Rich's Ramblings '99

Dateline: 30 June 1999

More Than Spectre-ulation

Quite a while ago, Ramblings '99 reported the rumour that Hal Jordan was to become the Spectre, and recently linked that to the upcoming Day Of Judgment storyline by Geoff Johns. Well, DC have made it official. Go to (obsolete link) and see the upcoming visual for JLA issue 36.

So is that cut and tried then? Well, maybe not. We remember the last-minute change of Armageddon 2001, where Monarch's identity was changed from Captain Atom to Hawk (due to either i) the news being leaked beforer publication, or ii) that the estate which DC licensed the Charlton heroes was hot happy about Captain Atom being made a villain).

There has been some speculation that Jason Todd is to be the new Spectre, down to The Joker's involvement in an upcoming JLA. So who knows? Could DC just be playing with us?

DC Withdraw On-line JLA 35 Cover Image.

Well, it was up there earlier. Thankfully I had the foresight to download the cover image before someone at DC realised they might not want to show the image quite yet.

So here it is --->

Looks quite like Hal, don't you think?

The above image is copyright DC Comics and features characters which are copyright and trademark DC Comics. This image is used in an editorial capacity only. No breach of copyright or trademark is intended.

AB-DC

We've been told that the reason all the ABC merchandise was cancelled fairly recently is that the decision was made to fold the Wildstorm Emprium side into the DC Direct operation. More as we have it.

Idea Space?

A few malodorous grumbles, snipes and bad feelings made their way to Ramblings this week...

***IDIOT WARNING. None of the individuals mentioned in this piece have been approached or have confirmed the story. This is a rumour and may very well be false. If you have any more information then please share it with us. Other news columns take note - we are not claiming the following is true. We are simply claiming that it is a rumour.***

After Howard Chaykin's series 'Twilight' about the last days od DC's sci-fi characters in the eighties, he proposed a followup, 'Sunset' about the last days of their western heroes. Chaykin then went off the idea, leaving the proposal in DC's files.

John Ostrander is currently working on 'Sunset Riders' for Marvel about the last days of their Western heroes. Now just because Ostander is very close with Dan Raspler at DC, his editor on Spectre, doesn't mean that anything dodgy happened here. Certainly the story is going to be very different indeed.

But a while ago, James Robinson proposed to Raspler a crossover series about the death of a golden age DC character Mr. Terrific, killed in an old issue of the Justice League Of America by a character called the Spirit King who could possess people and control them. Robinson proposed that the Spirit King had been possessing different DC characters throughout history. Raspler turned it down... but less than a year later in the pages of the Spectre that character along with a bunch of others hunt down the Spirit King and bring him to justice for the death of Mr Terrific.

Different stories of course, but Robinson believed his proposal might have been the impetus for the Spectre storyline.

There's no copyright on ideas of course, and the best of them, Alan Moore, is famous for appropriating the ideas of others, knitting them together and turning them into works of genius. Still this does give us a possible peek into the behind-the-scenes of the comics industry and how ideas might migrate from creator to creator.

Now about this idea I've got for a sci-fi western with all the classic western characters, Zorro, Billy The Kid, Lone Ranger but, get this, they all ride robot horses...

Top Of The Pops

Warren Ellis recently announced a new vision of 'Pop Comics', emphasising the author over the character or company and realised in two forms; graphic novels and mini-series. A continuing series of very different short stories allows the author to create new concepts on a regular basis without being dragged under by the continuing series mentality. It's worth noting that books like Acme Novelty Library, Eightball, Peepshow and Dork also attempt this. Even Cerebus, the ultimate ongoing comic, has attempted tangental series such as Melmoth, the last days of Oscar Wilde, within the book.

Warren Ellis then announced on his web forum (www.delphi.com/ellis), "I'm still unable to comment on the first of the new projects. I've been asked to keep quiet until proper press releases can be assembled. But I will tell you that, beginning at the end of 1999, an indie b/w company will be publishing a 3-issue hardcore horror Pop Comic, and a 60-page "graphic novella" that will be initially serialised in six parts."

