A few thoughts about covers

I'm currently putting together my first book (outside of my writing for Marvel). One of the points my editor made recently was the importance of the cover in selling the book - the weight which the cover bears in attracting customers.

To that end, I want to look at a recent Marvel Comics trade paperback cover. I should note that I used to be a freelance employee of the collections office during the eight years I worked on the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe and other projects (2004-2012). Consequently, I know a few of the people who put this collection together, particularly the researcher/layout designer Jeph York, who was also a member of the OHOTMU team. But I really have to say something about the cover to Wolverine Epic Collection V.13: Blood Debt.

Blood Debt is a real hodgepodge of material. It reprints Wolverine's 1999 Annual, Wolverine#150-158 and the entire mini-series Origin#1-6. The book is titled after the story 'Blood Debt' which ran through issues #150-153 and was written & drawn by Steve Skroce. Skroce, strangely, never became a big name in the comics industry, even though he was the guy who storyboarded the film The Matrix, which you'd think would have parlayed him to the top tier; it was enough to get him his own Wolverine story, but he's mostly worked in movies. When he drew the mini-series We Stand on Guard for Image a couple of years ago, it was his first monthly comics work in a decade. Skroce was always considered a talented guy and there was precious little of his work in print. So as the collection is titled 'Blood Debt' you'd think the cover would be a beautiful Steve Skroce image, right?

That's right; you're wrong.

See, after Skroce, Wolverine was very briefly taken over by Rob Liefeld, who only managed to squeeze out two issues of art (and two more on plot) before leaving. There's no shortage of Liefeld in the world - even though he has burned many bridges in his career, the industry keeps asking him to come back. Why then, with so much Liefeld already out there, would you turn to him instead of Skroce? Or, for that matter, Joe Quesada & Andy Kubert, who drew the Origin series also included in this volume?

Deadpool, obviously. Yeah, that's Deadpool on the cover, and that's the only reason I can think of that the collections department chose this reprinted cover for the front honours. But it's not even a good image of Deadpool - it isn't full-body, he's pushed off-centre, and even though Liefeld is Deadpool's creator, it doesn't look especially on-model. It was already a bad cover, but I suppose the hope was that Deadpool's presence would shift a few more copies than Skroce, Quesada or Kubert would. And perhaps the collections department is right. From a marketing standpoint, maybe this was the right call... but from a philosophical and logical standpoint, it makes no sense. It's a bad image of Deadpool and it does not reflect anything about the title of this trade. It's disappointing.

Now on Comixology: Wolverine: Weapon X Files!

Back in 2009 we were younger, more innocent, more inclined to believe X-Men Origins: Wolverine would be a winning motion picture. In this environment we of the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe wrote up Wolverine: Weapon X Files, a Marvel handbook tied to the film. It's now available at Comixology for $1.99 right here.

An all-inclusive handbook for Hollywood's favorite mutant, spotlighting a complete biography of Wolverine! He may be in an acre of comics each month, but this is the only place to get the real score! Also featuring some of the Canucklehead's best allies -- including Gambit, Maverick, Tyger Tiger and X-Force! And along for the ride are villains -- the likes of Blob, Daken, Deadpool, Mastermind, Orphan Maker, Donald Pierce, the Purifiers, Sabretooth and S'ym! And more than four dozen other stars linked to our man Logan from Amiko to Silver Fox!

The cover artist originally sent in a plain image of Wolverine just standing there - it could have graced the cover of any ol' Wolverine comic book and Marvel was certainly printing them like it was going out of style! The clip art of Wolverine's friends & foes down the sides of the cover were added to get across the idea that this was a Handbook. Still not sure why we called it "Files" though. We usually used the term "files" to refer to non-Handbook formatted books but this one was pure OHOTMU format.

Rest in Peace Len Wein

In 2015 Herb Trimpe - artist of the first appearance of Wolverine - passed away. Sadly, the author of that comic book has likewise joined him.

In March of this year Bernie Wrightson - artist of the first appearance of Swamp Thing - passed away. Sadly, the author of that comic book has likewise joined him.

