Marvel News & Views
Posted by Jim Trabold on 10.13.2003
The fallout from the fall of Jemas begins
Welcome again readers. We've got a few news pieces of interest and of course my return.
MARC SILVESTRI
Way back, even before the other Bush was President, a young buck named Marc Silvestri put pencil to paper for Marvel, and drew the X-Men. 15 years after his final issue, he's coming back with Grant Morrison for "Here Comes Tomorrow," a four-part arc starting in January's NEW X-MEN #151
This looks like it's going to be another take of a Days of Future Past approach. We see another possible future where the X-Men have changed and more. I just hope they don't have too much on this in the future or something. I mean with Morrison leaving I can see him having something like this but I hope it doesn't impact the new writer. I don't want to see the damn future of the X-Men yet. I want the current timeline after this little journey to the future. I do personally like Silvestri's art and I think if he stayed on the title it would be great. I'm just hoping if he does stay and if a new writer is brought in they stay in the current timeline. We had enough troubles with that 6 month gap stuff.
MARVEL'S PUBLISHING PROFITS UP
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:MVL) announced today that, based on preliminary figures, financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2003 are anticipated to exceed the high end of its previous financial guidance. This revised range is based partly on assumptions for expected fees from motion picture studios and licensees, which are management's estimates based on discussions with license partners, and not actual figures at this time. Marvel now anticipates its Q3 2003 earnings per share to be in the range of $0.37 - $0.41 versus the original guidance range of $0.25 - $0.30 provided on August 12, 2003.
Based solely on the revised Q3 2003 range, the full year 2003 EPS range has been increased to $1.38 - $1.42. Marvel plans to report Q3 financial results on November 4. At that time, management will review detailed results for the third quarter and provide an update on Q4 2003 guidance.
Marvel's current and previous guidance range and prior year results are presented below.
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. - Q3 2003 Guidance
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(in millions - except per share amounts)
The stronger than anticipated Q3 performance reflects building momentum in Marvel's licensing division, principally consumer products, supported by the growing entertainment exposure of the Marvel Universe of characters. License categories such as apparel, toys and household goods continued to exceed internal projections. License revenues in excess of minimum guarantees, or "overages," were over $14 million in the quarter, indicating the strong momentum in sales from the growing base of over 550 active licensees worldwide.
Cash Balances Continue to Grow: Reflecting solid levels of cash collection year-to-date, Marvel's cash and cash equivalents balance had grown to $203 million as of September 30, 2003 versus $144.3 million as of June 30, 2003. This cash balance includes $15 million in proceeds from the exercise of options and warrants during the quarter. With total long-term debt consisting of $151 million in 12% Senior Notes, Marvel had a net cash position of approximately $52 million as of September 30, 2003 compared to net debt of $7 million as of June 30, 2003. The Senior Notes are callable at Marvel's option beginning June 15, 2004 at a price of $106 per $100 principal amount, for a total consideration of approximately $160 million
This is very good news for Marvel. I personally don't follow the financial markets that much but I do know when profits go up it's always good for a company. I also know not many fans really worry about this stuff either but it is mostly the fans who help Marvel.
JOHN JACKSON MILLER
John Jackson Miller is a name that until recently was most widely recognized by readers of Krause Publications (publisher of Comics Buyer's Guide and myriad other comics related publications), where he is editorial director of the comics and games division. But now Miller is making a name for himself on the Marvel/Epic series CRIMSON DYNAMO, and starting tomorrow, as the regular writer of IRON MAN (see issue #73). SBC talked with Miller about how he plans to approach Shellhead.
John Jackson Miller is one of those busy writers at Marvel already. He hasn't been with the company too long but he already has two titles and one is mainstream. This man is known to most fans that read CBG. I personally read the publication myself so I know this man does know much about comics. I'm wondering how CRIMSON DYNAMO will do and I'm hoping he can bring more life to IRON MAN. He seems to have gotten off to a good start. I know that this writer already has gotten some notice at Marvel and I hope he does well.