Speculation on the forum has tagged Avatar as the likely publisher.

Give Peace A Chance

DC's Our Army At War 80-Page Giant, listed in our September DC ramblings, has been cancelled. Boo hiss.

It also emerges that Scott Nybakken, DC's Marketing Communications Representative is having to conduct business from his own personal e-mail account. Apparently the DCODIRMKT address he usually uses has been corrupted by a hacker.

Dateline: 26 June 1999

Boba Fett - Charity Worker.

The latest recruit to the Kosovo Benefit Comic is Jeremy Bullock, who played Boba Fett in those films. You know the ones. A comic fan, he's agreed to write a story for the upcoming volume. The Garth Ennis/Dave Gibbons pages have arrived and also on board are Brian Wood, Steven Grant, Andy Dabb and George Freeman but more are needed! E-mail info@blusilver.com for more... well... info, I guess.

They're Bringing Back What?

Word is we're looking at another night of long knives, over at Marvel. We've just lost Nova and Slingers (revealed as cancelled at issue 12 by us ages ago to the scorn of various commentators) and there's more to come. We're talking Deadpool (yes I know it's just been renewed with Christopher Priest...) X-Man, Thunderbolts (yes I know Fabian Nicieza is just about to pick it up), Spider-Woman (yes I know DeFalco says it's got a long future) and the rest of the M2 line. Remember, this is just a rumour.

And they're being replaced by... The New Universe. Yes, I know, I know, but this comes from what sounds like a reliable source folks. Heading the line, Eric Stephenson, Marvel's new fave boy writing a new Star Brand character. Peter David will return to Justice, renamed because the Avengers's Justice character (nee Marvel Boy) may well be getting his own series. We even hear Fabian Nicieza may return to write Psi Force. And the fourth title? Kickers Inc. Yes, I know, I know. No news on the writer, but what with M2 being cancelled, I wouldn't be surprised to see Tom DeFalco returning to the book.

***IDIOT WARNING: None of the above has been confirmed by any of the creators.***

No news yet on when we might see another DP7, Nightmask, Spitfire And The Troubleshooters, Draft, War, Pitt or anything. It's just a shame Mark Gruenwald didn't live to see this day. Hey, you don't think this marks the return of Jim Shooter to Marvel, do you think? Maybe it's something to do with trademark protection.

Now, I liked the New Universe - DP7 always, early Star Brand and most of the second/third year and I'd like to see its return. But does anyone else?

Rumour Response:

Fabian Nicieza replies to this rumour "Never heard of this in the least. It's one of your more innoculously cute ones. My suspicions are that your "source" is either fabricating whole cloth or inaccurately mixing apples with oranges (i.e. hearing vague discussions of this and that and then reaching an incorrect assumption)."

And Peter David had his own response to this rumour:

"Completely and utterly news to me. I have no idea if Marvel is reviving New Universe, but no one has spoken to me about it, and I'm sure as heck not scheduled to write Justice."

More fabrications and incorrect assumptions as we have them.

Work In Progress.

Ben Raab has a four issue Hellfire Club limited series, lined up for the Marvel Xbooks, starting in November. Warren Ellis is working on a 48 page one shot for Wildstorm with Phil Jiminez.

Dateline: 20 June 1999

Back To What You Know.

Marvel revisits the Heroes Reborn world created by Franklin Richards in a new series set to arrive during the last week of November. What happened to the world after the heroes left? We hear the writers lined up include Chris Claremont writing two bookends, Joe Kelly (writing two books), Fabian Nicieza, Kurt Busiek, Joe Casey and Roger Stern working on other books in the series.

Naked Flinch.

We've been asked to point out that Flinch sales are very healthy and the book is doing well. Fine, we never said or meant to imply anything different, just that there were internal DC concerns as to its continuing quality of creators. Which hasn't changed.

Ultimate Writer?

Eric Stephenson, (one of Liefeld's friends isn't he?) has been picked to write the new Spiderman Ultimate series from Marvel.

Missing Gorilla

One of the creators rumoured to be associated with the Gorilla writer-owned imprint from Image claims not to have heard anything about the project for weeks. I haven't a clue what this means... but then I rarely have a clue, don't I?