His name was Len Wein. I met him once at a comic book convention. As I grew up primarily a fan of Marvel Comics and Wein had stopped working for them by the mid-70s I wasn't exposed to much of his comic book work. Still, during his time at Marvel in the 1970s he made some tremendous additions to the Marvel Universe: Wolverine, the 'all-new, all-different' X-Men team members Nightcrawler, Storm, Colossus & Thunderbird, and that fondly-remembered hero of the hoodoo Brother Voodoo.

While I haven't experienced much of his writing for DC beyond a handful of Swamp Thing comic books he did, of course, cast a large shadow over DC, such as serving as editor on Watchmen, the most influential comic book of the 1980s. He also became a television writer as his creations Swamp Thing & The Human Target were adapted into TV series. He wrote a fun episode of that great Canadian animated program Reboot ("Between a Raccoon and a Hard Place") and a few episodes of the 1990s X-Men and Batman animated programs.

In many ways Wein hasn't been given his due by comics; I understand DC treated him fairly well over the decades, but when you consider he co-created Wolverine and the all-new all-different X-Men, even though he ultimately didn't have much to do with their eventual success (Chris Claremont being the one who turned those characters into Marvel's top stars), as the originator of them it feels like the name Len Wein should be spoken of in reverance. Wow! There goes Len Wein! Instead, my personal memory of Wein will be the time I met him at a convention: he was napping at his table because no one was interested in meeting him.

Rest in peace Mr. Wein.

Logan creator credits

This has been a good week for me to watch X-Men films I guess.

As always, my master list of creator credits is here and your additions/corrections are most welcome!

Chris Claremont Co-creator of: Rogue, a mutant clad in green with a white stripe in her hair (Avengers Annual #10, 1981); Wolverine as one of the X-Men, recruited by Professor X; Colossus, an X-Man whose body transforms into organic steel (Giant-Size X-Men #1, 1974); Donald Pierce as an anti-mutant bigot; Donald Pierce converting his followers into cyborgs like himself (Marvel Graphic Novel #4, 1982); Wolverine flying into berzerker rages (X-Men #96, 1976); Wolverine's claws as a part of his body; Wolverine's pointed hair spikes; Wolverine's vice for smoking (X-Men #98, 1976); Wolverine's real name as Logan (X-Men #103, 1977); Wolverine's vice for drinking alcohol (X-Men #110, 1978); Wolverine possessing an enhanced healing ability (X-Men #116, 1978); Xavier using an automated wheelchair (X-Men #118, 1979); Wolverine's skeleton and claws laced with unbreakable Adamantium (X-Men #126, 1978); Donald Pierce, an enemy of the X-Men (X-Men #129, 1980); Donald Pierce revealed as a cyborg, fights Wolverine (X-Men #132, 1980); Macon, a mercenary who fights Wolverine (X-Men #133, 1980); a near future where Wolverine is an old man and mutants have been hunted into virtual non-existence (X-Men #141, 1981); Caliban, a bald, albino mutant who tracks other mutants, friends with the X-Men (Uncanny X-Men #148, 1981); Macon as a cybernetic soldier who fights mutants (Uncanny X-Men #152, 1981); Rogue affiliated with the X-Men (Uncanny X-Men #171, 1983); The Reavers, a team of mercenaries led by Donald Pierce who are all cyborgs like him; Pretty Boy, one of Donald Pierce's Reavers; Bonebreaker, one of Donald Pierce's Reavers (Uncanny X-Men #229, 1988); Macon as one of Donald Pierce's Reavers (Uncanny X-Men #248, 1989)

Christopher Yost Co-creator of: X-23, a young girl given Wolverine's powers through genetic experiments, along with Adamantium for her claws; X-23 possessing two claws on each hand and one claw in each foot (X-Men: Evolution animated series); Dr. Zander Rice, chief scientist of the program which created X-23; Dr. Rice's father having been killed by Wolverine; X-23 planted in a surrogate mother (X-23 #1, 2005); X-23 given surgery to receive Adamantium claws; X-23 loved by one of the project's female medical staff (X-23 #2, 2005); Dr. Rice's efforts to create a perfect clone of Wolverine (X-23 #5, 2005); X-23 liberated from Dr. Rice's project by a female staff member who names her 'Laura' (X-23 #6, 2005)

