Jim Zub's Blog, page 72
February 7, 2019
I’m Co-Writing IRON MAN!
Came through the door and saw a bunch of messages congratulating me, so I guess the news is out–
I’m pitching in on IRON MAN starting with issue #9!
Dan Slott has phenomenal plans for Tony and company.
Valerio Schiti and Edgar Delgado are a powerhouse art team.
I can’t wait for all of you to see this issue (and what comes next) because it is top notch!
Big thanks to Tom Brevoort for bringing me on board Stark Unlimited. 
January 31, 2019
CHAMPIONS #3 International Woman’s Day Variant Cover
New York, NY—January 31, 2019—In celebration of International Women’s Day this March, Marvel is excited to show off a brand-new variant cover for CHAMPIONS #3 showcasing leading ladies Ms. Marvel, Viv Vision, Ironheart, Snowguard, and Wasp – as well as the legacy of Captain Marvel – illustrated by superstar artist Elsa Charretier and colorist Sarah Stern!
Best known for her work on 2017’s critically acclaimed THE UNSTOPPABLE WASP, Charretier’s art has appeared in series such as The Unbelievable Gwenpool and Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat! while Sarah Stern’s brilliant colors have been dazzling the industry in books such as Oni Press’s Rick and Morty and IDW’s Jem and the Holograms: Infinite.
Don’t miss your chance to pick up this stunning new variant cover in local comic shops on March 6th, just ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day!
CHAMPIONS #3
Written by JIM ZUB
Art by STEVEN CUMMINGS
International Women’s Day variant cover by ELSA CHARRETIER and SARAH STERN (DEC188992)
To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com
January 22, 2019
Marvel Zub Comics Arriving April 2019
AVENGERS: NO ROAD HOME #8 (of 10)
AL EWING, MARK WAID & JIM ZUB (W) • PACO MEDINA (A)
Cover by YASMINE PUTRI
THE ALL-NEW WEEKLY AVENGERS EVENT CONTINUES!
Team Hulk vs. Nyx, Queen of Night! Team Herc vs. Oizys, Creature of Misery! One Avenger faces the supreme test – and one Avenger falls!
LEGACY #716
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
AVENGERS: NO ROAD HOME #9 (OF 10)
AL EWING, JIM ZUB & MARK WAID (W)
SEAN IZAAKSE (A)
Cover by YASMINE PUTRI
THE ALL-NEW WEEKLY AVENGERS EVENT CONTINUES!
On Euphoria, the Wishing World, the Avengers come face-to-face with
their own desires…as Nyx finds the path to the ultimate power!
LEGACY #717
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
AVENGERS: NO ROAD HOME #10 (OF 10)
AL EWING, JIM ZUB & MARK WAID (W)
SEAN IZAAKSE (A)
Cover by YASMINE PUTRI
THE ALL-NEW WEEKLY AVENGERS FINALE!
The extra-sized finale! Can anything stop Nyx from remaking the cosmos in her image? And will an Avenger die in the attempt?
LEGACY #718
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99
CHAMPIONS #4
JIM ZUB (W) • STEVEN CUMMINGS (A)
Cover by KIM JACINTO
• Miles Morales…what have you done?
• The Champions reach a crossroads as dark forces lay their claim.
LEGACY #31
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
January 21, 2019
Tutorial: 50 More Frequently Asked Questions
With my current work schedule it’s been difficult to put together the kind of tutorial articles. Even still, I try to keep up with questions from aspiring creators on my Tumblr page. If you’re not following me there you might have missed some interesting information or helpful advice.