Feeling Green...

Did you know that Paul Jenkins is a professional golf player? I didn't.

Strange Dogma

Britain hasn't had the greatest history with Kevin Smith films. Clerks was ignored by many, played in the art-house indie cinemas ages after it was out in the States and now resides ion the World Cinema section in video stores. Mallrats didn't even make the cinema screens, and eventually made its way to the cheap-but-cheerful video section. Chasing Amy took two years to arrive and now sells on video with Ben Affleck's beardless face on the cover. SO what hope for Dogma now that it's having trouble getting distribution in the States?

Film Four have told us that they've bought Dogma to distribute in Britain in Winter 1999. Woo hoo! And what with no distributor picking up Dogma statesdie, we may well get to see it first. It's like Babylon 5 Series Four all over again!

Small Print

Still waiting on that DC Press Release from Patty Jeres, we've heard elsewhere that the reason for the cancellation of ABC merchandise is that during the Wildstorm contract transferrence to DC, the rights to side-goods like T-shirts, baseball caps, etc were missed out. Not to worry though, lawyers will be working on the... slight problem and we're sure we'll hear something soon.

Marvel Knights Look To Vertigo.

The Garth Ennis/Punisher mini-series for Marvel Knights II rumour just took another twist, apparently Steve Dillon is rumoured to be the artist involved. This rumour fits with Event's announcement that a new creative team would bring in a new audience... maybe they mean the Preacher one?

And how does this fit with Ennis' exclusivity deal with DC? The rumour is that Ennis is going to write all 4 issues of the mini-series in one month. Because its all the time he has between his old DC exclusive contract and his new one.

Also running around the Marvel Knights rumour mill is the story that Grant Morrison is going to do a new title for Marvel Knights II, starring a new character originally planned for the first Marvel Knights wave. More rumour as we have it...

Dateline: 11 June 1999

Kosovo Is Only Just Beginning.

New people on board, Pete Hogan (Sandman: Love Street) has agreed to write a 6 page story for the Midnight Kosovo Crisis Benefit Comic Book. The war may be ending but the rehousing of Kosovo refugees is going to be long and hard. If you work in comics e-mail mailto:info@bluesilver.com and ask what you can do to help.

Warren Ellis... What's He Up To?

Just returning from Down Under (where he has, apparently, tasted Claudia Christian) September brings many things of joy. A Transmet TPB for example, as Year Of The Bastard gets the stitched bound treatment, as well as that short Christmas story from Winter's Edge II.

This is fun political satire of the heavy handed variety associated with The New Statesman rather than Yes, Minister and as a result it does tend to shout off the page. This is something common among much Vertigo work, broad stereotypical brushstrokes of satire, most strongly seen in Preacher. While a point is made, this is too often done by creating a straw man to knock down.

The most recent issue however is more multi-layered and less like having a sledgehammer smashed against your face repeatedly. Not that I'm knocking the sledgehammer tactics... it's just nice to see Ellis using more than just that trick.

Look out for the Transmetropolitan Watch, the three smiley face adorns this bloody expensive wrist attachment that actually shows you what time of the day, or night it is! Whatever will they come up with next?

Also from Ellis, a Stormwatch TPB, vol 2 4-9. It's a shame really because at this point, the strain was showing. Despite gorgeous Hitch visuals, Ellis seemed to be running out of steam, The Bleed being particularly stretched and boring in comparison with previous issues and its fine successor, The Authority.

Mind you, the September issue of Transmet has a Jim Lee cover. And Bryan Hitch and Paul Neary draw the September WildCATS issue. What the hell is Travis Charest's schedule these days? Smash his N64/Playstation/Dreamcast now!

Patty's ABC.

Patty Jeres writes to tell us that the cancellation of the ABC merchandise has nothing in common with the Watchmen merchandise fiasco, and that she's preparing a press release to tell us all about. We've promised that if she sends it to us that Dominatrix Mary won't get anywhere near it. Mind you, will that encourage her or put her off?