Craig Kyle Co-creator of: X-23, a young girl given Wolverine's powers through genetic experiments, along with Adamantium for her claws; X-23 possessing two claws on each hand and one claw in each foot (X-Men: Evolution animated series); Dr. Zander Rice, chief scientist of the program which created X-23; Dr. Rice's father having been killed by Wolverine; X-23 planted in a surrogate mother (X-23 #1, 2005); X-23 given surgery to receive Adamantium claws; X-23 loved by one of the project's female medical staff (X-23 #2, 2005); Dr. Rice's efforts to create a perfect clone of Wolverine (X-23 #5, 2005); X-23 liberated from Dr. Rice's project by a female staff member who names her 'Laura' (X-23 #6, 2005)

John Byrne Co-creator of: Wolverine possessing an enhanced healing ability (X-Men #116, 1978); Xavier using an automated wheelchair (X-Men #118, 1979); Wolverine's skeleton and claws laced with unbreakable Adamantium (X-Men #126, 1978); Donald Pierce, an enemy of the X-Men (X-Men #129, 1980); Donald Pierce revealed as a cyborg, fights Wolverine (X-Men #132, 1980); Macon, a mercenary who fights Wolverine (X-Men #133, 1980); a near future where Wolverine is an old man and mutants have been hunted into virtual non-existence (X-Men #141, 1981)

Dave Cockrum Co-creator of: Wolverine as one of the X-Men, recruited by Professor X; Colossus, an X-Man whose body transforms into organic steel (Giant-Size X-Men #1, 1974); Wolverine flying into berzerker rages (X-Men #96, 1976); Wolverine's claws as a part of his body; Wolverine's pointed hair spikes; Wolverine's vice for smoking (X-Men #98, 1976); Wolverine's real name as Logan (X-Men #103, 1977); Caliban, a bald, albino mutant who tracks other mutants, friend of the X-Men (Uncanny X-Men #148, 1981)

Billy Tan Co-creator of: Dr. Zander Rice, chief scientist of the program which created X-23; Dr. Rice's father having been killed by Wolverine; X-23 planted in a surrogate mother (X-23 #1, 2005); X-23 given surgery to receive Adamantium claws; X-23 loved by one of the project's female medical staff (X-23 #2, 2005); Dr. Rice's efforts to create a perfect clone of Wolverine (X-23 #5, 2005); X-23 liberated from Dr. Rice's project by a female staff member who names her 'Laura' (X-23 #6, 2005)

Jack Kirby Co-creator of: Mutants, a collection of humans with powers who are feared by other humans; the X-Men, a team of mutant heroes who were based in Westchester County; Cyclops, a member of the X-Men; Professor Charles Xavier, a bald, crippled mutant telepath and founder of the X-Men (X-Men #1, 1963)

Stan Lee Co-creator of: Mutants, a collection of humans with powers who are feared by other humans; the X-Men, a team of mutant heroes who were based in Westchester County; Cyclops, a member of the X-Men; Professor Charles Xavier, a bald, crippled mutant telepath and founder of the X-Men (X-Men #1, 1963)

Roy Thomas Co-creator of: Adamantium, an indestructible metal (Avengers #66, 1969); Wolverine, a man with metal claws which extend from his hands (Incredible Hulk #180, 1974); Sauron, an enemy of the X-Men who resembles a humanoid pterodactyl (X-Men #60, 1969)

Len Wein Co-creator of: Wolverine, a man with metal claws which extend from his hands (Incredible Hulk #180, 1974); Wolverine as one of the X-Men, recruited by Professor X; Colossus, an X-Man whose body transforms into organic steel (Giant-Size X-Men #1, 1974)

Marc Silvestri Co-creator of: The Reavers, a team of mercenaries led by Donald Pierce who are all cyborgs like him; Pretty Boy, one of Donald Pierce's Reavers; Bonebreaker, one of Donald Pierce's Reavers (Uncanny X-Men #229, 1988)

Bob McLeod Co-creator of: Donald Pierce as an anti-mutant bigot; Donald Pierce converting his followers into cyborgs like himself (Marvel Graphic Novel #4, 1982); Macon as a cybernetic soldier who fights mutants (Uncanny X-Men #152, 1981)