Here’s a second hub (here’s the first one with 50+ questions answered) where I’ll paraphrase the best questions I’ve received about work-for-hire/writing for Marvel and point you toward my answers:
GETTING STARTED
Q: Once you’re a writer for Marvel/DC, how does it work? Are you just waiting to be assigned projects?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/171014148175/how-does-it-work-when-you-sign-up-with-dc-as-a
Q: How do you submit an original/creator-owned concept to Marvel/DC?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/174630734045/have-you-ever-submitted-an-original-series-idea-to
Q: How do you get started on making comics?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/171802782820/what-advice-might-you-bestow-on-a-16-year-old
and
http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/170252147500/what-would-you-recommend-for-someone-trying-to
Q: How do I sell my story ideas to Marvel/DC?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/171014792625/could-someone-sell-dcmarvel-stories-every-now
and
http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/181742701120/hi-im-a-writer-who-loves-to-write-comic-i-wrote
Q: How do you pitch a mini-series instead of an ongoing series?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/171014351725/hi-i-love-your-articles-about-writing-comics
Q: How do people from foreign countries submit their work to Marvel/DC?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/170347209290/is-it-possible-for-people-from-other-countries-to
Q: What does a story pitch look like for Marvel/DC?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/180987887075/hi-jim-what-is-the-format-in-writing-a-outline
Q: How do you complete a draft and revise it?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/182031443640/drafts-how-the-heck-do-they-work-ive-written-a
Q: How do I send a message to a Marvel editor?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/181586131315/how-do-i-send-message-or-a-letter-to-different
Q: Is it okay to pitch several publishers the same project at the same time?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/180104877485/for-an-unestablished-writer-trying-to-get-a
Q: How do you negotiate your contract with an editor?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/180104439995/how-do-you-deal-your-contrats-with-an-editor-do
Q: How do you balance the amount of words with the art when scripting?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/180033905375/hello-jim-something-i-noted-about-your-story-arc
IDEAS AND WORKING WITH THE CREATIVE TEAM
Q: Do you write full script or “Marvel Style”?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/177271910860/kinda-weird-question-but-do-you-prefer-witting
Q: How do you plan out your work on a monthly comic series and stay organized?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/179053801325/can-you-describe-your-organisation-planning-when
Q: How much of the story do you share with the artists you work with?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/172393188630/how-much-of-your-storyidea-you-should-share-with
Q: How much visual reference do you send to the artist?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/172041387835/hello-first-off-as-a-high-school-senior-or-the
Q: How much input does the artist get on the story you’re working on?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/171633205440/dear-mr-zub-in-your-personal-experience-how
Q: Now that you’re a regular Marvel writer, do you still have to “pitch” your future stories? Are there any restrictions?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/182110075785/hey-jim-i-read-in-one-of-your-earlier-answers
Q: How do you do research and prepare for writing work-for-hire characters?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/179077715195/hello-big-fan-of-your-work-especially-of-no
and
http://www.patreon.com/posts/19735863
Q: Do you ever have story ideas rejected by your editor? If so, what do you do?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/178449870800/did-you-ever-have-some-ideas-or-stories-that
Q: When you write the comic script, do you have a clear vision of how it looks in your head?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/178140750730/hey-jim-when-writing-comic-scripts-is-it-often
Q: How far ahead do you plan your stories?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/177738360380/how-far-aheadout-do-you-normally-right-for-you
and
http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/180985686655/hi-jim-ive-always-wondered-how-far-ahead-a
Q: How do writers at Marvel/DC decide when a character will age?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/177341299470/i-always-wondered-when-writers-decide-that-its
Q: How does it work when a character’s costume changes? Who decides on that?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/180310299165/who-decides-when-costume-changes-for-characters
Q: Do you decide the sexuality of characters you write for Marvel/DC?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/179826062195/is-it-the-writers-decision-to-make-a-certain
Q: How do you feel about killing characters at Marvel/DC?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/175333563050/how-do-you-feel-about-the-use-of-violence-and-more
Q: How does it work when you create a new character for Marvel/DC?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/173562110750/i-really-love-snowguards-design-and-wanted-to-ask
and
http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/170616607860/some-writers-have-created-new-characters-for
Q: If you create a new character for Marvel/DC, can you restrict how they’re used?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/170616792730/if-somebody-had-a-new-character-for-green-arrow-or
Q: Can an editor demand changes be made to a script you write? What happens if you walk away from a project?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/172506598685/can-the-editor-or-somebody-else-to-demand-changes
and
http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/172519996930/if-you-walk-away-from-a-project-cause-your-story
Q: Can an editor force a writer to work on something they don’t like?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/172503058590/can-a-writer-at-marvel-be-assigned-to-write-a
Q: Do you write descriptions for covers for the monthly series you’re working on?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/172502729670/do-you-write-covers-i-mean-do-you-send-your
