Quality Time with Jeph Loeb

Lowdown - Special Feature

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Posted by Jeph Loeb on Sep 2, 2009

Tags: hulk, loeb, marvel

Jeph Loeb is joining BF from 3-4pm Eastern (12-1pm Pacific) today to answer your questions in the first edition of our live, hour-ling Q&A session, Quality Time!

Want to know what's coming up in Hulk? How is Jeph doing on board of NBC's new show, Day One? And what does Jeph think on the Marvel/Disney deal? These are just a few of the questions you'll want to see answered.

Post all of your most burning questions in our comments box below, and stay tuned as Jeph answers them live...

Note: You have to be signed in with your BF member account to be able to post your questions and interact with Jeph. If you’re not yet a registered member of the BF community, sign up here to participate.

Comments

Frederik Hautain Sep 2, 2009 at 1:37pm

Hello everyone! In less than 30 minutes, Jeph Loeb will join us live to answer all of your questions posted here...
Matt Adler Sep 2, 2009 at 2:50pm

My question for Jeph; people seem to think they have the identity of the Red Hulk pegged, given that there have been clues pointing at a military background. Are you going throw them a curve ball?
Andy Oliver Sep 2, 2009 at 2:55pm

Jeph - going right back to some of your earliest comics work, I thought your take on the CHALLENGERS OF THE UNKNOWN (alongside Tim Sale back in the early '90s) took the characters to some really interesting new places. Did you have any further plans for the Challs, what inspired such a radical, yet logical, new direction for the team and would you relish the chance to revisit the characters one day?
MckenasCole Sep 2, 2009 at 2:56pm

I see that Superman Batman: Public Enemies has just received the Bruce Timm treatment. And it sounds like he's a big fan of yours. Are there any other stories in your DC catalog that you think would be cool animated movies?
Bart Croonenborghs Sep 2, 2009 at 3:00pm

Hey Jeph, I was wondering what your feelings were about ULTIMATUM? In the new, relaunched universe, they seem to ignore it for the most part ...
Steve Kanaras Sep 2, 2009 at 3:01pm

Any plans for "color" books based on any other Marvel characters? Dr. Strange?
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:02pm

Hey everybody! Just figured out how to log on... not the most skilled at this stuff... HA!
Bart Croonenborghs Sep 2, 2009 at 3:02pm

Your writing style is very much wide screen, especially in RED HULK and ULTIMATUM. Is this influenced by your writing for the small screen where the pacing is very different from a comic? Maybe it is influenced in the reverse?
Bart Croonenborghs Sep 2, 2009 at 3:03pm

Hey Jeph, welcome to the Frontier!
Adrian F Zettlemoyer Sep 2, 2009 at 3:04pm

Hey Jeph!
Frederik Hautain Sep 2, 2009 at 3:05pm

Glad to see you made it, Jeph. Let's dive right into the questions, shall we. :)
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:06pm

So...I guess I start with Matt:
As with any mystery I've done (and I don't really consider RED HULK to be a mystery, it's more of an origin story), my hope is that the ending will be fun and exciting for the reader. As promised, all will be revealed during WORLD WAR HULKS (which starts in December with two prologues WORLD WAR HULKS: ALPHA (by Jeff Parker and Paul Pelliteir) and WORLD WAR HULKS: GAMMA (by me and JOHN ROMITA JR. !!!!) -- there's also some very important stuff in HULK 18 that's in December as well -- more on that later. WORLD WAR HULKS is great jumping on point if you need to get caught up (and the HULKS know who you are!) and GAMMA and ALPHA are fantastic entry points. After that it's me and Ed McGuinness on HULK and Greg Pak with Paul on INCREDIBLE HULK!
TimP Sep 2, 2009 at 3:10pm

Hi Mr Loeb! Really excited about getting a chance to ask you some questions. The big news of the week is Marvel being bought by Disney. What are some of your early reflections on that?
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:10pm