Barry Windsor-Smith Creator of: Logan going on a rampage, killing many of the Weapon X Project's staff (Marvel Comics Presents #81, 1991); Co-creator of: Adamantium, an indestructible metal (Avengers #66, 1969)

Walter Simonson Co-creator of: Rogue affiliated with the X-Men (Uncanny X-Men #171, 1983); Rictor, a young hispanic mutant who can generate control over seismic activity (X-Factor #17, 1987)

Steve McNiven Co-creator of: a near-future in which Wolverine has grown older while most of his fellow heroes are dead and goes on a road trip with an old ally (Wolverine #66, 2008)

Mark Millar Co-creator of: a near-future in which Wolverine has grown older while most of his fellow heroes are dead and goes on a road trip with an old ally (Wolverine #66, 2008)

Mirco Pierfederici Co-creator of: Wolverine's healing factor wearing down, causing him to slowly die from Adamantium poisoning (Wolverine #5, 2013)

Paul Cornell Co-creator of: Wolverine's healing factor wearing down, causing him to slowly die from Adamantium poisoning (Wolverine #5, 2013)

Louise Simonson Co-creator of: Rictor, a young hispanic mutant who can generate control over seismic activity (X-Factor #17, 1987)

Howard Mackie Co-creator of: Christopher Bradley, a mutant who generates electricity from his hands (X-Men Unlimited #8, 1995)

Joe Quesada Co-creator of: X-23 cutting herself (NYX #3, 2004); Wolverine's real name James Howlett (Wolverine: The Origin #1, 2001)

Tom Grummett Co-creator of: Christopher Bradley, a mutant who generates electricity from his hands (X-Men Unlimited #8, 1995)

Michael Golden Co-creator of: Rogue, a mutant clad in green with a white stripe in her hair (Avengers Annual #10, 1981)

Herb Trimpe Co-creator of: Wolverine, a man with metal claws which extend from his hands (Incredible Hulk #180, 1974)

John Romita Co-creator of: Wolverine, a man with metal claws which extend from his hands (Incredible Hulk #180, 1974)

Neal Adams Co-creator of: Sauron, an enemy of the X-Men who resembles a humanoid pterodactyl (X-Men #60, 1969)

Paul Jenkins Co-creator of: Wolverine's real name James Howlett (Wolverine: The Origin #1, 2001)

Andy Kubert Co-creator of: Wolverine's real name James Howlett (Wolverine: The Origin #1, 2001)

Bill Jemas Co-creator of: Wolverine's real name James Howlett (Wolverine: The Origin #1, 2001)

Jim Lee Co-creator of: Macon as one of Donald Pierce's Reavers (Uncanny X-Men #248, 1989)

Tony DeZuniga Co-creator of: Wolverine's vice for drinking alcohol (X-Men #110, 1978)

Joshua Middleton Co-creator of: X-23 cutting herself (NYX #3, 2004)

RIP: Herb Trimpe, 1939-2015

Herb Trimpe

Herb Trimpe

Herb Trimpe

Herb Trimpe

Herb Trimpe

When we talk about the Marvel Comics of the 1960s we always bring up Kirby and Ditko. Steranko. Adams. Everett. Severin. Colan. Ayers. Buscema. Smith. Even divisive talents such as Colletta and Heck receive their share of attention (both positive and negative). We've never spoken about Herb Trimpe at length.

Sure, we made fun of his art in the 1990s when he changed his style to imitate Rob Liefeld. Then we wept for him when he went to the New York Times and revealed how Marvel had let him go after three decades, pretending that we cared.

You can't talk about Wolverine for very long without at least noting he drew Wolvie's first appearance. Likewise G.I. Joe. Captain Britain. And he must surely have drawn more Hulk stories than any other artist.

What can we say? He began his career imitating Kirby and wound up imitating Liefeld. He and Severin were a great team. He loved to draw airplanes, such as in the Phantom Eagle example I've posted above. He spent most of the last two decades teaching art classes.

Will he be forgotten? ...Yes. He'll survive as a footnote in the histories of Wolverine & G.I. Joe.