Q: Do you have to get permission to use characters that guest star in your series?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/172272797750/ive-been-wondering-one-thing-imagine-that-in
Q: What changes when you become a Marvel/DC exclusive writer?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/171610697495/what-changes-with-exclusivity-for-marveldc-when
Q: How do you negotiate deadlines with your editor/publisher?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/168004723515/hi-jim-i-was-wondering-how-would-you-recommend
Q: What’s more difficult – writing character dynamics or the plot?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/179789110165/what-is-the-most-difficult-in-a-superheroes-team
Q: How has writing for commercial properties changed the way you write?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/182031733905/how-has-writing-for-major-publishers-like-marvel
OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKING IN COMICS
Q: How did you get your start working in comics?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/170150550480/howd-you-start-getting-into-comics-also-can-i
Q: How much money do you make writing superheroes? Are you rich?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/179554433995/im-thinking-about-writing-comics-but-i-wanna-make
and
http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/170347326155/how-much-an-average-writer-get-from-dc-if-you
Q: Do your creator-owned series make money?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/168622777220/hi-jim-do-your-image-series-make-money-and-if
Q: What were your catalysts for pursuing storytelling as a career?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/179552657580/what-would-you-say-were-catalysts-for-you-pursuing
Q: Do you think that blocking fans on social media is bad for business?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/174851191045/i-notice-that-a-lot-of-marvel-writers-block-fans
Q: How do you get motivated to write or draw?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/179832948785/what-advice-would-you-give-to-an-aspiring-comic
Q: How do you stick with a project once the initial creative burst of ideas has worn off?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/174369774375/i-have-a-lot-of-creative-interests-and-as-a
Q: How long does it take to write a comic script?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/174369602755/jim-about-how-many-hours-a-day-do-you-work-on
Q: How do smaller publishers stay afloat with such low sales numbers?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/173733012330/mr-zub-since-you-are-very-knowledgable-about-the
Q: Would you be interested in personally mentoring a new young writer?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/173065934835/would-you-ever-be-interested-in-tutoring-a-young
Q: What do you think of Marvel/DC’s publishing model?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/181552419900/hey-mr-zub-i-love-your-run-on-the-chanpions
Q: What’s the best way to support my favorite comics?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/179519021580/what-is-the-best-way-to-support-the-writers-and
Q: Is working in comics worth it?
A: http://jimzub.tumblr.com/post/171126913210/hey-jim-a-loaded-question-but-i-just-want-to
If you found the above Q&A links helpful, feel free to let me know here (or on Twitter), share the post with your friends and consider buying some of my comics to show your support for me answering all these questions instead of doing paying work. 
January 4, 2019
CHAMPIONS #1 Reviews
• Adventures In Poor Taste: 8/10 “I liked this issue because it’s taking chances and pushing the team in a new direction. Zub has a clear handle on the characters and Cummings can handle a heavy dose of team action.”
• Caped-Joel: 8.5/10 “Champions under Zub may be the modern day equivalent of the classic Teen Titans stories everyone loves and I think this new series here only strengthens that idea. The book is filled with so much positivity and youthful exuberance, something I think is sorely missing from superhero comics these days.”
• ComicBook.com: 10/10 “This is Marvels finest team-up book currently in print. Period…Rarely do big groups like this give attention to all of the characters that deserve it, but Zub and his team handle the balance perfectly.”
• Comic Book University: “Jim Zub is able to bring some hope to the world with these young heroes and there are no better heroes to do that with.”
• Geeked Out Nation: 8.5/10 “This new era for Champions began giving us the full package. The action delivered was satisfying, our first taste of adventure from them was bold, and the drama was heartbreaking. This iteration of Champions won’t just be about the work they do, it will be testing their fortitude in living up to the name.”
• Graphic Policy: 7.75/10 “There’s a great mix of characters, some will be the future of Marvel, and Zub and team set up a series which will be as much action as it will be interpersonal conflict. Plus there’s that ending… “
• Monkeys Fighting Robots: 8.8/10 “Zub throws a massive Champions team at you over the course of the issue but perfectly drops the breadcrumbs for the first story arc and future plot lines. To balance a vast roster and tell a coherent story is a significant accomplishment in itself, but what Zub does best is take a swing for the fence when it comes to the mission statement and purpose of the Champions.”
• Newsarama: 9/10 “Zub and Cummings do an excellent job juggling the large cast, giving each a distinct look and voice that makes it easy to follow the ever-shifting action of the book.”
• On Comics Ground: “Between the growing sense of dread that builds throughout the issue as the Champions seem to be slowly getting at odds with one another, the triumph of the three missions successfully carried out, and Kamala’s engaging and compelling struggles with this new position she finds herself in as the formal leader of the Champions, Jim Zub conveys all of this incredibly effectively.”
• Paste Magazine: “Cummings has ample experience depicting teens in a supernatural version of Japan, and his long partnership with Zub bodes well for productive collaborative storytelling under the Marvel umbrella.”
December 31, 2018
Year in Review
I’ve been writing these ‘Year In Review’ posts since 2010, and each time I try to summarize what’s happening in my life and the gratitude I have for all these incredible experiences.
2018 was intense but saying that at this point feels redundant. They’ve all been intense. Intense is now normal, I think I’m just better capable of handling it.