Strange Trademark Protection.

This new mini-series-anthology from Vertigo, Strange Adventures says it's weird science's turn to get the star treatment from Brian Bolland, Dave Gibbons, Frank Quitely, Richard Corben, Mark Schultz, Bruce Jones, Joe R. Lansdale, John Totleben, Klaus Janson, Pat McEown, Edvin Biukovic, and Brian Azzarello.

Pressed Release.

Surprised to see the same Top Cow story around the news columns recently? The one that contradicted "rampant internet rumours" that Fathom 9 was the last issue of the series? Did anyone actually see those "rampant rumours"? Or was this just a press release to cover up for a sloppy solicitation for Fathom 9, using people's preconceptions of the internet to cover their arses? You tell me. Because e-mails to Top Cow aren't getting any responses.

Trouble At Home, Scott?

We've mentioned Lobdell's planned comedy book for Wildstorm recently, and we get to see it in September; Ball And Chain. A strained marriage gets a new twist as both partners gain superpowers, that only work when they are together.

That's a fucking huge stretch, Lobdell and a plot device that reeks of high conceit. So look to seeing Hollywood snap it up. Mind you, when Lobdell is funny he's very funny indeed and it's good to see him returning to writing the stuff that made me originally like his work in What The--?! and Captain Ultra. Ale Garza and Richard Bennett do the business on art.

Hard To Fathom.

***An Extra Rumour Warning For Idiots: The following is complete rumour and has not been confirmed with the people involved.***

Talking of Fathom, just how is an issue usually put together? Certainly, if Mike Turner allegedly roughly laid the work out (for example, drawing a circle and writing 'submarine' in it), allegedly let the 'background pencillers' draw almost everything else, then returned to fill in the face detail before getting back to Crash Bandicoot 3, you'd have thought taking a full 'penciller' credit would be a bit much,and retailers could demand returnability on the book.

Good to hear we haven't any actual proof that this is the case, isn't it?

Judgment Daze.

It's Judgment Day in the DC Universe! Sadly that doesn't mean that Chuck Dixon will be sent to the fires eternal, nor the DC have bought Rob Liefeld and are doing

a TPB of the shoddily produced but geniously inspired Alan Moore series. It is in fact another month long crossover with a five issue series running weekly through September. Another one. And this time it's Guy Jones' bank manager who'll be rubbing his hands as Guy writes all five issues as well as his ongoing Stars And STRIPE.

Many people have speculated as to what's up with the Spectre (including us), and that's what's happening in this mess. Spectre threatens the Universe and Heaven and Hell get involved and the JLA and others go to both domains. Azmodel, Neron and Etrigan mix it up as the dead come to life in a crossover which smacks like a cross between Zombieworld and Marvels' Inferno event. So loads of comics get to deal with dead people coming to life and getting in the way of their individual plotlines. Still, that does mean Anarky gets to deal with The Haunted Tank, J'onn J'onzz goes against Justice League Of The Damned, Young Justice revisit Harm, Azrael faces St Dumas, Snapper Carr takes over Hourman, The Marvel Family star in Stars And STRIPE against Solomon Grundy, Aquaman gets his father back, Superboy deals with Etrigan, Titans go for Raven, Supergirl teams with Zauriel and get all that angel stuff off of her sizeable chest.

And yes, Jim Corrigan refuses to become the Spectre and another hero must be found to replace him. Oh Hal? Could it be you? And as JM Dematteis takes JLA for a month, how do they cope with the new Spectre?

Okay, we reckon it could be Hal Jordan, but the last time that kind of thing leaked in Armageddon 2001, they went and changed it from Captain Atom being Monarch, to Hawk which made no sense whatsoever. Remember everyone, Hal Jordan is definitely The Spectre... somewhere in Hypertime!

Oh yeah, Lois Lane is stuck in Hell and Supeman must rescue her. Sadly, this issue isn't the famed Superman Goes To Hell proposal of years ago... Another highlight has to be the Secret Files for Day Of Judgment with two stories by Mark Millar and Phil Winslade exploring the DC Magical universe and yet more Spectre stuff.

