Brian K. Vaughan leaving Runaways at issue #24.

[The Dude]

With no offense to BKV (his letter was a great read, and as I've said, #24 will finish out 2006 at least), whenever writers leave a book that they're beloved for, they never badmouth the folks stepping in. No matter who they are and what they do to their beloved characters. It's professional courtesy. Like how no actor, no producer, no director, will make a commercial or appear on a nighttime talk show and say, "Oh, the movie is drivel but I made millions for it". No, every movie, from TITANIC to ISTAR is hailed as "the best movie of the year", and only after a few weeks when the box office draws are in does anyone get around to going, "oh, that blows".

Very few writers/creators in the industry badmouth one another, and when it is done it usually is in a playful manner, done more to amuse some of the readers methinks (like a charity fight between Rocky Balboa and Thunderlips from ROCKY 3). I've never read BKV badmouthing or engaging in the sort of aggressive "fan baiting" that Bendis, Millar and Joe Q make into a fine art (Marvel's Jedi Masters of Obnoxiousness when they get full on).

So, yeah, with all due respect to Vaughan, the fact that he endorses the next captain really is meaningless. They all do that, it's the rule of the game. You don't want to badmouth a newcomer to an established title, anyway. It's bad form. Even if warrented. It'd be industry suicide. People who are often too blunt for their own good in a profession usually pay the price economically. It's life.

Of course, for all I know, the next team could be good. So good that I eat some humble crow. It'd be the sweetest crow I've ever eaten. I just have a bad feeling here. A bottom 80 book like RUNAWAYS only needs the tiniest of misfires to slip into oblivion, unfortunately.

I agree with you on all your points. I just hope that this book doesn't fade into obscurity or get cancelled. It's by far my favorite monthly and I would be devestated to lose it.

 

[Marcdachamp]

****. ****ity **** ****.

This really blows. I admire the fact that they're leaving on a high note, but I'm still bummed out.

Wells is really the ideal choice, in my book. He's got the talent, and he has a handle on the characters. If they wanna go with an A-Lister, it should be an A-List artist who can bring in fans. My choice? Mark Bagley. He can draw teens, he's popular with the trade buying crowd, he's consistent in his talent and meeting deadlines and he'd fit the book perfectly. With these two, I'd actually be pretty happy.

 

[Dread]

I agree with you on all your points. I just hope that this book doesn't fade into obscurity or get cancelled. It's by far my favorite monthly and I would be devestated to lose it.

Me too. That's why I'm taking this news so pessimistically. The only book that could hope to match RUNAWAYS at Marvel to me was YOUNG AVENGERS by Heinberg, and RUNAWAYS came out on time and more often. These days, that is a commendable accomplishment in itself. It was hardly ever late, and their fill-in artists were never as terrible as some fans make them out to be. WIZARD called them the "best new characters in 40 years" and for once that almost isn't an exaggeration. Considering that Marvel still relies almost exclusively on franchises that began in the Golden or Silver Age, as does DC, successful new franchises are rare and vital.

I mean, I'm not angry at BKV. He created the book and it's his call when to leave the nest and see if it flies without him. He makes a point when he says it's better to leave when you hit your peak instead of when you've run it into the ground (something even the staunchiest JMS fan on ASM has to wish he knew; CW is only delaying the inevitable for him. And lord knows Claremont ran out of things to say about the X-Men half a decade ago, his health willing). Every franchise has had to have their creator leave the title eventually, and it is always jarring and sad.

My concern is towards Marvel's ediorial machine and what ideas or tactics they took in the replacement team. This isn't an X-book, Spidey-book or Avenger book that'll sell within the Top 60 no matter what monkey or artisan is writing the title. This is a book that struggles to stay above the Top 100 margin. Even the most minor of slippings from the new team could shed a thousand readers or so and sink the book beyond where even digest sales can save them. It's not an enviable position, for the writer, the book, or for us.

Let's hope when #25 hits in '07, at the same time that the finale of CW will be "shattering the internet into bits of fanboy protoplasm, because we know we've succeeded when we make our audience wince in pain" that this time the die roll is positive.

 

[Dread]

****. ****ity **** ****.

This really blows. I admire the fact that they're leaving on a high note, but I'm still bummed out.