Want to evaluate him for yourself? Here's my recommended reading list of his Marvel Comics career:

• Marvel Super-Heroes #16 (Phantom Eagle)
• Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #8
• Incredible Hulk #140
• Machine Man #1-4
• Rawhide Kid #1-4
• G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #1, 3-4, 6-8, 50
• G.I. Joe: Special Missions #1-21, 23, 25-26, 28

Creator credits for the Wolverine

Today I finally saw last year's film the Wolverine; as per usual, a list of creator credits follows; your corrections are most welcome!:

Wolverine, a man with claws which extend from his hands: Derived from Incredible Hulk#180 (1974) by Len Wein & Herb Trimpe (and a design by John Romita).

Wolverine's military service: Derived from Uncanny X-Men#140 (1980) by Chris Claremont & John Byrne.

Wolverine as a POW in Japan at the time of the atomic bomb drop: Derived from Logan#1 (2008) by Brian K. Vaughan & Eduardo Risso.

Wolverine's claws as a part of his body; Wolverine's pointed hair spikes; Wolverine infatuated with Jean Grey: Derived from X-Men#98 (1976) by Chris Claremont & Dave Cockrum.

Wolverine possessing claws made of bone: Derived from Wolverine#75 (1993) by Larry Hama & Adam Kubert.

Wolverine possessing an enhanced healing ability: Derived from X-Men#116 (1978) by Chris Claremont & John Byrne.

The Yashida family, a Japanese clan tied to Wolverine: Derived from X-Men#119 (1979) by Chris Claremont & John Byrne.

Wolverine's real name as Logan: Derived from X-Men#103 (1977) by Chris Claremont & Dave Cockrum.

Mutants, a collection of humans with powers who are feared by other humans; Jean Grey, a mutant heroine; Professor Xavier, a crippled mutant telepath; Magneto, a mutant with powers over magnetism: Derived from X-Men#1 (1963) by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby.

Wolverine mourning Jean Grey after her death: Derived from Uncanny X-Men#161 (1982) by Chris Claremont & Dave Cockrum.

Wolverine responsible for Jean Grey's death: Derived from New X-Men#148 (2003) by Grant Morrison & Phil Jimenez.

Wolverine's skeleton and claws laced with unbreakable Adamantium: Derived from X-Men#126 (1978) by Chris Claremont & John Byrne.

Wolverine killing a poisoned bear then tracking the hunters responsible; Shingen, father of Mariko Yashida, a corrupt Japanese businessman with ties to the underworld; Yukio, a free-spirited Japanese fighter and romantic interest to Wolverine; Noburu, Mariko's arranged husband; the Yashida clan samurai blade: Derived from Wolverine#1 (1982) by Chris Claremont & Frank Miller.

Mariko, a high-pedigree Japanese woman and love interest to Wolverine: Derived from X-Men#118 (1979) by Chris Claremont & John Byrne.

The Viper, a terrorist woman glad in a tight green outfit with exposed back & arms: Derived from Madame Hydra in Captain America#110 (1969) by Stan Lee & Jim Steranko.

The Viper as a nihilist who uses poisons: Derived from Captain America#180 (1974) by Steve Englehart & Sal Buscema.

The Yashida family tied to the Yakuza: Derived from Wolverine#3 (1982) by Chris Claremont & Frank Miller.

Wolverine losing control of his rage: Derived from X-Men#96 (1975) by Bill Mantlo, Chris Claremont & Dave Cockrum.

Wolverine fighting Shingen to the death: Derived from Wolverine#4 (1982) by Chris Claremont & Frank Miller.

The Silver Samurai, a Japanese warrior with an unbreakable sword: Derived from Daredevil#111 (1974) by Steve Gerber & Bob Brown.

The Silver Samurai wearing full body silver armour: Derived from Marvel Team-Up#57 (1977) by Chris Claremont & Sal Buscema.

The Viper working with the Silver Samurai and/or Harada to bring down the Yashida family; Silver Samurai related to the Yashida clan: Derived from Uncanny X-Men#172 (1983) by Chris Claremont & Paul Smith.

Adamantium, an indestructible metal: Derived from Avengers#66 (1969) by Roy Thomas & Barry Windsor-Smith.

The Silver Samurai working alongside the Viper: Derived from Marvel Team-Up#83 (1979) by Chris Claremont & Sal Buscema.

