ROBERTSON TALKS WOLVERINE

[Eric J. Moreels]

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/darickwolv_facecu.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/darickwolv_facecut.jpg" align=left alt="Panel from Wolverine #1 by Darick Robertson"></a>In his first post in his brand new Hey Bub! discussion forum (http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=152) right here at X-Fan, upcoming new Wolverine artist Darick Robertson addressed several misconceptions regarding the relaunch of the feral mutant's solo title.

"I have to say, as a creator, reading some of this stuff can get really disheartening," posted Robertson. "So many of you X-fans, it seems, are so quick to dismiss change and redirection as a good thing. I was really hesitant to start this forum, but after reading the Rucka talks Wolverine thread (http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14305), I realized that folks have some misconceptions about why we're restarting Wolverine at #1 and why the direction will be different. The new number one was decided after they saw the first issue that Greg and I turned in and how detached it is from the previous storyline and continuity. Greg and I didn't want the baggage of tying it all into the old series and want to try to present and new image and feel for Wolverine solo."

"For those who think otherwise, I did not take {outgoing Wolverine artist} Sean Chen's job, that was a Marvel decision. They wanted a new direction to Wolverine and Greg and I were picked to bring that to you. Just like Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum were picked years ago to bring you a new X-Men. And that was obviously a good thing, right? ;)"

Robertson went on to clarify the situation regarding the sketches of Wolverine seen online recently alongside news of the creative team change.

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/darickwolv14.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/darickwolv14t.jpg" align=right alt="Wolverine by Darick Robertson, aged 14"></a>"Everything you've seen of my Wolverine art are only sketches from before I even knew I was getting the book. I dig Wolverine so much, I drew those just because I felt like it, not for pay or assignment. That's what a lot of fans seem to forget. I love these characters more than you possibly could know. I loved Wolverine so much that when I was 14 I started trying to draw him well enough that someday I might get to be the guy doing his comic. I am self taught and practiced and practiced until I got to where I am now. Took me 20 years of hard work. So if you don't think I'm right for the book, that's too bad. I've earned my shot. I've worked for this."

"My version of Logan won't look like Sean's. I liked Sean's Logan, but my version is definitely less handsome. I thought Sean's version looked very young, and a little too cool. Like he could sing for a rock band. My version is rougher, older, grittier. In my mind he's always been a dirty, mean little guy. He drinks alot. It would show on his face. Healing factor or not, he's still an old man. From Origin he should be over a hundred, so that he looks 45 is miraculous as it is. But he shouldn't look 27. He just doesn't strike me as a guy who'd go to a gym. He's not tall and lean. He's short and tough as nails. He's a cowboy. Like a steel worker, or a lumberjack, or long shoreman, he gets his physique from his work, not his free time. I loved the way {Jon J.} Muth drew him in the Havok & Wolverine: Meltdown series from the 80's. Paunchy and mean looking, with ape arms."

"His hair grows fast, so it will change, perhaps throughout the same issue. He could have short hair at page 1 and long hair by 22. I figure he just lops it off himself, to hell with a style. That pointy fin thing it does, I just see as cow licks. His hair is coarse like, a dog's hair and just stands up. He'd have to be muscular and barrel-chested because he's short. Carrying that skeleton around, which would be pretty damned heavy compared to normal bones, would naturally bulk him up. I've been studying weightlifters who are 5' 2" and how they carry their bulk."

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/4images/details.php?image_id=4820" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/punv4-16t.jpg" align=right alt="Punisher (4th series) #16"></a>Regarding the recent guest-appearance by Wolverine in Punisher #16-17, Robertson reinforced that it was his job to draw the story that writer Garth Ennis had crafted, not rewrite it.