That was kind of the theme this year – This is crazy but somehow, we press on and make it work.
At Seneca we’re lining up our Animation program review for 2019, and it looks like big changes will be happening again as part of that process. It’s hard to believe I’ve been coordinator of the program for 12 years. I’m proud that we keep innovating, making improvements to keep the courses relevant and make sure our grads are ready to go out and kick butt in the industry. I’ve been here long enough now that some of our grads are coming back to teach as well and that’s a surreal and gratifying experience.
The new subway stop at York University has completely changed how I get to school for teaching. Instead of grinding my way through traffic and worrying about parking, I start my days by reading my lecture notes or catching up on comics. It’s been transformative and cut down on stress that used to eat into my day.
Speaking of reducing stress, I started working out in late July and it’s helped me keep moving so my sedentary jobs don’t continue to wreck my neck and back. I feel better than I have in years and I’ve lost a bit of weight too, so that’s been exciting and unexpected.
Stacy and I did the regular convention circuit in North America and also traveled to Johannesburg and Vienna. Zipping around the world for comic conventions, balancing work and sightseeing, is becoming a reality and it’s something I hope we get to keep pursuing in 2019 and beyond.
Creatively, 2018 was mind-boggling:
Hey Jim, how would you like to co-write the world’s biggest superhero team while their new billion-dollar movie comes out? While that’s going on, how about co-writing a crossover between one of the hottest cartoons on TV and your favorite hobby, the one that inspired you to become a writer in the first place? Just for good measure, how about taking the reins on a new generation of young heroes to guide their formative years?
Yeah.
I look at that insane rundown of releases and I’d say I could hardly believe it, but I’ve got the gray hairs to prove that it all really happened. Between teaching and writing it really is two full-time jobs, with promotion and travel heaped on top. I love all of it, but the juggling has been wild at times.
I decided to cash in some of the creative credit I built up at Marvel and worked with Nyla Innusuk and Sean Izaakse to create a new Canadian superhero. The response to Amka, and the way readers from Canada and abroad have embraced her has absolutely blown me away. If we get any Snowguard cosplay in 2019 I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle it.
Wayward the comic series wrapped up in October, but we still have our final Deluxe Hardcover and the co-op board game (designed by Jon Gilmour) arriving in 2019. The animated series fell through and the rights have been returned to Steven and I, so my agent is now back on the attack looking to get it attached elsewhere. Fingers crossed.
Writing Evil at Baldur’s Gate and co-writing Rick and Morty VS Dungeons & Dragons made this year special, but I’ve got even more Dungeons & Dragons material coming in 2019. Comics and game stuff aplenty, but I’m sworn to secrecy for now. More details coming soon.
2019 is looking good. If things go the way we’re planning it could be another banner year.
If your 2018 was rough, I hope the new year brings better news and brighter days. If the year was good, let’s keep that momentum going!
December 26, 2018
Champions Annual #1 Reviews
• ComicBook.com: 10/10 “Equal parts entertaining and powerful, this issue is fantastic from start to finish. It’s also worth noting that Snowguard is quickly become one of the most interesting characters in Marvel’s extensive lineup, and I would be first in line to buy a solo series.”
• Comicon.com: “Champions Annual #1 is the spotlight that Snowguard both needed and deserved. She is the newest hero to have joined the Champions, and, here, we get to learn more about her and her home. She’s another great new hero, and Jim Zub and Nyla Innuksuk knocked it out of the park in writing this issue.”
• Geeked Out Nation: 9/10 “A special supersized issue was the best use of time to flesh out the backstory of a character when the average issue can only offer so much to satisfy.”
• WhatCulture: “It is the quintessential example of how to keep a superhero book feeling like a superhero book while also pushing an underlying message. The art by Marcus To is vibrant and sharp, keeping the energy flowing from action to dialogue and back.”
December 18, 2018
Marvel Comics Arriving March 2019
AVENGERS: NO ROAD HOME #4 (OF 10)
AL EWING, MARK WAID & JIM ZUB (W) • SEAN IZAAKSE (A)
Cover by YASMINE PUTRI
CONNECTING VARIANT COVER BY MARKO DJURDJEVIC (1 OF 4)
THE ALL-NEW WEEKLY AVENGERS EVENT CONTINUES!
Who is the Queen of Night? What brought Nyx to wage war on the gods themselves? Witness the origin of the Avengers’ latest, greatest foe!
