2012 In Review
A few years ago, a post like this wouldn’t have included much. A few short story “sales” to low circulation magazines… if anything at all. But, as I’ve said many times, things started to change for me when I really buckled down and treated writing like a job. I think it really shows when you look at my work published this past year.
Ten issues of The Sixth Gun, all published on time! I can’t tell you how proud I am of this book. And we’ve passed the halfway point. The series will come to an end with issue 50! Hold on tight!
Fear Itself: The Fearless 2 – 12
Most of this massive limited series, which put the inspiration (and quite a bit of groundwork) in place for The Fearless Defenders, was released this year. I had always liked Valkyrie as a character, but I fell in love with her while writing this book. I also came to respect Crossbones quite a bit more. This is the series where Hellstrom made a heel turn (later reflected in Venom) and the DOA rose again.
Captain America and Hawkeye 629 – 632
The Captain America team-up book started with a four-issue pulp adventure featuring Stegron and ties to ROM and classic Ms. Marvel. This book introduced Kashmir Vennema to the Marvel Universe.
Captain America and Iron Man 633 – 635
I’ll admit… when I wrote this story, I hated it. As much as I love Batroc, Batroc’s Brigade, M.O.D.O.K., and M.A.D.A.K.s, I just didn’t think this story worked. But readers seemed to like it for what it was–a crazy pulpy adventure. Kashmir Vennema’s plotting continues.
Captain America and Namor 635.1
This issue was a lot of fun to write. World War II era Cap and Namor? I love that stuff! I also used this issue to introduce the Covenant, a group that will continue to surface in the Marvel Universe in the days to come.
Captain America and Black Widow 636 – 640
The Captain America team-up book ended with this arc. Before I scripted the first Hawkeye issue of this series, I had it on good authority that the book might not last past issue 640. So the conclusion of the book wasn’t a shocker for me. I would have loved to have had one more issue of this arc, but I’m pleased with how the Kashmir Vennema story wrapped up!
I co-write this arc with Ed Brubaker. Ed had a ton of ideas he wanted to cover in this arc, and he sent me a bulleted list of ideas to include. Based on that list, I scripted these for issues, introducing the Discordians and the Omega Madbombs.
This graphic novel re-tells Spidey’s origins for brand new readers! It also introduced Katy Kiernan, who went on to guest star in Venom.
When I was asked to take over Venom from Rick Remender, I was given the chance to co-write the violent “Savage Six” arc, which will have long-lasting ramifications for Flash Thompson in the days to come.
Venom 23 – 28 (and Minimum Carnage Alpha and Omega)
At this point, I’ve written 14 issues of Venom… and I’m really just getting started with the character. I added Katy Kiernan and Daimon Hellstrom to the cast… and I set the events of the Descent into motion. With Minimum Carnage, I got the chance to write about the Micronauts!
With these two issues, I was able to fulfill my dream of writing a Devil Dinosaur comic. I also introduced Demon Dinosaur!
Following Jason Aaron’s acclaimed run on a book is no mean feat, but I enjoyed the Hell out of building Dr. Rot’s family in this tribute to horror movies like Texas Chainsaw Massacre, House of a 1000 Corpses, and Phantasm.
The Covenant returns in this arc, which let me tell an Indiana Jones style story with Cthulhu monsters, robot Wolverines, monstrous Kung-Fu fighters, and more!
Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe 1 – 4
Just what the title suggests! In these four issues, Deadpool kills… well… everybody.
Helheim (Black and White Preview) 1
While the series doesn’t launch (in full color) until next year, Oni Press released a special edition black and white preview of this Vikings and undead extravanganza! Look for the series in March!
Creeping Stones and Other Stories
My only non-comic work to be published this year. This is a collection of many of my short horror stories. A follow-up is in the works!
There ya have it! One graphic novel, 66 individual comic book issues, and one short story collection! Not a bad year’s work!
Looking at the list, I see that I need to make sure to get some more of my creator-owned work on the shelves next year. That shouldn’t be a problem with Helheim, The Sixth Gun: Sons of the Gun, and another unannounced project on the horizon. Also, keep an eye out for Deadpool Killustrated (the sequel to Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe), Venom, and the all-new Fearless Defenders! I’m also hoping for a little more of my prose work to make an appearance in 2013!
Thanks for the support in 2012!
Happy New Year!