Andy: Challs was a real learning experience -- since I hadn't ever written a comic book before -- even though I'd been a fan for years. I wasn't a Challs fan -- (that probably helped my williness to blow it all up!). In the end I came to really love the characters and if we'd sold more I had a sequel in mind. DC was very open to letting me do whatever I wanted and I really took advantage of it since I didn't really know any better. The best thing that came out of it was meeting Tim Sale who then became a wonderful friend and my collaborator for ... I don't want to admit how many years. P.S. Turns out one of our fans was none other than Brian Michael Bendis who then did us a HUGE favor by writing the forward to the collection. I think it's the only thing he's ever written for DC!
Bart Croonenborghs Sep 2, 2009 at 3:15pm

LOL I didn't know about that Bendis foreword (I just admitted that I haven't read your CHALLS tpb, dammit).
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:16pm

McKenas! (You must be an old ALIAS fan, hmmm???) Seeing Bruce Timm (and everybody else) talk about PUBLIC ENEMIES was such a thrill. Those guys -- from what I've seen -- have done an amazing amazing job at bringing my graphic novel to life in animated form. And for them to use McGuinness' style was a huge thrill too.

As to other projects? All of them! I think doing HUSH in Jim Lee's style would be awesome. I've heard whispers that the followup Superman/Batman arc "SUPERGIRL" that I did with Mike Turner is being batted around -- to see Mike's stuff animated would be a fantastic. And THE LONG HALLOWEEN done in Tim Sale's style would be the best! I think you can see that I approach these things as to what artist I'd like to see animated. Having done animation in the past, see different styles is so incredible.
Eric Lindberg Sep 2, 2009 at 3:17pm

Hi Jeph. You mentioned Tim Sale. Your work really seems to shine when in collaboration with Mr. Sale. Is this because of a rapport developed over so many projects or do you think there is something innate in your styles that makes the two of you such a good fit creatively?
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:19pm

Bart: I'm going to take your questions one at a time... about ULTIMATUM.. I'm not sure what you're referring to. Both Bendis and Millar (as well as editor Mark Paniccia) have been working very closely to rebuild the Ultimate Universe from the bottom up! I think the stuff in ULTIMATE AVENGERS begins with Nick being back (that happened in Ultimatum) and the destruction of the city). More on that mission as Mark reveals it. And Brian's book is sooo awesome and will completely rebooted and refreshed his franchise. Stay tuned for more!
Sam Moyerman Sep 2, 2009 at 3:20pm

Artists seem to really love working with you to the point that you can bring them out of retirement or semi-retirement (Joe Mad, Art Adams), get them to work at all (Pat Lee), and develop such strong working relationships (Tim Sale, Ed McGuinness, Rob Liefeld). Aside from the obvious quality, what it is that you think draws all these artists to wanting to work with you? Do you write a particular way for each of them?
Frederik Hautain Sep 2, 2009 at 3:21pm

CHALLENGERS is the only thing done by Tim and you that I have yet to read. Good question, Andy! So, Jeph: was doing more CHALLENGERS ever on the table before you rejoined Marvel a few years ago?
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:21pm

Steve: Thanks for asking about the "color" books. They are certainly some of my favorite things I've done. At the moment Tim Sale and I are hard at work on finishing CAP WHITE so we can get it all out at once without a break. After that... we have ideas. Tim's a huge Doc Strange fan -- so who knows?!
Sam Moyerman Sep 2, 2009 at 3:24pm

How have all of you missed Challengers Must Die? It might actually be the best of the bunch! (I say "might" because I reserve the right to change my mind after every time I reread one of their collabos.)
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:24pm

Bart: My writing style is general determined by my artist. On HULK having McGuinness and currently the wonderful Ian Churchill demand that big screen attention. David Finch can do ANYTHING -- and since ULTIMATUM was this giant INDEPENCE DAY, DAY AFTER TOMORROW kind of story, I wanted Dave to be able to draw to his strengths.