Wolverine uttering "bub": Derived from X-Men#94 (1975) by Len Wein, Chris Claremont & Dave Cockrum.

The anti-mutant figure Trask: Derived from X-Men#14 (1965) by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby & Werner Roth.

Magneto as an old adversary of Wolverine's: Derived from X-Men#104 (1977) by Chris Claremont & Dave Cockrum.

Wolverine's association with Professor X: Derived from Giant-Size X-Men#1 (1974) by Len Wein, Chris Claremont & Dave Cockrum.

Origins: made of clay

Or, "Sure, you've read Superman's origin before...but this time it's by Geoff Johns!"

Kat Howard remarked:

"I was reading Michael Chabon's essay, "Secret Skin: An Essay in Unitard Theory," the other day, and was completely flummoxed by his assertion that it was the origin stories of costumed superheros that most fascinated people. The fact that there was a supporting footnote, citing the disproportionately large prices paid for Issue #1s among collectors to back up this assertion did nothing to unflummox me. Because for me, origin stories are the least interesting part."

Kat, speaking as someone who has spent most of his life reading comic books (and now writing for them), I can tell you I'm equally flummoxed.

I can understand readers wanting to know the "whys" behind their favorite heroes. When reading super hero comics, it's rare for the reader to be introduced to a character with their origin story. This is why for decades comics have repeatedly revised and retold the origin stories: to bring the audience up to speed.

What I don't understand is why some origin stories are retold in such a short span of time, particularly when major details are altered. To avoid picking on Marvel, allow me to pick on DC: Superman's origin was given a major retelling in 1986 when the character's backstory was rebooted into a new continuity. 1986's Man of Steel made sense insofar as every DC character's history was in the process of revision. Man of Steel was a jumping-on point for new readers, the ground level for the Superman relaunch of '86. In 2003, Superman's origin was retold again in Birthright. This time, the motivation seemed to be rendering the comic book version nearer to the television counterpart seen on Smallville; it also seemed to exist because writer Mark Waid simply wanted to put his stamp on the Superman origin. Most recently, in 2009 Superman's origin was retold yet again in Secret Origin which seems to exist because Geoff Johns wanted to put his stamp on the origin.

The thing of it is, we all know Superman's origin. He may not be the most popular hero in the comics world (seriously, Green Lantern sells more comics than Superman. Green. Lantern.) but between the movies and television programs anyone with an interest in the comics should have a pretty good grounding in who he is, where he came from, what his powers are and even who most of his supporting cast are.

Chabon's "fact" regarding the value of back issues ignores that Batman's first appearance - one of the most valuable comics on the market - does not contain Batman's origin. And yet, so much of the Batman mythos are evident in Detective Comics#27: the costume, the double life as millionaire Bruce Wayne. Batman's origin story which explains his motivation is iconic, but even before his origin Batman was still Batman. Chabon's making a facile argument by pointing to the prices of "first issues" as evidence of our love for origins; Wolverine's most valuable appearance is his first appearance, not his origin. I think the Fantastic Four's first appearance would be their most valuable even if their origins had appeared later on.

It seems some times as though the origin is the story writers are most interested in tackling, especially if they aren't looking for a long-term commitment to the character in question. When Frank Miller retold Daredevil's origin in Man With No Fear and Batman in Year One, they were each something of a coda to work he had done previously with the characters, not the beginning of a new take on said heroes. John Ostrander didn't go back to write Oracle's origin until many years after he had introduced her in Suicide Squad.

That brings me to characters who didn't start out with an origin. The best example has to be Wolverine, who debuted in 1974 but famously went without an origin until 2001. The thing of it is, Wolverine didn't need an origin. By the time Origin was finally published in 2001, we already knew how he had received his Admantium claws and taken his codename/costume. Origin simply gave us his birth place and real name, it had nothing to do with how he became a super hero. At the time Origin was published, there was concern that revealing Wolverine's secrets would rob him of his sense of mystery; frankly, 1991's Weapon X, the story of how Wolverine got his claws had already proven he could sustain interest even after the cat was out of the bag.

