Post by brawl2099 on Apr 30, 2012 10:15:00 GMT -5
What drew you to MA?
I think what most drew me to Marvel Anthology was that Erik wanted me here. I know that seems kind of a simple answer, but it means alot to know when your efforts are actually appreciated and wanted somewhere. I know what it's like to be at fanfic sites where it seems like you're just writing for absolutely nothing. That can be a major bummer and is frustrating beyond belief. I really credit Erik with what I see as a spike of quality in my writing. His confidence and faith in me really did wonders for my writing. It's just a good feeling to be at a site where someone treats like you're part of the team and not just the equipment manager.
Why have you stuck around?
Primarily because of the staff and Erik's willingness to just have these wild, crazy idea sessions. Fanfic is half the writing and half the community and I stand by my belief that MARVEL ANTHOLOGY has the hands down, best community out there. These guys are having fun and it shows. Just listen to the plans of folks like JD, Jamie, and Scott. You can tell they're having hella fun and just taking these characters into new and interesting directions. When I take in all these plans and ideas I'm like "if the real Marvel was doing this, you would actually feel like there were real stakes in the universe."
Who is your favorite writer in the group?
Hummm....I have a few I like, but I guess I'm going to have to be fair and answer the question. So my hat goes off to Derrick Ferguson. Yes, I know KA-ZAR hasn't been updated in a bit, but so what? Derrick still has major chops. His title inspired the entire concept of The Genosha Compact. Besides that, he's a damn good writer who I feel makes everyone around him better. You can always get a good bit of honest advice from the brother. You can never expect Derrick to pull a punch with you and that's what I love about him. Plus I think he writes some of the most badass people alive. He could make Squirrel Girl a character Chuck Norris would be proud of.
As a reader, what's your favorite title on-site?
Defenders. Ed is such an amazing idea factory and you never know what you're going to get with any given issue. He thinks in an entirely different way and I love him for it. When I met Ed, he made me want to challenge the way I consider ideas and go about coming up with plot points. He's so unique and I'm so jealous. Defenders IMO is one of his seminal works right alongside his ANIMAL MAN at DC Infinity. There are things I would like to see happen in the title, but Ed grabs you by your neck and says "No you bastard. You'll read this instead." And basically, makes your brain his beotch.
And how about the character you enjoy reading most?
Well, this is a bit cheating since the issues aren't out yet, but I'm going to have to say Fantomex in DARK X-MEN. Eric is making some headway on the series and I've been privileged to get a sneak peek at all of it. I'm loving how he writes Fantomex and I just really have grown to love the guy.
Who's your favorite character to write at MA?
Emma Frost. Once, I would have felt dirty for saying that, but I've made my peace with it. She's such a deliciously complicated character and I find myself relating to her in some ways. As feminine as she is, there's a very masculine emotional quality to the woman. So often men in society are taught to contain and control their emotions to nearly the point of mental break. Emma Frost very much does that on a daily basis and I think it's that tight control that makes her a [insert derogatory word for a woman] in the eyes of many. I would even say when any woman has that kind of emotional control she's sort of thrown into that category. If not for some of the over sexual visuals with her, I really think she could be a very deep character. Well, she is a deep character, but I guess what I mean is that her visual sometimes stops people from seeing that and that's a shame.
On the writing front, what book have you enjoyed the most?
I think right now it's X-Force because it's symbolic to me of a new phase in writing for me. I really gotta give credit to Erik and Tony for thinking of me when they were forming their new direction for the X-Line. I was in sort of a funk fanfic wise after sort of being shuffled out of a couple of sites. But Tony suggested me to Erik and Erik came to me with this idea for X-Force. The cast me and him came up with just clicked once I started writing it on the page. I really credit X-Force as the title that saw a significant quality jump in my writing. I think it gave me that jolt of confidence in myself I had been missing for a while. Outside of that, I really enjoy X-Force because the unexpected always seems to happen to me in that title. There's always some new character interaction I didn't consider or some new match-up that's just fascinating.
So what series have you never done that you would like to?
Humm....I think I would love to do a Black Panther solo at some point.
And why's that?
Well he's the premier black character and you know I'm a big champion of diversity in comic books. He's kind of the big man on campus when it comes to black superheroes in my opinion. He's as smart as Batman, as well-equipped as Iron Man, and rules a country that's the technological rival of the world. He's got alot of avenunes you can explore with him as Christopher Priest showed in his definitive run.
You have a reputation for making c-list and lower characters shine. Why do you enjoy that?