Missing Cerebus?

Well, it looks like it's official. Cerebus 242 has not shipped to Britain. 243 came into London shops on Friday, the last issue received was 241. The news is that it's stuck in a Diamond US warehouse waiting.... and we should see it sometime, hopefully before 244! Thankfully another book feared missing, Alan Moore and Dame Darcy's Meat Cake 9, finally arrived in the same shipment. Only a month delay on that one

Batman Revisited.

Batman Beyond, starts it's comic book series from Hilary J. Bader; art by Craig Rousseau and Rob Leigh in September too, as Bruce Wayne dons the costume again far into the future, to stop a beserk Terry McGinnis.

Cliff Hung.

Will we be seeing a fall in Cliffhanger numbers soon? The consistent delays have led to a disgruntled audience. Battlechasers 5 was returnable because it was so late... at least one shop I know was grateful as they had boxes of the stuff. And the fans aren't that happy to see backup stories in the new issue either.

The lesson? People don't seem to mind irregular books as long as they *know* they'll be irregular and shipping dates aren't constantly missed.

Peculiar Customs.

What did happen with Flinch 2 last week? A week delay in nothing new for British shops, but if it's a DC book, they usually all come together. Word has it that British Customs were quite interested in the book and pulled it for viewing. We hope they had a good read, and it did indeed turn up this week, but can't they buy a copy from a shop like everyone else?

Lump It!

It's a replica lump of Kryptonite! And it lights up! Woo hoo! Hitting your planet in October.

Preacher Uncovered.

The most recent issue of Preacher, issue 52 had a very rare variant cover, 0 issues in 50,000 issues had it. Thankfully, Ramblings grabbed a copy and here it is.

Okay, I can probably see why they decided to pull the cover, in light of recent American news stories... but surely the insides diffuse the image anyway. Ah well.

This image is probably copyright DC Comics and maybe Glenn Fabry, Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon too, we don't know. Either way, this image is reproduced for journalistic/editorial reasons to illustrate how current events can unnerve even the boldest of editorial staffs and is not intended as an infringement of anyone's rights.

Fin Of Steel.

The first of the Savage Dragon/Superman teamups arrives in September by Karl Kesel and Jon Bognadove. Oh great. And it's a trip from Metropolis to Apokolips... of course, Larsen's already done this story in his own way in the ongoing title. The good news? There's another one of these coming from DC soon. Thankfully Larsen should be doing this one.

Pulp Friction.

Anyone who thinks they'd enjoy Rich Johnston being beaten to a pulp is encouraged to visit http://www.egroups.com/group/comics_international and see Dez Skinn doing just that, using nothing but words. Why not join in?

From Moore To September.

Okay, we've been talking about it for ages which probably means it's been written for years too but the Alan Moore Deathblow book is finally coming out, drawn by Jim (Skizz) Baikie. And yes she's a black woman in an egg, but it's still Michael Cray. I'm really reminded of that I Am Curious (Black) Lois Lane story or something... oh and she's battling other people who also claim to be Deathblow. Hoo hey!

And we're also told that Charles Vess will draw the intro to Promethea 4. Oooh....

Quantum Mechanics.

We were so upset when we read on ComicWire that Joe Kelly was leaving Deadpool, but so happy to hear on Newsarama that Christopher Priest is his replacement! We've been calling for a Quantum And Woody And Deadpool crossover one of these days... could this be the catalyst? After that a Pete Wisdom Vs. John Constantine Vs. Tao would do us fine too..

Faith In The Future.

Despite the subject matter and creators associated with Vertigo, they very rarely do writer/artists projects. Some theorise this is because editorial desires a strong role (see Nevada) and a separation of creators enables editorial to work their magic between the two or three. Paul Pope's Heavy Liquid is an exception, as was Ted McKeever's Industrial Gothic. Well McKeever's back with Faith, set in a Limbo-like land, where even the dead can be murdered. Ha. So it's a detective-type story set amongst the undead. Should be a fun one.

Mixed Bag.