STRANGE MAGIC
As Newsarama columnist and Epic creator Mike Sangiacomo mentioned, February is shaping up to be a debut month for Marvel's Epic line. In addition to Sangiacomo's PHANTOM JACK Jason Henderson and Greg Scott's STRANGE MAGIC is on tap as well
This STRANGE MAGIC title sounds pretty good. I would not be shocked if it does well. I mean the fans who liked Doctor Strange and other characters like that may really enjoy this. I do know that Dr Strange may have a new title coming soon as well. I would love to see Marvel make a line again like the old days with characters like Doc Strange, Ghost Rider and others. I think STRANGE MAGIC could be the restart of something good. Just as long as the series is good. I am not sure about Epic at the moment but if the titles already scheduled stay on the line it may work out.
THUNDERBOLTS
In February 2004 lightning will be striking a second time as Marvel will be starting up a new series with some familiar faces: THUNDERBOLTS. The characters won't be the only ones returning - Fabian Nicieza will return as writer, while Barry (EMPIRE) Kitson will join as penciller
This is great news for THUNDERBOLTS fans out there. Many never liked the creative change or what happened to the book. Many fans even complained when they did that. I do like the fact that Marvel is bringing back the book the way it should be done and getting the right writer to bring it back. Thunderbolts always used to be a great read and it can be again. I have to wonder now that Bill is gone if this move was to fix a mistake he made. It seems like this was like what he wanted to do to the FF. I hope now that he's gone there will be more moves like this to improve Marvel. (Nicieza & Kitson...talk about my dream creative team...never used to buy T-Bolts, but I'm going to have to give this one a try. -Ben)
EPIC SUBMISSIONS SUSPENDED
Due to the continuing overwhelming response to its EPIC Comics open submissions call, Marvel Comics is temporarily suspending acceptance of any new EPIC submissions.
"The response has simply been incredible, and because of the high volume of pitches we're still receiving, we're no longer going to be able to evaluate them and respond to aspiring creators in a fair and reasonable time frame," explained EPIC editor Teresa Focarile - "Creators who have taken the time and energy to go through the submission process are entitled to a timely response.
"Now that we realize the level of response and the kind of commitment these projects require, we are going to restructure the EPIC process across all editorial offices and implement some new procedures that will hopefully have us back on track before too long."
"Meanwhile, the early results have been extremely positive, and we've already found new talent whose Epic projects fans will not only see in 2004, but who are also working on and pitching for projects within the regular Marvel editorial offices, like John Jackson Miller, writer of his own EPIC series Crimson Dynamo and premiering this month as the new regular IRON MAN writer."
While new EPIC Comics submissions are no longer being accepted for now, Marvel reminds creators that they ARE STILL looking for new writers on an ongoing basis, and the standard submission options are still in place. Details can be found at Marvel.com at
http://www.marvel.com/about/submissions_guide.
In addition to getting the opportunity to pitch for new projects, writers found though this process may also be showcased in two new, ongoing bimonthly titles premiering in early 2004 - SPIDER-MAN UNLIMITED and X-MEN UNLIMITED. Each title will feature 2 stories debuting new writers teamed with established artists telling stories about Marvel's biggest icons.
"We're still seeking and developing new talent and have created showcases just for these new writers, and just for the time being we're scaling down the EPIC process to give aspiring creators the attention and professional response they merit," concluded Focarile.
You know I could see them doing this. There's a ton of stuff they still haven't read yet. I bet there's a room in Marvel just full of scripts from the fans. I loved the Epic return because it was going to bring in new blood. I still would like to see them do some good with the idea. I knew it might have come to this since Bill was leaving but it was actually a good idea as long as they have the time to look into the fans work and do some great things with that work. I may like the move to fire Jemas but Epic doesn't have to die yet.
WOLVERINE: THE END #1
Once writer Paul Jenkins told the very first story about the person who would one day become known as WOLVERINE. Beginning this November, Jenkins turns his attention to telling the LAST story, in WOLVERINE: THE END, the latest in the very popular series of limited series telling the final tales of some Marvel's greatest heroes.