LEGACY #711
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
AVENGERS: NO ROAD HOME #5 (OF 10)
AL EWING, JIM ZUB & MARK WAID (W) • SEAN IZAAKSE (A)
Cover by YASMINE PUTRI
CONNECTING VARIANT COVER BY MARKO DJURDJEVIC (2 OF 4)
THE ALL-NEW WEEKLY AVENGERS EVENT CONTINUES!
As the Scarlet Witch works to escape Nyx’s prison of darkness, the Hulk takes on Hypnos, Lord of Sleep, in the realm of Nightmare!
LEGACY #712
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
AVENGERS: NO ROAD HOME #6 & 7 (OF 10)
AL EWING, MARK WAID & JIM ZUB (W)
Issue #6 – SEAN IZAAKSE • Issue #7 – PACO MEDINA (A)
Cover by YASMINE PUTRI
Issue #6 – CONNECTING VARIANT COVER BY MARKO DJURDJEVIC (3 OF 4)
Issue #6 – VARIANT COVER BY TBA
Issue #6 – VARIANT COVER BY JIM CHEUNG
Issue #6 – VARIANT COVER BY ALEX ROSS
Issue #7 – CONNECTING VARIANT COVER BY MARKO DJURDJEVIC (4 OF 4)
THE ALL-NEW WEEKLY AVENGERS EVENT CONTINUES!
ISSUE #6 – Welcome to the Hyborian Age, Wanda Maximoff — hope you survive the experience! An extra-long Conan epic like you’ve never seen before!
ISSUE #7 – Spectrum takes command as the Avengers take the fight to the Queen of Night — but whose side is Conan on?
LEGACY #713 – ISSUE #6 – 40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99
LEGACY #714 – ISSUE #7 – 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
CHAMPIONS #3
JIM ZUB (W) • STEVEN CUMMINGS (A)
Cover by KIM JACINTO
SPIDER-MAN VILLAINS
VARIANT COVER BY MIKE MCKONE
• The ultimate sacrifice or the ultimate betrayal?
• Ms. Marvel will find out the truth, even if it kills her…
• Jim Zub (AVENGERS, UNCANNY AVENGERS) and Steven Cummings (Wayward, Legends of the Dark Knight) take the Champions into new territory, and the team will never be the same.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
MARVEL COMICS: THE WORLD OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOW HC
Written by JOE SIMON, STAN LEE, STEVE GERBER, BOB LAYTON, DAVID MICHELINIE, CHRIS CLAREMONT, SCOTT LOBDELL, PETER DAVID, J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI, JOHN NEY RIEBER, MARJORIE LIU, G. WILLOW WILSON, JIM ZUB, ZEB WELLS
Penciled by JACK KIRBY, GIL KANE, GENE COLAN, JOHN ROMITA JR., JACKSON GUICE, MARK PACELLA, RICHARD BENNETT, GARY FRANK, JOHN CASSADAY, MIKE PERKINS, MIRKA ANDOLFO, SEAN IZAAKSE, TODD NAUCK
Cover by STEPHANE ROUX
The Marvel Universe has always reflected the world outside your window — from the moment Captain America charged into battle in World War II, to the present day! Marvel’s characters face relevant and real-life issues alongside their extraordinary adventures — from grappling with alcoholism, to participating in politics, to celebrating diversity and everything in between! These powerful stories from Marvel’s 80-year history feature iconic heroes tackling heavy-hitting subjects including drug abuse, teen suicide, HIV, terrorism, school shootings and more.
Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) 97, HOWARD THE DUCK (1976) 8, IRON MAN (1968) 128, NEW MUTANTS (1983) 45, ALPHA FLIGHT (1983) 106, UNCANNY X-MEN (1981) 303, INCREDIBLE HULK (1968) 420, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1999) 36, CAPTAIN AMERICA (2002) 1, ASTONISHING X-MEN (2004) 51, MS. MARVEL (2015) 13, CHAMPIONS (2018) 24; material from CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS 2, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1999) 583.
320 PGS./Rated T+ …$50.00
ISBN: 978-1-302-91872-9
Trim size: oversized
December 13, 2018
Dynamic Forces Interview About Champions #1
I spoke to Byron Brewer at Dynamic Forces all about our Champions relaunch arriving in stores on January 2nd, 2018. We cover a lot of great information. Give it a read!
December 11, 2018
Elegant Weapon Podcast Interview
Back in October at New York Comic Con I spoke to J.M. Clark at the Elegant Weapon Podcast about social media, writing tutorials, plugging away on comic projects, and more! My voice is pretty scratchy here because this interview was recorded Sunday after a busy, busy weekend of convention-ing. Give it a listen!