I try my best to tailor my writing to the artist -- I want him or her really jazzed because being an illustrator is so much difficult work -- I want them to have fun. But I wouldn't write the same BATMAN story for Jim Lee that I would for Tim Sale.
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:26pm

TimP: Regarding Disney and Marvel -- I don't know enough yet to really comment. But from what I hear it's going to be amazing for everyone.
Sam Moyerman Sep 2, 2009 at 3:26pm

What are your thoughts on the way Hush has been used in the DC Universe? Is it fulfilling to see a new villain you created become such a prominent part of their world?
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:28pm

Eric: I don't really know why there's a magic when I work with Tim Sale. And in a strange way, I kind of don't WANT to know! We are nothing alike in very many ways, and yet, we both are fans of the same stuff -- the KIRBY/LEE Fantastic Four, Neal Adams, Steranko, so we tend to play off our fanboy mentality. Glad you enjoy -- I certainly love working with him.
Adrian F Zettlemoyer Sep 2, 2009 at 3:29pm

Bart mentioned all the legends that you have worked with - an amazing list - so, who are you still waiting to work with?

What about any writers you'd like to collaborate with?
pinkhulk36 Sep 2, 2009 at 3:30pm

Dear Mr. Loeb. I'm trying to break into comics, tv, and movies. Any advice? Do you or anyone you know need an assistant?
Sam Moyerman Sep 2, 2009 at 3:31pm

One of my favorite books of yours is Vertigo book The Witching Hour with Chris Bachalo. Since then you've been pretty strictly sticking to superheroes, but at any point do you see yourself branching back out into other genres?
Andy Oliver Sep 2, 2009 at 3:32pm

Thanks for the insights on the Challs book Jeph. And everyone - I'd definitely recommend giving the miniseries a look! Jeph - are there any characters in the less obvious corners of the DCU that you haven't got your hands on yet that you really have a hankering to tackle?
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:32pm

Sam: The artists who I'm VERY lucky to work with seem to appreciate that I do tailor the script for them. I like to talk to them and make them part of process. So the the script isn't just something that comes through email and they don't know what its all about -- they had a hand in it. I also want to work on a character/s that they are dying to draw. HULK for example was driven by McGuinness wanting to draw that character so much. Similarly, all the color books are choices that Tim and I make together. I'm a total fanboy when it comes to artists. Getting to work with all the people your mentioned -- plus currently with Frank Cho, Arthur Adams and John Romita Jr. is such an thrill -- I'm totally blown away by how lucky I am!
Bart Croonenborghs Sep 2, 2009 at 3:32pm

Thanks for answering my questions, Jeph. Have you ever considered doing creator owned comics and telling your stories with characters that are all 100% yours? Surely you have reached a position where you can at least approach Marvel's Icon imprint?
GrannySpray Sep 2, 2009 at 3:33pm

Jeph -- The introduction here mentioned we could also bring up your TV work. Have you seen any footage of Heroes Season 4? And: how did you get to join the team behind Day One? Are you more involved on the production end or doing a lot of writing too?
MckenasCole Sep 2, 2009 at 3:33pm

Thanks for the answer Jeph! I'd love to see you bring RED HULK to big screen!
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:35pm

Sam: Anytime anything I create being used is the best. Just the best. When I set out to create HUSH with Jim Lee we had hoped he would join the astonishing rogues gallery that Batman has. Maybe the best rogues in comics. It was a tall order and you never know with these things. But like with RED HULK, it has clicked and I look forward to seeing what the next group of writers and artists do with the these characters.
Matt Adler Sep 2, 2009 at 3:37pm

Jeph, recently Peter David expressed interest in what you're doing with the Hulk, and floated the possibility of doing an X-Factor/Hulk crossover with you. Are you a fan of what Peter is doing on X-Factor, and do you think that would be fun?
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:37pm