Wells is really the ideal choice, in my book. He's got the talent, and he has a handle on the characters. If they wanna go with an A-Lister, it should be an A-List artist who can bring in fans. My choice? Mark Bagley. He can draw teens, he's popular with the trade buying crowd, he's consistent in his talent and meeting deadlines and he'd fit the book perfectly. With these two, I'd actually be pretty happy.

Wells is the no-brainer choice to write it at this point for my money, too. Half the forums expected YA/RUNAWAYS to be mediocre at best and it really has knocked our socks off. It's not perfect or anything but far better than I think anyone expected it to be, with Wells proving he could competantly write the "babies" of BKV and Heinberg. Unfortunately, sometimes the no-brainer choice isn't taken because the folks making the decision don't know when they have no brains.

Bagley on art? Honestly I'd be happy with Norton, but I'll admit he'd bring some draw. I couldn't say he'd do poorly. Plus, he could easily match the 8-10 issues a year standard set by Alphona.

 

[Marcdachamp]

Wells is the no-brainer choice to write it at this point for my money, too. Half the forums expected YA/RUNAWAYS to be mediocre at best and it really has knocked our socks off. It's not perfect or anything but far better than I think anyone expected it to be, with Wells proving he could competantly write the "babies" of BKV and Heinberg. Unfortunately, sometimes the no-brainer choice isn't taken because the folks making the decision don't know when they have no brains.

Bagley on art? Honestly I'd be happy with Norton, but I'll admit he'd bring some draw. I couldn't say he'd do poorly. Plus, he could easily match the 8-10 issues a year standard set by Alphona.

Easily. Bagley's a freaking MACHINE.

Another interesting choice is Whedon. Yes, he has previous commitments, but he loves this book, and he'd be a major draw.

 

[OtepApe]

What about Sean McKeever? He seems like someone who can get inside there character minds in the same way Vaughan did. I will give the new team and a chance, but damn, I hope this works out as I love this title.

 

[Dread]

Easily. Bagley's a freaking MACHINE.

Another interesting choice is Whedon. Yes, he has previous commitments, but he loves this book, and he'd be a major draw.

He also may be horribly late. His "day job" is still movies and television, same with many other writers from those professions. He could probably capture their snarky attitude.

I agree, Bagley's a machine, even when some of his issues obviously look rushed, they still look good. I've liked his stuff since NEW WARRIORS and ASM actually.

Marvel would do well to protect this franchise. I've scimmed a few "fan casting for RUNAWAYS" type topics and realized that the franchise could easily be possible for a TV serial a la' FARSCAPE or BUFFY/ANGEL if Marvel played it's cards right and wanted to capitilize on the SMALLVILLE audience.

 

[deemar325]

This sucks.

 

[SpideyInATree]

Holy crap, I wasn't expecting this kind of news. I feel like someone punched me in the face and the testicles at the same time. OUCH!

Well, the positive outlook on it is that at least the original creative team will be going out on the book at it's best. Considering that I have no idea who their replacements will be it's difficult to pass judgement, but there will definitely be a void.

I'll be trying desperately to enjoy this team of Vaughn and Alphona while they're still on the title.

 

[CantThinkOfAName]

What about Sean McKeever? He seems like someone who can get inside there character minds in the same way Vaughan did. I will give the new team and a chance, but damn, I hope this works out as I love this title.

I would definitely buy that book.


Seriously, after reading only one digest and the X-Men tie-in, i have to say McKeever would be the best choice

 

[OtepApe]

I have read his Sentinel stuff and the odd issue of the Mary Jane book and I really think this guy could do well with it. The only problem is, he probably wouldn't bring any readers over with him and may even lose a few.

 

[Dread]

Holy crap, I wasn't expecting this kind of news. I feel like someone punched me in the face and the testicles at the same time. OUCH!

Well, the positive outlook on it is that at least the original creative team will be going out on the book at it's best. Considering that I have no idea who their replacements will be it's difficult to pass judgement, but there will definitely be a void.

I'll be trying desperately to enjoy this team of Vaughn and Alphona while they're still on the title.

I know the feeling. I hadn't gotten that kind of feeling from something Marvel comic related since the last time I read Spider-Man, a hero who formerly chose to stand with his moral convictions even if it cost him popularity or money, choosing to stand next to Iron Man and the rest of the "written to be obviously disliked" pro SHRA side all for a penthouse suite and armor, and unmasking himself to boot. It was quite literally watching the hero you connected too as a kindergartner sell out. I know it won't last, but that doesn't change that gut-punch feeling.