Well for one, it's easier to develop stories around them. When you use folks like Wolverine and Spider-Man you have to consider your fellow writers and readers alot more when making progressive choices with them. If I take off Spider-Man's arm I have to consider how it's gonna play out for everyone. If I do the same to Robin Vega, no one is going to worry about it. Besides that, I think the point of fanfic is to do things that aren't being done in the mainstream comics. If we're doing the same things that the comics are doing why bother? I look to fanfic as my alternative to comic books so I write for people who think the same thing. It's just so much easier to tell a long-term, progressive story with an obscure character. You can take them through a journey that finds them radically different at the end like in an actual novel.
So what character has been your favorite to take this approach with?
Well, the one I think I've had the most fun with here at Anthology is Blind Faith. I was actually shocked at how well he started to resonate with people. I think Scott mentioned him for some reason and I was floored that people were even paying attention to him. I didn't expect my use of him at all to really connect with anyone. I was actually expecting folks to want me to get rid of him so it was a surprise to see him sort of grow in popularity. It definitely made me rethink my plans for him. That's for sure.
Is there a title that you've written in the past that you'd ever like to revisit?
Oh yea. I wouldn't mind doing a Storm solo series again. I think at the time it came out, it sort of broke the mold on the expected solo series you normally got from fanfic sites. Unfortunately, circumstances just didn't allow me to go as far as I wanted to. I think now though if I had another crack at it, being more mature and more practiced, I believe it would be a very interesting look at Ms. Ororo Munroe.
What character that you're not writing currently would you like to revisit?
Without a doubt I would write Thor again if I could. My title with him at AVENGERS 2000 was an absolute blast and remains one of my favorite stories. It kind of sucked how some people, my successor on the title included, couldn't handle all the different things I was throwing into the mix and the permanent changes I was making. But I remain proud of them and the story I told. So yep, I would love a chance to write Thor somewhere else again.
Last question, you disappear from fanfic tomorrow. What would you like the community and MA specifically to remember most about you?
That I was a hard worker, who took his craft seriously even when writing for fun, and that I was a pretty easy guy to work with. I wouldn't want to leave anyone with a nasty taste in their mouth about me. Well, a few I could give two shits about, but everyone else I would want to remember me as a guy who loved writing, loved comics, and loved working with others.
I think what most drew me to Marvel Anthology was that Erik wanted me here. I know that seems kind of a simple answer, but it means alot to know when your efforts are actually appreciated and wanted somewhere. I know what it's like to be at fanfic sites where it seems like you're just writing for absolutely nothing. That can be a major bummer and is frustrating beyond belief. I really credit Erik with what I see as a spike of quality in my writing. His confidence and faith in me really did wonders for my writing. It's just a good feeling to be at a site where someone treats like you're part of the team and not just the equipment manager.
Why have you stuck around?
Primarily because of the staff and Erik's willingness to just have these wild, crazy idea sessions. Fanfic is half the writing and half the community and I stand by my belief that MARVEL ANTHOLOGY has the hands down, best community out there. These guys are having fun and it shows. Just listen to the plans of folks like JD, Jamie, and Scott. You can tell they're having hella fun and just taking these characters into new and interesting directions. When I take in all these plans and ideas I'm like "if the real Marvel was doing this, you would actually feel like there were real stakes in the universe."
Who is your favorite writer in the group?
Hummm....I have a few I like, but I guess I'm going to have to be fair and answer the question. So my hat goes off to Derrick Ferguson. Yes, I know KA-ZAR hasn't been updated in a bit, but so what? Derrick still has major chops. His title inspired the entire concept of The Genosha Compact. Besides that, he's a damn good writer who I feel makes everyone around him better. You can always get a good bit of honest advice from the brother. You can never expect Derrick to pull a punch with you and that's what I love about him. Plus I think he writes some of the most badass people alive. He could make Squirrel Girl a character Chuck Norris would be proud of.
As a reader, what's your favorite title on-site?
Defenders. Ed is such an amazing idea factory and you never know what you're going to get with any given issue. He thinks in an entirely different way and I love him for it. When I met Ed, he made me want to challenge the way I consider ideas and go about coming up with plot points. He's so unique and I'm so jealous. Defenders IMO is one of his seminal works right alongside his ANIMAL MAN at DC Infinity. There are things I would like to see happen in the title, but Ed grabs you by your neck and says "No you bastard. You'll read this instead." And basically, makes your brain his beotch.
And how about the character you enjoy reading most?