"That story I did with Garth was a parody. Garth Ennis is not a Wolverine fan, but I was, unabashedly. I did those issues to work with Garth and to draw Wolverine. However, my job was to tell Garth's story, not rewrite it, or defend the character. Why should I? He's got plenty of fans, and that's not the point. It was Garth's story. One of the reasons I get to work with the writers of the caliber that I do is that I go in respecting the story. I like writers like Garth Ennis and Warren Ellis becasue they think outside the box. They think about character, not if the character is popular or cool. Like being an actor with a script. You may not like it, but it's your job to perform it well. That Punisher story was clearly a comedy, so I drew it funny. Garth was writing Logan like a cartoon, so I drew him over the top. I got it out of my system too. I was drawing a version of Logan from the past."

"Greg doesn't write Logan that way. We both like this guy we're working with. We want to see what he can do. We want to get to know who he is. We know his past now, there's no story there anymore. We've seen him fight endless baddies, there's no story there anymore. Greg has found a story, and I'm so enjoying drawing it."

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/darickwolv_grinface.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/darickwolv_grinfacet.jpg" align=right alt="Panel from Wolverine #1 by Darick Robertson"></a>Robertson also had a few words to say about what fans can expect from the relaunch.

"Both Rucka and I are very excited about this project and already trying to top each other. What you fans are going to get is a pure labor of love from both of us. Greg and I have ideas and plans and are going to do something cool with Wolverine. There's no point in doing what's already been done. Coming to something like this is tough enough as our hands are tied to Marvel's ideas of what's good for him (he won't be smoking his stogies much to my disappointment) without being further mired in dead ideas and stale concepts that some fans are clinging to. How many times can he have a knock down drag out fight with Sabretooth or Omega Red and have it be interesting? This series is different. Different like the team of Cyclops, Colossus, Thunderbird, Nightcrawler, Storm and Wolverine was different from the team of Lee & Kirby and the genesis of this whole topic. Sometimes new is better. Sometimes different is good."

"I'm all done with issue one and will be done with issue #2 this week. Marvel's got some promo plans, so I won't be showing off too much art until they have their way with it first. I inked all of issue #1 but am taking off inking, just penciling, until I get Punisher: The War Where I Was Born drawn and then I'll go back and ink the book myself again. At least that's the plan. Tom Palmer will be inking in the interim."

Robertson finished up with a request to fans who wish to ask questions of him in his forum.

"I'm not doing this for the money or the prestige of drawing Wolverine, but because this was my dream book when I was a kid. So if you wanna ask me questions like why he's not wearing the costume anymore, etc, do it here (http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=152) and I'll do my best to give you answers. But try to be open minded, OK? Creativity is all about moving forward into new territory and there's never a clear path. Hell, the "Spider-Man Clone Saga" seemed like a good idea to someone, but then so did putting Frank Miller on Daredevil. Try to keep the faith."

"...and no, Logan won't have any stinking goatee."

[spaceboymatt]

good,no goatee

[Pax]

Can't say I really liked the Punisher story but I only read the #16 dotcomic. Guess as a parody it's okay.

I haven't followed Wolverine regularly since the Hama/Silvestri issues (a looong time ago).

If this comes out in TPBs I will give it a shot.

Sometimes change is good.
Good luck to both creators.

[Erwin Rafael]

looking forward to Wolverine (i never thought i would ever say that :p)

[Refleshed]

Still not convinced. ..
think i'm gonna buy the first issue though if only just to check the story out. We'll see...

[Karmaknight]

Normally i would say if you really want to do a Logan with no ties to previous incarnations then just create a new character. If you want a nasty little midget character wih long arms which has no connection to the guy who fights sabretooth and has a soft spot for kids then creat Nasty Long Armed Midget Man. That been said this is Wolverine and there really is enough Wolverine to go around. I mean we can get plenty of the Wolverine we grew up with over in the other books he appears in. If you want a non continuity Wolverine i guess this is the book for you.
Personally i'm tierd of books that ignore Marvel history, but i don't really lose out here so who am I to moan.