This news is the same to me. And I'm not the positive thinking type.

What about Sean McKeever? He seems like someone who can get inside there character minds in the same way Vaughan did. I will give the new team and a chance, but damn, I hope this works out as I love this title.

Vaughan's a better writer, IMO, as while I liked McKeever's GRAVITY, his MACHINE TEEN was a bit generic (although I read and liked that, too). I agree, he could probably pull it off. Even if he decided to insert his "Machine Teen" character into the book, it wouldn't be so far-fetched. I've rarely seen a team with two andriods on it past the Vision/Jocasta days. He's not a bad pick either.

I just fear, again, that instead of thinking about writers who would be appropriate, like we are with Wells or McKeever, Marvel just tags an A-Lister with another book to juice in another 50,000 readers or something, regardless of how good their pitch is.

 

[LouFerignoDemon]

Holy crap, I wasn't expecting this kind of news. I feel like someone punched me in the face and the testicles at the same time. OUCH!

Well, the positive outlook on it is that at least the original creative team will be going out on the book at it's best. Considering that I have no idea who their replacements will be it's difficult to pass judgement, but there will definitely be a void.

I'll be trying desperately to enjoy this team of Vaughn and Alphona while they're still on the title.

Agreed, this news made me know what it would feel like if my twin was elected the intellectual heir of our family over me. x.x

 

[OtepApe]

Vaughan's a better writer, IMO, as while I liked McKeever's GRAVITY, his MACHINE TEEN was a bit generic (although I read and liked that, too). I agree, he could probably pull it off. Even if he decided to insert his "Machine Teen" character into the book, it wouldn't be so far-fetched. I've rarely seen a team with two andriods on it past the Vision/Jocasta days. He's not a bad pick either.

I just fear, again, that instead of thinking about writers who would be appropriate, like we are with Wells or McKeever, Marvel just tags an A-Lister with another book to juice in another 50,000 readers or something, regardless of how good their pitch is.

I agree Vaughan's a better writer and I really don't think there will be a better fit for the title then him. I also agree about the whole A lister thing. Marvel would probably get someone on who will boost sales but probably change the direction of the title drastically. I mean to say, if Bendis wanted this title he would get it, if Millar wanted it, he would get it. That's the type of thinking that goes on.

Personally, I don't care who gets it aslong as they do a job something even close to being as good as Vaughan and also prevent the series from being cancelled.

 

[The Leaguer]

Eh.

 

[CantThinkOfAName]

Vaughan's a better writer, IMO, as while I liked McKeever's GRAVITY, his MACHINE TEEN was a bit generic (although I read and liked that, too). I agree, he could probably pull it off. Even if he decided to insert his "Machine Teen" character into the book, it wouldn't be so far-fetched. I've rarely seen a team with two andriods on it past the Vision/Jocasta days. He's not a bad pick either.

I just fear, again, that instead of thinking about writers who would be appropriate, like we are with Wells or McKeever, Marvel just tags an A-Lister with another book to juice in another 50,000 readers or something, regardless of how good their pitch is.

McKeever didn't write Machine Teen


When it comes to teens, I think McKeever's much better. The only other teen-related book I think Vaughan's done is Ultimate X-Men, and that was mediocre to crap most of the time. McKeever himself said how he really enjoys writing teenagers. And remember that Sentinel was the other Tsunami title that was getting rave reviews. Plus, tons of people tell me how the Waiting Place was one of the best teen angst comics theyve ever read.

Plus, McKeever's a much better writer than Wells. I didnt really dig his first issue of YA/Runaways, and most of his other work is usually ok (sometimes he has some good stuff though). At least McKeever is Marvel exclusive, and plus, i mean, at least he won an Eisner

But, chances are McKeever will probably make the book lose readers. If they go with a big name, Id have to say Bendis, based on his USM. But I doubt theyd do that because theyd want their A-listers on big projects.

 

[Dread]

McKeever didn't write Machine Teen


When it comes to teens, I think McKeever's much better. The only other teen-related book I think Vaughan's done is Ultimate X-Men, and that was mediocre to crap most of the time. McKeever himself said how he really enjoys writing teenagers. And remember that Sentinel was the other Tsunami title that was getting rave reviews. Plus, tons of people tell me how the Waiting Place was one of the best teen angst comics theyve ever read.