Well, this is a bit cheating since the issues aren't out yet, but I'm going to have to say Fantomex in DARK X-MEN. Eric is making some headway on the series and I've been privileged to get a sneak peek at all of it. I'm loving how he writes Fantomex and I just really have grown to love the guy.
Who's your favorite character to write at MA?
Emma Frost. Once, I would have felt dirty for saying that, but I've made my peace with it. She's such a deliciously complicated character and I find myself relating to her in some ways. As feminine as she is, there's a very masculine emotional quality to the woman. So often men in society are taught to contain and control their emotions to nearly the point of mental break. Emma Frost very much does that on a daily basis and I think it's that tight control that makes her a [insert derogatory word for a woman] in the eyes of many. I would even say when any woman has that kind of emotional control she's sort of thrown into that category. If not for some of the over sexual visuals with her, I really think she could be a very deep character. Well, she is a deep character, but I guess what I mean is that her visual sometimes stops people from seeing that and that's a shame.
On the writing front, what book have you enjoyed the most?
I think right now it's X-Force because it's symbolic to me of a new phase in writing for me. I really gotta give credit to Erik and Tony for thinking of me when they were forming their new direction for the X-Line. I was in sort of a funk fanfic wise after sort of being shuffled out of a couple of sites. But Tony suggested me to Erik and Erik came to me with this idea for X-Force. The cast me and him came up with just clicked once I started writing it on the page. I really credit X-Force as the title that saw a significant quality jump in my writing. I think it gave me that jolt of confidence in myself I had been missing for a while. Outside of that, I really enjoy X-Force because the unexpected always seems to happen to me in that title. There's always some new character interaction I didn't consider or some new match-up that's just fascinating.
So what series have you never done that you would like to?
Humm....I think I would love to do a Black Panther solo at some point.
And why's that?
Well he's the premier black character and you know I'm a big champion of diversity in comic books. He's kind of the big man on campus when it comes to black superheroes in my opinion. He's as smart as Batman, as well-equipped as Iron Man, and rules a country that's the technological rival of the world. He's got alot of avenunes you can explore with him as Christopher Priest showed in his definitive run.
You have a reputation for making c-list and lower characters shine. Why do you enjoy that?
Well for one, it's easier to develop stories around them. When you use folks like Wolverine and Spider-Man you have to consider your fellow writers and readers alot more when making progressive choices with them. If I take off Spider-Man's arm I have to consider how it's gonna play out for everyone. If I do the same to Robin Vega, no one is going to worry about it. Besides that, I think the point of fanfic is to do things that aren't being done in the mainstream comics. If we're doing the same things that the comics are doing why bother? I look to fanfic as my alternative to comic books so I write for people who think the same thing. It's just so much easier to tell a long-term, progressive story with an obscure character. You can take them through a journey that finds them radically different at the end like in an actual novel.
So what character has been your favorite to take this approach with?
Well, the one I think I've had the most fun with here at Anthology is Blind Faith. I was actually shocked at how well he started to resonate with people. I think Scott mentioned him for some reason and I was floored that people were even paying attention to him. I didn't expect my use of him at all to really connect with anyone. I was actually expecting folks to want me to get rid of him so it was a surprise to see him sort of grow in popularity. It definitely made me rethink my plans for him. That's for sure.
Is there a title that you've written in the past that you'd ever like to revisit?
Oh yea. I wouldn't mind doing a Storm solo series again. I think at the time it came out, it sort of broke the mold on the expected solo series you normally got from fanfic sites. Unfortunately, circumstances just didn't allow me to go as far as I wanted to. I think now though if I had another crack at it, being more mature and more practiced, I believe it would be a very interesting look at Ms. Ororo Munroe.
What character that you're not writing currently would you like to revisit?
Without a doubt I would write Thor again if I could. My title with him at AVENGERS 2000 was an absolute blast and remains one of my favorite stories. It kind of sucked how some people, my successor on the title included, couldn't handle all the different things I was throwing into the mix and the permanent changes I was making. But I remain proud of them and the story I told. So yep, I would love a chance to write Thor somewhere else again.
Last question, you disappear from fanfic tomorrow. What would you like the community and MA specifically to remember most about you?
That I was a hard worker, who took his craft seriously even when writing for fun, and that I was a pretty easy guy to work with. I wouldn't want to leave anyone with a nasty taste in their mouth about me. Well, a few I could give two shits about, but everyone else I would want to remember me as a guy who loved writing, loved comics, and loved working with others.