[Jason Alan]

I'm sorry Darick for some of the responses you have been getting regarding the whole relaunch aspect of it. I am one of the few people who did his best to defend it. Hopefully, people will realize now that they made a grievous error in judging this book too harshly and will wait until it comes out to further voice their opinions.

[Jackraow21]

"...and no, Logan won't have any stinking goatee."

LOL! Nice. But it kind of looks like he has it in that first picture you've drawn.

Regardless, I'm really psyched to for this series. I love the way you draw Wolverine, and can't wait for issue #1. Thanks for taking the time out of your schedule to come here and talk to the fans.

[WEAPONX7284]

Now this' what I like t'see, a creater with a little fight in 'im. Never doubted his ability. Ain't a shamed t'say I was really against the creative team change. Tieri an' Chen lit a flame under Logan's ass. They did a great job. I'm hopin' Robertson an' Rucka can keep it goin'. I will say I dug Robertsons' Fury. Pretty kickass.
Sounds t'me Darrick's got a tight grasp on the character. As much as I'm not lookin' forward t'seein' the current team leave the book, I'm lookin' forward t'seein' what the next team has fer us.

[Zachary J. Morrison]

After having read this article, I think I get his point. And I think he wrote it from his heart and that's good. Although, I'm not sure if I like the whole gritty look to Wolverine, but that's my opinion. So just lose yourself and try to enjoy the book as much as you can, not having to judge on the creator's work. Sorry, Darrick for all those comments made. I was probably one of the ones that posted something bad, but I'm not sure.

[Iceman (Trevor)]

I'm going to get #1 but that will probably be it. I haven't collected this title since isssue #150 and these guys are probably not the people to bring me back either.

P.S. I hope you guys prove me wrong though, I miss the ol' Wolverine.;)

[Judius]

Originally posted by X-Fan
My version of Logan won't look like Sean's. I liked Sean's Logan, but my version is definitely less handsome. I thought Sean's version looked very young, and a little too cool. Like he could sing for a rock band. My version is rougher, older, grittier. In my mind he's always been a dirty, mean little guy. He drinks alot. It would show on his face. Healing factor or not, he's still an old man. From Origin he should be over a hundred, so that he looks 45 is miraculous as it is. But he shouldn't look 27.

...and no, Logan won't have any stinking goatee.


Wow, I didn't even realize I was in the market and here goes Darick selling me the new Wolverine series! I'm sorry to say that I havent seen much of his pencils but he's quickly become one of my favorite pencilers, not from the style of his art but rather because of the heart that drives those pencils. Seeing him describe his version of Wolverine is exactly how I imagine Wolverine to be, no more than that, its who Wolverine is SUPPOSED to be, period. I'm glad to see that they're returning Wolverine to his normal self. Although I feel Hugh Jackman did a good job playing him in the movie there may have been some misconceptions that Logan is some sort of heart throb and that couldn't be further from the truth. And thank you for not including that stinking goatee.

I guess I'll be picking up Wolverine # 1 now. :D

[emesem]

"Greg and I didn't want the baggage of tying it all into the old series "


this "baggage" thing is getting so tired......did claremont/morrison/miller/alan moore/simonson moan about the "baggage" when they started their legendary runs respectively??? No, they simply ignored or explained away what they didnt like and keep what worked.....this is a medium based (or was based) on serialized fiction....tying it or at least keeping it consistent (or super consistent) is part of the job description......

if writers/editors want stories without the "baggage" then CREATE NEW CHARACTERS!.......they want it both ways....they want the guaranteed sales but also want a clean slate.....maybe thats why neither DC nor Marvel have created a significant new character/franchise since the 80's

[S3V3N]

He just doesn't strike me as a guy who'd go to a gym. He's not tall and lean. He's short and tough as nails. He's a cowboy. Like a steel worker, or a lumberjack, or long shoreman, he gets his physique from his work, not his free time. I loved the way {Jon J.} Muth drew him in the Havok & Wolverine: Meltdown series from the 80's. Paunchy and mean looking, with ape arms."