Plus, McKeever's a much better writer than Wells. I didnt really dig his first issue of YA/Runaways, and most of his other work is usually ok (sometimes he has some good stuff though). At least McKeever is Marvel exclusive, and plus, i mean, at least he won an Eisner

But, chances are McKeever will probably make the book lose readers. If they go with a big name, Id have to say Bendis, based on his USM. But I doubt theyd do that because theyd want their A-listers on big projects.

You're right about MACHINE TEEN, I don't know how I made that kinda mistake. Must be, uh, stress.

For those who may be as equally messed up as me, McKeever's wikipedia page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_McKeever

He has some considerable Marvel works under his belt that would come in handy for experience, such as SPIDER-GIRL, SENTINAL, and MARY JANE. I guess all I've read from him myself was GRAVITY and his contributions to AMAZING FANTASY (vol.2) #15.

I agree that he could probably come in and do fine. That hasn't changed.

Quite frankly, I'd rather the book post-BKV/Alphona still be high quality as opposed to high sales, I just don't want it cancelled and I know that Marvel will inevitably focus on the bottom line and want to try to "boost" sales somehow. I doubt YA/RUNAWAYS is going to have much carryover effect. Not even the New Avengers guest starring allowed RUNAWAYS to sell better than the Top 80's. In a perfect world, it'd be a great book WITH great sales, but the world ain't perfect. NEW AVENGERS up until CIVIL WAR was an example of a subpar book selling like gangbusters, and I don't want a post-Vaughan RUNAWAYS following suit even if it'd guarentee the franchise.

Anyone who could also improve on BKV's "turn based" system for action sequences would be a plus. IMO, if Vaughan had any cracks in his armor, it'd be that. From RUNAWAYS to ULTIMATE X-MEN, his action sequences have always felt more static like an video game RPG than a fluid thingie, with characters standing and talking and waiting for each other to do one attack, with battles typically going like this: one opponent overcomes the heroes' number advantage easily until the one member whose plot goal is to win defeats said enemy, usually in the first attack. I've gotten used to it and it's not a HUGE problem, but while we're examining a post Vaughan title, here it is. His action sequences needed work a lot of the time to me. But, to give him credit, it was usually a guess who triumphed and who dropped in many battles, and even who would walk away from said fights. So I usually enjoyed being surprised vs. having my socks rocked.

Of course, the thing with A-List writers is, if for whatever reason they want the title, it's their's, no matter how overworked their schedule or what they plan to do on it (time-travel Jessica Jones' baby to make her team leader? Have Nico go insane, kill the team and then scream, "NO MORE MUTANTS!", who knows!?) And that's the bit that can worry me. Because it would be all too easy to just pitch it to one of those guys who you KNOW would pull the book into the Top 50 just on namepower alone, regardless of anything else. And as the indie hit of the MU, RUNAWAYS needs better.

Granted, it IS possible for said A-Lister to be both popular and have a great story to tell for the book, but that's rarer than you'd think.

Okay, so we have Zeb Wells and Sean McKeever for possible replacements who are non A-List yet (but are capable writers), and Whedon for that overworked A-List choice, with Bagley on art (although won't he still be on USM another month or so by the time RUNAWAYS finishes), although I'd live Norton to stay on after Alphona. He's easily been the best of the RUNAWAYS' two fill in artists.

 

[MyPokerShirt]

why would this happen to me?

 

[The Question]

Sorry if theres a thread already, but its on Marvel.com

http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.613

NNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

 

[CantThinkOfAName]

Oh yeah, Mary Jane, his best Marvel work yet. I cant believe I forgot that, duh, Ive been reading since the beginning


Oh, and his Spider-Girl fill-in was a great issue. He should do more of that, if Defalco ever leaves.

 

[JackBauer]

damn. my day is crappy enough as it is. I didn't need this.

McKeever would be a great replacement, as would DeFalco. but it just wouldn't be the same.

 

[Dodger]

DAM!

First the irwin dies know this.

 

[Darthphere]

No offense, but I dont think you can compare the death of a man to a creator leaving a book at the top of his game.

 

[Specter313]

I only have one thing to say right now....

 

[Mogwai]

This sucks.

indeed...