This looks fun and silly, while probably being very serious. Our Army At War 80 Page Giant for September shows an Elseworld where England won the Revolutionary War. And a damn good thing too, if you ask me.

With all this inter-DC gossip that Flinch will soon run out of top talent, issue 6 in September refutes this with William Messner-Loebs, Phillip Hester, Ivan Velez Jr., Duncan Fegredo, Phillip Hester, Ande Parks, and Ho Che Anderson. So there.

Alright, time for me to get moody again. A great new Gon book, Gon Underground, comes out in September, and yet again us Brits have top wait till it goes through the grey/black market as someone else owns the Gon rights in Britain and isn't doing anything with them. Sigh.

Astro City gets a new issue in September, no 19. Says it'll ship September 1st, and any shipping forecast that puts a consistently patchy shipping book on the first week must be confident!

Desperadoes get a one shot too, with Marriotte, Cassidy and John Lucas (from Cassidy's layouts) and they're all doing what they usually do.

Til next time! Remember, those who want to sign up to the e-mail update list, it's ramblings99@hotmail.com. And if you've got some Ramblings of your own, e-mail me!

Dateline: 03 June 1999

Kosovo Stories.

The Midnight Kosovo Benefit comic, previously mentioned on Ramblings has a couple more additions. Dave Gibbons will be drawing the Garth Ennis story, and John Bolton will be painting the cover. John Higgins is also signed up to do a piece, and Books Etc. have agreed to both stock the book, promote it and arrange signing events. Gibbons, Bolton and Higgins will also all be signing and promoting the book at this year's Galaxion event.

Now, are you a top-level creator? Do you know any personally and reckon you could twist their arm? Or even just pass on the message? Then e-mail info@bluesilver.com to find out how you can help out. Ellis, you read this. And you Dunbier. Probably Jeres and Wayne. I've even heard a certain writer/director of Chasing Amy does too. Mark Waid certainly did (and used to ring Grant Morrison up about it too). Well, what are you all waiting for? Ask not what info@bluesilver.com can do for you, but what you can do for info@bluesilver.com.

Knightmore.

From a slightly more reliable source, we hear that Black Panther is basically leaving Marvel Knights for the Marvel Universe stable along with Inhumans. The word is that since the Event guys have fixed the characters, Marvel Universe want them back! Christopher Priest will be staying with Black Panther, but Paul Jenkins won't be with Inhumans. Jenkins has, however, pitched a number of ideas to Event since then.

We also hear about the Marvel Knight Christmas Special, starring a minor Marvel Universe character picked up by the Event people. And as for Green Arrow by Smith/Quesada/Palmiotti? We'll have to wait. Joe and Jimmy still want to work on it, but it's a case of when...

Up The Corridor...

The word from the X-Offices is that Alan Davis can do anything he likes for Marvel, all he has to do is to propose something, and Bob Harass will see that it happens.

So, if a certain Elayne and Robin really want to get a certain creator-owned project off the ground and fancy a certain Marvel publishing it, perhaps they should try bending the arm of a certain acquaintance of theirs to do the layouts or something.

Mindless Speculation (emphasis on the mindless!) Well, loads of ABC merchandise, posters, t-shirts etc have been cancelled recently by DC. But why? Based on nothing more than my idle speculation, could DC have realised that whatever payments they'd arranged on these items were similar to the Watchmen merchandise fiasco that saw Alan getting narked and, along with other reasons, saw him leaving DC vowing never to return? I've got no idea. Anyone who has (Bob, Patty, Rick, Scott etc..) give us an e-mail!

Sour grapes, 'cos I ordered one...

Flinch DCease?

We hear internal Vertigo speculation that Flinch, their horror anthology won't last... apparently it'll really be tricky to keep the hot-creator name tally high enough on a monthly basis, even if the quality of the stories themselves don't falter. Still, according to the Vertigo noticeboard, we'll be getting another Weird War Tales mini soon...

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The original comic-book industry rumour and news column, by Rich Johnston. "The Drudge Report of comics..." -- Don Simpson

The original comic-book industry rumour and news column, by Rich Johnston.
"The Drudge Report of comics..." -- Don Simpson