Fifteen Comics: Part One

I once dreamed of a career in the comic book industry, and ended up working in direct mail advertising instead. I dislike the term “ended up” however, and I use it far too often. Creativity needs to be stimulated sometimes, and my friend Curt recently accused me of not “geeking out” the way I used to. Normal people might take such a statement as a complement, but I take it as a challenge. Fortunately, Sean provided a solution in the form of a comic book meme, so tonight I'm going to unleash the inner comic geek buried under the weight of designing thirty months' worth of catalogs in the span of twelve.

The premise is simple. In an ideal world, I alone decide the fifteen comic books and corresponding creative teams assigned to them. A world in which the rising cost of paper and printing culls the market so drastically isn't ideal, but one where I call the shots is. I always wanted to work in the comic book industry and for a little while tonight, I get to pretend I do. In no particular order, here are the last fifteen comics in the world:

1) Agency X
Writer: Joss Whedon
Artist: Bryan Hitch

Think of it as X-men meets Alias, with an older Scott Summers as Jack Bristow, his daughter Rachel as Sydney, and the Beast as the resident genius a la Marshall Flinkman. Rounding out the team would be Warren Worthington and Bobby Drake. This is basically the original X-men with Rachel taking over her deceased mother's spot on the team. Professor X is also believed to be dead, and the mansion has been destroyed by their enemies after they were betrayed by Emma Frost, currently at large. Wanting to protect his daughter and avenge his mentor's death, Scott cuts a deal with Nick Fury to form a government task force to track down their enemies while monitoring mutant activity across the globe. All of the other surviving X-men oppose the idea except for Hank, Bobby and Warren, his oldest friends. From time to time old faces may show up, sometimes as allies, many times as enemies. Hardened by loss and betrayal, Scott becomes more focused on his missions, becoming emotionally distant and not noticing developments closer to home, such as a budding romance between his daughter and Bobby Drake. I chose Whedon as a writer because I've heard good things about his X-men comic and I know from his television shows he can handle character development, especially in a tighter group of X-men. Because of the gritty realistic tone of the book, I would choose Hitch as an artist.


2) Justice League Unlimited
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Greg Capullo

The concept would be the same as the cartoon, because it seamlessly integrates all the heroes of the DC Universe into one title. Poised in a satellite orbitting the Earth, a core group of the world's greatest superheroes would maintain order, calling in members for specific missions where their specific abilities are needed. Peter David can blend both humor and drama very well, as well as handle interactions within such a large cast of characters. As for Capullo, I wouldn't mind seeing him get back to a team book and doing for the JLU what he once did for X-Force.


3) Warriors 2099
Writer: Fabian Nicieza
Artist: George Perez

Robert Baldwin looks surprisingly well for someone over 100 years old, his kinetic abilities slowing his aging process. In the year 2099, the Marvel Universe has changed. Agency X has evolved to an oppressive organization policing all superhumans, and only the small nation of Latveria offers haven under the rule of the benevolent Doom. His friends and teammates are long gone, but in Latveria Baldwin will find a new team of rebel outcasts to lead, under Doom's guidance. Baldwin joins forces with Miguel O'Hara(Spider-man 2099), Dani Moonstar(as the new Valkyrie, Vanna Astro(daughter of Justice and Firestar and possessing both her father's telekinesis and her mother's pyrokinesis), and the Hulk of 2099. I chose Nicieza because Iiked how he handled the team dynamic on the original New Warriors, which he co-created. In time I could see other descendants of the original team showing up, perhaps Night Thrasher's son is the new War Machine, and I'd definitely introduce a powerful cosmic Atlantean descended from Nova and Namorita. This title would paint the future of the Marvel Universe and with so many characters inevitably appearing, Perez is the best choice for the artist. Can this motley crew change the world? More importantly, can they really trust Doom...?


4) The Amazing Spider-man
Writer: Peter David
Artist: John Romita, Jr.

I can't imagine a world without a Spider-man, and so the original title would endure. Peter David's written Peter Parker before, and the character requires a writer who can handle humor and sarcasm in the face of life-threatening danger. J.R. Jr. is one of the best artists to handle the character, if not the best. Even in this ideal fantasy world, I can't see Todd MacFarlane returning to the character for long before leaving or farming the work out to understudies. Romita is part of the legacy and history of Marvel, and has the heart and dedication for the job.


5) Batman: Dark Knight
Writer: Bruce Timm
Artist: Frank Miller

Batman would certainly figure prominently in that JLU book, but he's too big a character not to have a solo series showcasing his inimitable rogues gallery and supporting cast of sidekicks, including a butler and a commissioner. This would be rendered in black and white like Sin City, with color occasionally used for emphasis. Timm is a sure choice for writer, having handled the character for fourteen years appearing in at least five different animated series. He has respect for the history as well as the abilities allow Batman to be equal if not superior to his superpowered allies. He also understands the psychology and motivation of the character better than anyone else.

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I'm afraid that's all the time I have for tonight. Tune in tomorrow for more imaginary comics!