But some characters who are introduced with a mysterious aura and no origin eventually develop their origin...and then we all wish we'd never heard it. I give you Gambit; read Wikipedia's summary of his origin and bear in mind that everything up to the paragraph titled "X-Men" was revealed years after his first appearance. Nowadays, writers try to play down his early life as much as possible.

Comic book writer/editor Mark Gruenwald was not a great fan of updating origins:

"...What do I think of the idea of playing with the backstory for the sake of updating it? To tell you the truth, I'm of two minds. I believe heroes' origin stories are often the weakest, most preposterous aspects of their mythos and are best gotten through with as best as you can and then brought up as little as possible. In this frame of mind, updating an origin is as desirable as giving a public exhibition of one's underwear. The other half of my brain tells me that characters are intimately defined by the forces surrounding their origins, and for truly great characters the origins should be considered clay to be molded by gifted storytellers rather than a brittle, rigid stone tablet."

I'm reminded of a review on Fabian Nicieza & Steve Rude's mini-series Spider-Man: Lifeline. The critic enjoyed Rude's artwork but wished that instead of Lifeline - a story about Spider-Man battling super villains over a mystical clay tablet (huh!) - Rude had drawn a retelling of Spider-Man's origin instead. Then and now it strikes me as a ridiculous declaration. Are we readers so comfortable with the familiar and hostile to the unknown that we don't want new stories, just the same old ones in a new package? Spider-Man's origin is a good one, but it hardly needs to be retold for the sake of every artist with a flare for dynamic figures. It should be enough that Rude is an excellent artist who draws an interesting Spider-Man. Heck, it should be enough that Rude draws comics, be it Spider-Man, Nexus or the Moth.

I think our "fascination" with origin stories has something to do with the tale's familiarity. This was the success of the film Batman Begins, taking advantage of our already knowing the beats of the story so that we get excited at the mere suggestion of Batman's costume. The anticipation of seeing Bruce Wayne dress up as Batman for the first time is more exhilarating than actually seeing Batman in action. Beyond the origin story, you find uncharted territory. There are supporting characters and villains who have relationships to be established with the hero, but there is a perception - real or imagined - that the audience is less interested with each installment. Thus, before the audience's interest has completely depleted, you must go back to the beginning and regain their attention with something familiar, yet different.

This happens a lot, not only in the film adaptations, but the comics themselves. There's the constant effort to regain waning readers by either upping the ante (see Wildstorm's 2007 World's End event), starting from scratch (see Wildstorm's 2006 Worldstorm reboot) or upping the ante again (see Wildstorm's 2008 Armageddon event). I think the principle has something to do with the audience's love for the comics. When creators promote a "shocking new direction," they hope you'll feel the property is threatened and needs your love and support; when the creators promote "back to basics," they hope you'll believe they share your love.

I've read some rebooted origins that I really liked; I've read many more that left me cold. But ultimately, I enjoy stories in media res. That's how it was for me as a child reading comics, never knowing a hero's backstory. It didn't matter that I read Spider-Man comics for years before learning his origin in his television show, knowing his origin was not necessary in the month-to-month adventures he embarked on. I appreciate knowing a hero's origin in the long view, but as guy who buys a lot of comics every week, I most enjoy a gripping adventure yarn that takes the hero somewhere new, takes some risks and keeps me yearning for the next installment. Comic books have infinite possibilities; the finite world of origin stories need not dominate.

September ends with a bang: witness the Marvel Mystery Handbook!

Tomorrow is release day for the Marvel Mystery Handbook, not just the latest Marvel Handbook project I designed but, in my opinion, the greatest; it has some fabulous content and even new artwork which is always a treat! Check out the solicitation here!

Also in stores tomorrow is Volume 10 of the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe hardcover series and the Wolverine: Weapon X Files trade paperback. That's a pretty full day for me!

Because the market has a scarcity of Wolverine material...

...We're collecting some of it in September:

WOLVERINE: WEAPON X FILES TPB

Written by JEFF CHRISTIANSEN, RONALD BYRD, ERIC J. MOREELS, STUART VANDAL, MICHAEL HOSKIN, CHAD ANDERSON, RICH GREEN, JEPH YORK, MARKUS ETTLINGER, MADISON CARTER, MIKE FICHERA, PAUL BENJAMIN, MARK ROBERT BOURNE, DAVID RIOS, PETER SANDERSON & JERALD DEVICTORIA Cover by FRANK MARTIN JR.

