenders book isn't going to be the same.

In your mind, what was Strange so hurt and angry about? The loss of his title? Loss of Clea?

[bobawasright]

Now I'm fantasizing about what it could have been.

I'm fantasizing hard.

[bobawasright]

I'm fantasizing hard.

That sounded a whole lot worse than I meant it to.

[Karen Mahoney]

That sounded a whole lot worse than I meant it to.

Ha! :D

Kaz
(easily amused)

[Darthfury78]

Hi Matt,

Do you have any plans to bring in Felicia Hardy(The Black Cat) into Hawkeyes world as a featured guest for a future story arc? I think that Black Cat x Hawkeye would have a lot dynamic working together as she does with Daredevil.

http://www.comicvine.com/news/is-daredevil-a-better-match-for-black-cat-than-spider-man/144116/
http://www.razorfine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/daredevil-8-black-cat.jpg

In addition, will we see the appearance of Ashley Barton make an appearance in Hawkeye as well? Since Hawkeye is doing very well, would you support the idea of having his daughter Ashley Barton (Earth-90210) make a crossover appearance in the series in the near future? She is the glue that would link Spider-Man x Hawkeye together as Peter's son-in-law:

http://marvel.wikia.com/Ashley_Barton_%28Earth-90210%29

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/7/73574/1358576-spider_bitch_shotgun_decap_full_super.jpg
http://worldofblackheroes.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/ashley-barton1.jpg
http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080801210502/marveldatabase/images/5/50/Ashley_Barton_%28Earth-90210%29.jpg

[mattfraction]

Hi Matt,

Do you have any plans to bring in Felicia Hardy(The Black Cat) into Hawkeyes world as a featured guest for a future story arc? I think that Black Cat x Hawkeye would have a lot dynamic working together as she does with Daredevil.

In addition, will we see the appearance of Ashley Barton make an appearance in Hawkeye as well? Since Hawkeye is doing very well, would you support the idea of having his daughter Ashley Barton (Earth-90210) make a crossover appearance in the series in the near future? She is the glue that would link Spider-Man x Hawkeye together as Peter's son-in-law:



No (just had a blast writing her in DEFENDERS though) and no. And not particularly as that kind of thing would go counter to what the book's been about -- namely accessibility. That said it's not my day to run the company, so never say never or anything but it's not my thing right now.

Sorry!

[Darthfury78]

No (just had a blast writing her in DEFENDERS though) and no. And not particularly as that kind of thing would go counter to what the book's been about -- namely accessibility. That said it's not my day to run the company, so never say never or anything but it's not my thing right now.

Sorry!

I hope that one day, you might be able to write a Hawkeye Annual that could feature Ashley Barton and Hawkeye working together as a crossover from her timeline, along with Spider-Man. I just feel that you are the right guy to make Ashley Barton into a compelling character as Tom Defalco did for Mayday Parker as Spider-Girl in her own timeline. I believe that Ashley is the glue that would make Spider-Man and Hawkeye stick together. Don't you agree? This is not a mandate of any sort.

By the way, if you wanted to do a team-up story with Spider-Man and a heroine as an alternate to the Black Cat, who would you pick for the following list to write about:

Spider-Man x Black Widow
Spider-Man x Spider-Woman
Spider-Man x Psylocke
Spider-Man x Mystique

Let me know which heroine from the above list holds your interest.

[Arion]

That sounded a whole lot worse than I meant it to.


Don't worry about it. It really made me laugh, though.

[Karen Mahoney]

I hope that one day, you might be able to write a Hawkeye Annual that could feature Ashley Barton and Hawkeye working together as a crossover from her timeline, along with Spider-Man. I just feel that you are the right guy to make Ashley Barton into a compelling character as Tom Defalco did for Mayday Parker as Spider-Girl in her own timeline. I believe that Ashley is the glue that would make Spider-Man and Hawkeye stick together. Don't you agree? This is not a mandate of any sort.

By the way, if you wanted to do a team-up story with Spider-Man and a heroine as an alternate to the Black Cat, who would you pick for the following list to write about:

Spider-Man x Black Widow
Spider-Man x Spider-Woman
Spider-Man x Psylocke
Spider-Man x Mystique

Let me know which heroine from the above list holds your interest.

Hey Darth,

I think maybe we should keep the questions to creators like Kelly Sue and Matt a little more appropriate/specific to their work, rather than focus too much on what we personally as fans might like to see! They have packed schedules and are very busy creating the comics we love, so I hope you understand me saying that.

Thanks,
Kaz

[Karen Mahoney]

Happy Birthday Mr. Fraction!

Thanks for the great comics, late-night tweets, and for visiting our little corner of the Boards to answer our questions.

Go wild, bro. You deserve it. :)

:hawkeye:

Kaz

[Darthfury78]

Hey Darth,

I think maybe we should keep the questions to creators like Kelly Sue and Matt a little more appropriate/specific to their work, rather than focus too much on what we personally as fans might like to see! They have packed schedules and are very busy creating the comics we love, so I hope you understand me saying that.