Adrian: yes, I have a very short list of artists who are on my list... I just don't want reveal them right now. I can tell you that working with Mike Turner before he passed was very special on so many levels. And seeing how DC has kept true to his design (and if you're not reading SUPERGIRL by Sterling Gates at the moment you're missing out on one of the best comics out there). In terms of writers -- I'm waiting for that HULK/GREEN LANTERN crossover with my pal Geoff Johns! Red Hulk/Red Lantern! C'mon!
Frederik Hautain Sep 2, 2009 at 3:39pm

TimP: What Jeph said -- i.e. it being too early to really say what's going to happen is a sentiment shared by a lot of comic pros. Check the following article for some more comments: http://bit.ly/67OwW
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:39pm

pinkhulk: IF you are super committed, it will happen. Don't let anybody chase you from your dream. My best advice, I think, is try at the talent agencies. That way you get great experience and you can make a ton of connections. Good Luck!
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:41pm

Sam: Thanks for bringing up WITCHING HOUR. It's the only creator owned thing I've done and working with Chris Bachalo was a total blast. I'm very proud of it -- but I also really like working on the icons. I can say, never say never. So who knows. I do have some ideas.
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:41pm

Andy: Don't tell anyone -- but if I ever went back to DC I'd love to get my hands on DEADMAN.
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:43pm

Bart: I think I answered the creator question to Sam. But specifically, Marvel would be very open on the right project to letting me work at Icon. I've got a wonderful relationship with EIC Joe Q and publisher Dan Buckley. It's great fit for me.
ScottHinzeFanboyRadio Sep 2, 2009 at 3:44pm

Jeph - Who do you want to see direct the Avengers movie?
Bart Croonenborghs Sep 2, 2009 at 3:44pm

@SamMoyerman You stole my Vertigo question! :)
TimP Sep 2, 2009 at 3:45pm

Then I'm sure you love seeing Deadman in Wednesday Comics. Speaking of which, my favorite is the Batman feature by Azzarello and Risso. Which one do you love most?
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:46pm

Granny: (First, I'm realizing I have to give shorter answers!) I actually went to set to see director Jim Chory kick serious as with SYLAR on a scene that will blow your mind just last week. As to DAY ONE - maybe the greatest show on earth? I went with my HEROES pal and creative mastermind JESSE ALEXANDER over to DAY ONE as Co-Executive Producer and writer. While I'll be very involved in production which is such a thrill, I'm always part of the writing and love doing that too. Look for DAY ONE in MARCH 2010. On NBC right after the Winter Olympics! (And go online to www.sargassoplanent.com for some very cool inside info of what's to come!)
Sam Moyerman Sep 2, 2009 at 3:47pm

@Bart - go read Witching Hour. AWESOME book.
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:48pm

McKenas: Tell you what: You start watching DAY ONE in March and tell everybody you know (including blogging) and I'll do everything I can to bring RED HULK to the screen!
Sam Moyerman Sep 2, 2009 at 3:49pm

I asked you this when you first left DC but you were then unwilling to answer. 5 years later I hope we can get it out of you. Since you "cured" Harvey Dent in Hush and said you never leave an unmade bed, I can only assume you had some plans for the character. Now that he's officially been back as Two-Face for years, any chance you can let us in on what your plans were?
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:49pm

Matt: I'm a HUGE fan of anything that Peter David does. His run on the Hulk is a giant inspiration to me and somewhat daunting when I took over that book. Just hearing about Peter's interest has my brain spinning. Right now, I'm totally swamped in making WORLD WAR HULKS THE EVENT of 2010 -- but after that?
pinkhulk36 Sep 2, 2009 at 3:51pm

Thanks for the advice. Anything cool you can tell us about DAY ONE?
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:51pm

Scott: I know you'll think I'm chickening out on your answer about who should direct the Avengers movie -- but Kevin Feighe and everyone at Marvel Films is doing such a miraculous job at that stuff that I'd trust anybody they pick!
James Wortman Sep 2, 2009 at 3:51pm