Four Wolverine handbooks packed into one collection make this the definitive resource to the world of Wolverine! He may be in an acre of comics each month, but this is the only place to get the real score! Featuring some of the Canucklehead's best allies – including Gambit, Maverick, Tyger Tiger and X-Force! And along for the ride are villains – the likes of Blob, Daken, Deadpool, Mastermind, Orphan Maker, Donald Pierce, the Purifiers, Sabretooth and S'ym. Everything you need to know about Hollywood’s favorite mutant is here in one collection! Collecting WOLVERINE: WEAPON X FILES and WOLVERINE ENCYCLOPEDIA #1-3. 224 PGS./Rated T+ ...$24.99 ISBN: 978-0-7851-4240-9

I think it's worth pointing out - because the solicit doesn't get into it - that Wolverine Encyclopedia#3 has not been officially published before, as the publication was abandoned after issue #2. So, from a certain perspective this book contains all-new material!

In stores tomorrow...

Tomorrow sees the release of Wolverine: Weapon X Files, the latest Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe. I blogged about it here.

Michael's books in April

OFFICIAL INDEX TO THE MARVEL UNIVERSE #4

Written by AL SJOERDSMA, CHRIS BUCHNER, RONALD BYRD, MICHAEL HOSKIN, ERIC MOREELS, BOB SODARO, JEPH YORK & STUART VANDAL

Continuing the chronicle of the Marvel Universe, starting with Spider-Man (from AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #170 on), Iron Man (from IRON MAN #70 on) and the X-Men (from UNCANNY X-MEN ANNUAL #7 on). Follow the history of the Marvel universe as it unfolds month by month with the All-New Official Index to the Marvel Universe. Each issue provides synopses for dozens of individual comics, including back-up strips, introducing you to the characters, teams, places and equipment that appeared within, providing vital information about first appearances, where they last showed up and where they appeared next! 64 PGS./Rated A ...$3.99

WOLVERINE: WEAPON X FILES

Written by JEFF CHRISTIANSEN, RONALD BYRD, ERIC J. MOREELS, STUART VANDAL, MICHAEL HOSKIN, CHAD ANDERSON, RICH GREEN, JEPH YORK, MARKUS ETTLINGER, MADISON CARTER & MIKE FICHERA Cover by FRANK MARTIN

A brand-new, all-inclusive handbook for Hollywood's favorite mutant, spotlighting a complete biography of Wolverine! He may be in an acre of comics each month, but this is the only place to get the real score! Also featuring some of the Canucklehead's best allies - including Gambit, Maverick, Tyger Tiger and X-Force! And along for the ride are villains - the likes of Blob, Daken, Deadpool, Mastermind, Orphan Maker, Donald Pierce, the Purifiers, Sabretooth and S'ym! And more than four dozen other stars linked to our man Logan from Amiko to Silver Fox! 64 PGS./Rated T+ ...$4.99

Credit where credit is due...or lacking

In the March solicitations you might also notice this:

WOLVERINE SAGA

Written by MICHAEL HOSKIN

Cover by KLAUS JANSON

You know he's the best there is at what he does -- now find out where, when and why he did it with dozens of highlights both from Wolverine's time as X-Man and Avenger, and from the century's worth of adventures that preceded it! After more than 30 years of hints, memories and flashbacks, the pieces of Wolverine's past are gathered together for the first time! The teams he's joined and the women he's loved! Triumphs, tragedies and the saga of the son who was stolen from him! With appearances by Captain America, Nick Fury, the Hulk and more! 32 PGS./Rated T+ ...FREE!

I hate to disappoint my fans (both of you), but I did not write this comic. The true author is my friend Ronald Byrd. Ronald is the world's foremost authority on Wolverine continuity and has already had articles on the subject published elsewhere, in addition to all his work in the Marvel handbooks. Ronald deserves his kudos for being able to understand the twists, turns and oft-times malarkey of Logan's world.

As for me, be on the lookout for War of Kings Saga in February...that one I did write.