Thanks,
Kaz

Hi Kaz,
Since Matt is working on Hawkeye's solo that's is on the street level crime fighting as Spider-Man, I just wanted to asked if a few Spider-Man's cast might appear like Carlie Cooper as well as Black Cat. I did bring up Ashley Barton on the basis that she might get sent to Earth-616 in the same manner as Rachel Summers or Lyra Banner. But since Matt has stated that those characters do not hold his interests, I respect his decision. But I wanted to ask him that if he got the opportunity to write Spider-Man, would he like the idea of choosing a heroine(who have feeling for Spidey in the same manner as Black Cat) as an alternate to the Black Cat, which on from the following list(I created) would hold his interest to write about in a team-up story. I just wanted to know what his opinion might be as this is not a mandate of any kind. I feel that having a few heroines interested in Spidey might actually provide some flexiblity for a writer who might not be interested in using Black Cat. But instead could choose a heroine that holds their interest with regards to Spidey. But I don't expect this to happen in any way as I understand that writers are very busy people with deadlines to adhered to.

[Karen Mahoney]

Hi Kaz,
Since Matt is working on Hawkeye's solo that's is on the street level crime fighting as Spider-Man, I just wanted to asked if a few Spider-Man's cast might appear like Carlie Cooper as well as Black Cat. I did bring up Ashley Barton on the basis that she might get sent to Earth-616 in the same manner as Rachel Summers or Lyra Banner. But since Matt has stated that those characters do not hold his interests, I respect his decision. But I wanted to ask him that if he got the opportunity to write Spider-Man, would he like the idea of choosing a heroine(who have feeling for Spidey in the same manner as Black Cat) as an alternate to the Black Cat, which on from the following list(I created) would hold his interest to write about in a team-up story. I just wanted to know what his opinion might be as this is not a mandate of any kind. I feel that having a few heroines interested in Spidey might actually provide some flexiblity for a writer who might not be interested in using Black Cat. But instead could choose a heroine that holds their interest with regards to Spidey. But I don't expect this to happen in any way as I understand that writers are very busy people with deadlines to adhered to.

Thanks for replying, Darth. No worries, I can see what you're asking. Also, I understand that feeling where we want our favourite creators to write our favourite characters. ;)

Cheers,
Kaz

[Arion]

Ha! :D

Kaz
(easily amused)

Well, it was quite a funny post.

[nickellis]

Holy cats! Happy birthday Mr Matt Fraction!

A present: the guy who writes the Suits of Bond blog had teamed up with an online tailor to make what he reckons (and this guy has super-nerd attention to detail) is a classic midnight blue Bond dinner suit/tuxedo:

http://thesuitsofjamesbond.com/?p=1744&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheSuitsOfJamesBond+%28The+Su its+of+James+Bond%29

Unfortunately I don't have the cash to spot you the suit, but hope you'll enjoy this guy's blog.

Thanks again for all of the writing, hope you've had a good one.

N

[Arion]

Am I too late? Happy birthday Matt!

[Terry.Tyson]

The Affordable Bond blog which is linked in Suits of James Bond is also worth a look see. Reason enough for me to lose weight to look good in those threads. Damn.

[Arion]

The Affordable Bond blog which is linked in Suits of James Bond is also worth a look see. Reason enough for me to lose weight to look good in those threads. Damn.

I'm checking out those links right now.

[Arion]

I know I'm terribly late, but I reviewed FF # 1 and I wanted to share the link with all of you:

http://artbyarion.blogspot.com/2013/01/ff-1-matt-fraction-michael-allred.html

[totalsellout]

matt- i got the marvel reissues of cass right up until the last 2 issues of avarita ( i quit going to my lcs). i picked em up on comixology, but since every one else in the house was reading them i think i'm going to double dip and buy the trade. that got me thinking i should get all the trades. that got me thinking that their should be a big hardcover omnibus with all 3 books and all the back matter in them. any plans for something like that? also, do the tpb have the back matter? my digital comics did not and it was quite disappointing.

oh, and the page with the unwrapping was just about the best single comic page i have ever seen.

[beamish]

that got me thinking that their should be a big hardcover omnibus with all 3 books and all the back matter in them. any plans for something like that? also, do the tpb have the back matter?

Sorry to hop in on this, but it might be easier the ask Fraction Q's here (http://mattfraction.com/ask). But he gave a short answer on this here (http://mattfraction.com/post/45898787793/any-plans-for-hardcover-omnibus-style-presentation-for).

[totalsellout]

Sorry to hop in on this, but it might be easier the ask Fraction Q's here (http://mattfraction.com/ask). But he gave a short answer on this here (http://mattfraction.com/post/45898787793/any-plans-for-hardcover-omnibus-style-presentation-for).

thanks!

[Karen Mahoney]

Beamish knows EVERYTHING. Because he's cool.

:cool:

Kaz

[beamish]

Because he's cool.

Ha! Brit's define words weirdly.

[Karen Mahoney]

Ha! Brit's define words weirdly.

*like*

[Arion]

Ha! Brit's define words weirdly.

I guess sometimes they do.