Featuring art and covers by Claudio Castellini, as the circle of his own life begins to close, the death of someone important in his life draws Logan out of seclusion. Returning to a world he thought he'd long since left behind, Logan embarks on a journey of self-discovery, closing in on answers about his mysterious history that have long eluded him.
WOLVERINE: THE END #1 [SEP031539] - the 32-page debut issue of a six-part limited series goes on sale November 5th with a cover price of $2.99. Retailers are reminded its Final Order Cut-off (FOC) date is Thursday, 10/16. Readers, ask your local comic book retailer to reserve your copy.
Wolverine: The End #2 ships in December. After a one-month hiatus, WOLVERINE: THE END #3 returns to the schedule with a February on-sale date.
You know These THE END stories seem like a rather good idea. I mean not like we'll actually see in our life times how most of these characters will finally end their careers. The END of Wolverine is one thing almost no fan can see happening. I don't think the old SOB can even die without coming back or healing fast enough not to die at all. I know sooner or later the characters have to die or something but THE END allows you to do it without having to do it in a title in which the character should not die. HULK THE END and MARVEL THE END could've been better but it's still a good idea if it's done right.
THE MAIL BAG
Welcome to a special feature of the week. Today I pulled out the old mail bag. Well the mail you guys send me that's not meant for the Marvel Handbook. You see this is mostly your questions and opinions on the news. This feature is a special one I'm doing this week because I got an interesting email I'd like to cover.
Lucas emails
I just read the latest (I suppose) issue of New X-Men, and I was surprised to see that Xorn was Magneto all along? Huh? Though it's great to see Magneto back, what kind of hokey WWE storyline is this? It reminds me of Vince as the Higher Power. What's your thoughts on it?
Actually that's one comparison I've read many times about a comic. The WWE wrestling storylines are almost as interesting as a comics book storyline like this one. Both can feed off each other in many ways. Some wrestlers even have been involved in comics before. The fact that some of the ideas can be used in both formats is what makes it work. I know many wrestling fans read comics. This very site was a wrestling site first. I do think it's actually pretty interesting to see how much the two compare and that the storylines can even be closely put in comparison.
Now on the factor of Mags' return. The facts are you were not going to keep one Marvel's biggest and baddest villains dead way too long. Hell you can barely keep a hero dead long without the fans getting on you for it. Look at the fact that Marvel will be bringing back Psylocke. It's the character that's so strong and fan appreciated that you can't keep them dead. Plus the facts are even though Marvel did make the Dead is Dead rule it wasn't going to last and wasn't even going to get a character like Mags or Psylocke to stay dead.
Mags has always been one of those characters also that can pull off the old switching of sides or making people believe something that's not true. If you remember he was the one who revealed Gambit to be the one behind the Mutant Massacre. He was dressed as Eric the Red. Remember how Archangel even thought it was Cyclops or something. That guise has always been used by someone who had something to hide and the like. Xorn is just another way to hide among his foes. He didn't want anyone to know he was alive so he disguised as Xorn and joined the X-Men.
Remember Mags was the Professor's friend for a long time and he has helped the X-Men before. Even replacing the Professor as Headmaster back in 200. He didn't stay good long true but he was helping the X-Men. Even though Mags is a villain for the most part he can cross that line at times. Xorn was the perfect guise and I think him actually being Xorn surprised many fans. I like the idea and hope it brings more of the classic foes back and makes the X-Books the best they can be.
Very busy week. Plus another one ahead. I expect more stuff to come out of the firing of Bill Jemas. Paul should be very busy for Friday and if need be I will be back during the week. This could be a very interesting week in the news and the coming weeks as well. Of course I could be wrong and there could be nothing. Either way stay tuned to 411 comics for the latest. Reporting from the Marvel Universe this is Jim Trabold reporting. Have a great week True Believers.
STAY CURRENT