Jeph, I loved your work on Batman: Hush. Do you see yourself reteaming with Jim Lee anytime soon?
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:53pm

TimP: I'm digging the Kamandi stuff! I'm a big fan of that work -- dating back to Kirby's origins and was tickled to use him in SUPERMAN/BATMAN ABSOLUTE POWER with Carlos Pacheco. Carlos' double page spread of Superman and Batman getting rescued from the apes by Kamandi is so freaking cool!
Bart Croonenborghs Sep 2, 2009 at 3:54pm

Since you're not really known for writing floral proze and captions wrought with inner dialogue (except for Supes/Bats maybe a bit :) ) à la Alan Moore or Neil Gaiman, I was wondering who your favourite book writers are?
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:54pm

Sam: I still have that Harvey Dent story (a character I fell in love with during LONG HALLOWEEN) in my back pocket. We just have to cure him again!
Steve Kanaras Sep 2, 2009 at 3:55pm

Thanks alot Jeph, this has been really great.
Sam Moyerman Sep 2, 2009 at 3:55pm

Did you pitch a Miracleman (seriously, can't consider calling him the other name) story yet?
ScottHinzeFanboyRadio Sep 2, 2009 at 3:57pm

Jeph: You're no chicken sir - Red Hulk proves that. And I hear you... and I trust the Marvel Studio guys too. :) (email coming soon btw) Thanks BF!
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:57pm

pink: DAY ONE, created by Jesse Alexander, is this amazing HUGE spectacle that will blow your mind. It about a group of ordinary people who live in an apartment building in Los Angeles when something terrible and startling happens that changes their lives forever. (Think LOST which we both worked on) We talk about it as MELROSE PLACE meets INDEPENDENCE DAY -- so you can imagine how wild and fun it's going to be. More on it soon!
Bart Croonenborghs Sep 2, 2009 at 3:57pm

I must say that I am not a regular reader of Superman/Batman but that Absolute Power story was so wild and out there that I have it in trade! Loved that one, mister Loeb.
Andy Oliver Sep 2, 2009 at 3:57pm

Yep, I think we're probably coming to the end of our time so thanks so much Jeph for stopping by and answering our questions. Cheers!
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 3:58pm

James: I'll work with Jim Lee anywhere, anytime, on anything. (He's getting married this weekend -- congrats JIM!). But mostly -- me and Jim Lee on the X-Men? C'mon -- it'd be the greatest thing ever!
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 4:00pm

Sam: You get to be the last question since I've gotta get back to DAY ONE. (I'm coming Jesse!) I don't have a Marvel Man (see the change!) story ... yet. But with some of the huge names who have expressed interest, I'm happy to wait in line.
Sam Moyerman Sep 2, 2009 at 4:01pm

thanks for the time Jeph!
Blocked profile Sep 2, 2009 at 4:02pm

Okay, Gang, this has been so much fun. I gotta thank Frederik and everybody at Broken Frontier. This is a terrific site and I come here all the time. Be well -- and be sure to check out anything that has DAY ONE part of it! Oh, and I'll be appearing at the LONG BEACH CONVENTION on October 2-4th (along with pals like Geoff Johns and J. Scott Campbell) Be sure to come down (or up) to see us!
Frederik Hautain Sep 2, 2009 at 4:02pm

Thanks everyone for stopping by here at Broken Frontier for our first edition of Quality Time. And thank you, Jeph, for taking an hour out of your busy schedule to answer our community's questions. I'm sure great fun was had by all! :)
James Wortman Sep 2, 2009 at 4:03pm

Thanks for your time Jeph!
Bart Croonenborghs Sep 2, 2009 at 4:03pm

Thanks for this Jeph, good luck with all your projects!
Eric Lindberg Sep 2, 2009 at 4:03pm

Thanks for taking part in this, Jeph! This was a great first edition to Broken Frontier's new feature.
Andy Oliver Sep 2, 2009 at 4:05pm

Definitely! Looking forward to this being the first in a new BF tradition. ;)

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