Since Jeph Loeb was announced as a Marvel exclusive creator last convention season, hes had a knack for landing on high profile Marvel characters with brand name and top-notch artist talents. His latest newly announced project will be no exception.
Today at Comic-Con Marvel announced that Loeb and artist Simone Bianchi will take the reins of the monthly
Wolverine title for a finite run beginning with the anniversary 50th issue this January. But even details like those Loeb isnt too sure of - or concerned with - at the moment
What I
can be sure of is that as soon as people see Simones artwork, they are going to tear down the doors at the stores to get these issues, the writer said.
But details are our business, and Loeb did offer a few - like (for the moment) his and Bianchis run will be six-issues, #s 50-55. Whether or not theyll be more? Well
As with everything I do, the
story dictates the length, he explained.
This particular story is told in six parts -- so well actually be done at #55. As folks will see, its a self-contained tale, but it will raise an important question that easily lends itself to another six-parter. Thats going to be up to Simone. If he wants to play some more -- Im
in!
As to that aforementioned knack for landing on comics biggest franchises now Marvels is that a part of a pre-meditated plan to work on publishers big guns??
You guys know me better than that! he exclaimed. Theres never any plan! [laughs]
Seriously, I get interested in characters by the stories I think I can tell and by the artist who brings them to
life. I had a Wolverine story -- but after [Mark] Millar had his run, I figured Id stay away from the book.
Then two things happened. After
House of M, Logan got his memories back and that made it possible for him to
reveal one of the biggest secrets in his world.
The other was when Joe Quesada called and asked if I wanted to work with Simone. I had seen the black & white pages to the
Green Lantern story he did and to the unfairness of the colorist who I think is terrific, the issue was printed badly. Bad paper, bad scoring, bad ink
just bad! It made everything that Simone does turn to mud. And so, the issue is by and large, disappointing - and I love the story and guy who wrote is the best - Geoff Johns. But, if I hadnt seen the pen and ink, Id have never known it.
When Joe Q. called, I knew it was a different situation. Joes an artist and the books at Marvel are about having a look that is higher end. It makes their collections more exciting as well. Nobody ever thinks about this stuff when they are starting a project, but I do. And if I was going to work with Simone it had to be under the best conditions. And to be honest about it, only Joe Quesada could deliver on that promise.
As Loeb says, its all about story, so we asked the writer about his. Since a significant part of the appeal of Wolverine seems to be his mysterious past, and his interaction with the other X-Men, which has now become the domain of
Wolverine: Origin and the X-titles, respectively, we wondered what the writer what the key to Wolverines appeal is, or what the defining characteristic of the character is, in terms of being the solo star of
this series?
The appeal is the subject matter. Loeb responded. I had always wanted to do a Wolverine/Sabretooth Year One. In my head, hes the best villain for Wolverine - has known him the longest and their pasts, while somewhat illuminated, are still shrouded in mystery.
Weve heard it all. Sabretooth is Logans father. Hes Logans brother. Hes Logins
clone. What is the
deal? I talked to Joe Q. and to Axel Alonso and given that Sabretooth is running around in Mike Careys
X-Men, it seemed like the timing was right. The story takes place in several different years much like what is going on in
Origins. The contemporary story is what happens when Logan finds out that Creed is on the team and has been given safe haven at the Mansion. It can pretty much be summed up in Logans lines: They say that there are only 198 of us left. I dont see why one of them has to be
him
And there are backstories that are moments that will help define and in some cases
re-define the relationship between these two.
And while currently the
Wolverine ongoing series proper is smack dab in the middle of
Civil War, Loeb and Bianchis story arc wont ignore it, the after-effects of the war wont be center stage.
Lets let Mister Millar have his fun with the
Civil War, Loeb said. Wolverine and Sabretooth predate any of that and will continue long after that is over. Well
respect that story (not Millar - unless hes buying the beer [laughs]), but you wont have to
know it to appreciate what we are doing.
And because he seems to think so highly of Bianchis work, we asked Loeb if he finds himself writing in any way to suit Bianchi's abilities?
Yes! came the reply. As always, I try and write to an artists strengths. I spent a lot of time talking with Simone - about what he liked to draw -
who he liked to draw. That determines more that anybody knows. My imagination is one thing, its
his imagination I need to inspire. And if you talk to Simone, you cant help but get excited. Hes a wild man! Have I mentioned that itll be a a showcase for Simone, Loeb asked rhethrorically, making sure we understood his message for the day. That after you see his stuff, hes going to raise the bar on
Wolverine. The last time anybody did that was Lenil Yu. Time to put it up above everyone again
So is this story news to you? If you have really good eyes
and very intuitive nature, Marvel has actually published a clue regarding this new creative teaming on Bianchis variant cover to
Wolverine: Origin #3. Here is a look at the cover along with a closer look at the hidden clues
I rather think it's funny. Who the character with the white hair had it ****ing coming. Thinking he bested Wolverine. 
Then getting popped in tha head. 
