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Joe No More!

“I’ll bet he only lasts 22 years!” – Me, as a newly hired DC Comics assistant editor in 2000.

If you aren’t aware Joe Quesada — perhaps best known as the penciller of “Spelljammer” (and my old boss) — announced yesterday that he’s stepping away from Marvel after 22 years.

I’m not the first to say it, but I agree with the overall sentiment that it is a hell of a run with a huge win percentage. Without a doubt, Joe’s contributions are one of the big reasons Marvel has had the successes it’s had over the past couple decades and although he also made me do “Marvel Apes” and rap in a Marvel Holiday song, he will be missed.

As a boss, Joe had a rare trait that I admire: admitting when he was wrong.  

Most notably it happened early in my tenure editing Spidey. I had hired an artist that some of those above me didn’t see as marketable enough (Or that other elusive criticism : “Not Marvel enough”).

Anyway, I held my ground best I could though I was pretty disheartened to be questioned so early in my run on a choice that I felt was pretty damn good (and I’m not confident about ANYTHING except my opinion that men shouldn’t wear shorts on planes!).

When the issue of Spidey came out, it was a hit with the readers and the artist in question became as identified with the character as anyone over the past 10-15 years.  It was a nerve-wracking win because I knew from past experience at other companies that that success didn’t mean my boss was going to be happy about it. (I think it’s something about my smirky, sarcastic-laden, wise guy face.)

Joe, on the other hand, did something unusual. He sent a note to me that flat out admitted while he was skeptical of the choice initially, he was happy to admit that he got it totally wrong.

That was a big moment in my young career at the company. I had grown up a DC guy through and through (I own the complete “Sun Devils” mini-series and every issue of “Booster Gold!”), but at that moment, Marvel became home.

I’m sure Joe has some big stuff planned. Whatever it is, it will definitely be worth paying attention to.

Onward!

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Bits ‘o Business!

ATTENTION ALL FOUNDERS!

The nice folks at ZOOP! have helped to give us just a bit more time to collect names for our Founder’s Page in the Sourcebook. So, if you have not yet responded to their emails about he Print Edition Drop, please do so right away and gets us your name and shipping information (if nothing else you want your books don’t you?!).

I am closing the door on names this week, so get yours in! More information here.

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We’ve had some scheduling issues the past few weeks, but we are looking to get our Live Draw and Worlds Worth Watching back on the calendar in the next few days, so keep a look out here for more news on those events.

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Coming up next, comic-wise is the debut of an our all-new story I’ve hinted about here called GODS drawn by the visionary Nimit Malavia.

Also, we’ve also been working hard on the new series Vallars that you saw a sneak peek of a couple weeks ago.  Jason Howard and Frank Martin are going to sock your knocks off!

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That’s it for now. We will get back to questions next time out so go ahead and ask about anything(…including any Booster Gold questions!)

In fact, here’s a question for YOU!

Who are some artists you didn’t love at first that you’ve ended up admiring? Let get arguing below!

Take good care of yourselves and those around you.

Viva Templar!

Steve W.

6/1/22