"His hair grows fast, so it will change, perhaps throughout the same issue. He could have short hair at page 1 and long hair by 22. I figure he just lops it off himself, to hell with a style. That pointy fin thing it does, I just see as cow licks. His hair is coarse like, a dog's hair and just stands up. He'd have to be muscular and barrel-chested because he's short. Carrying that skeleton around, which would be pretty damned heavy compared to normal bones, would naturally bulk him up. I've been studying weightlifters who are 5' 2" and how they carry their bulk."
----

...and you'd probably see him at "The Lure" in NYC.

WOOF!:}

[Erwin Rafael]

Originally posted by emesem
this "baggage" thing is getting so tired......did claremont/morrison/miller/alan moore/simonson moan about the "baggage" when they started their legendary runs respectively??? No, they simply ignored or explained away what they didnt like and keep what worked.....this is a medium based (or was based) on serialized fiction....tying it or at least keeping it consistent (or super consistent) is part of the job description......


and isn't that what Rucka is doing? i believe that they are just not referring to the old series and instead, they are creating new stories not based on past events. just like life. not everything that happens to your life is connected to your past. you experience something new everyday...

of course you haven't heard claremont/miller talk about baggage when they started their runs. there was no internet then.

[Tarl]

More Wolverine promotion (as if he needs it). I don't think anybody needs anything else from Marvel-NOT.

[theory]

im not a fan of robertson's logan, personally. he looks too trollish or something, just not what i guess i picture wolverine to look like. i like rucka however, but i still think im ending my run on wolverine with 189.

[Spidey Rules]

Even before reading what Robertson had to say I was going to pick up issue #1 and give the new series a chance but after reading what Robertson had to say and how much genuine affection he has for the character I am getting really pumped and can't wait to get issue #1! :logan:

[venombytes]

Hurray! No goatee! :banana:

[Jim Lemoine]

It's so sad that when two acclaimed creators come up with a great back-to-basics approach for a character... when they both look at what the character would realistically be like... when they set up to tell the kind of stories that Wolverine fans haven't seen in a long, long time...

... all some people are worried about is a goatee, yellow spandex, and how "cool" he'll look.

These guys (Rucka and Robertson) obviously understand how Logan would look and how we would act, if he really did exist. He's not a chatterbox, he's a quiet killer. He's not a young yellow spandex fan, he's an older, bulkier guy.

The sad root of it is, some people just aren't interested in realism. They want to see Wolverine yell "Hey, Bub" a lot and fight Sabretooth and Lady Deathstrike again and again and again and again and again.

I liked Tieri and Chen's Wolverine a lot, but I think this new direction is going to be much more realistic. This is going to be like Ennis' Punisher... Wolvie the way he should be.

[Brandon Yates]

From the very first time I saw his Wolverine renderings I loved how his Logan is 'less handsome' (to put it generously) than other versions in the past. I'm a big fan of Sean Chen's art (he was my favorite Heroes Return artist, on Iron Man, even more so than Perez) but I didn't like it for Wolverine. The style didn't fit well with me for that character. For Robertson it seems to fit like a glove.

Well, that's one down. Now let's see if I can read a Rucka interview that will boost my enthusiasm.

[stupots]

I like that first drawing, not exactly goatee, but designer bad-ass stubble. :logan:

[Radicals]

Well...i'm impressed by what the guy had to say.

Sounds like its going to be good to me, worth a look anyway.

[Anthony Lucynski]

I was going to give this a shot anyway, because I cant very well have an opinion on something if I dont give it a shot, right? (kinda like complaining about governement when you dont even take the time to vote)

But now not only am I going to just try it out, i'm EXCITED to try it out, because the creative team seems to "get" Logan.

He IS a short, hairy, sonovayouknowwhat. He's crotchety, he's set in his ways, he's ornary, he'll cut you if you look at him the wrong way.

THATS' the Logan I know and love.

And now i'm jacked to see it played out in the new series.

Anthony L

[NicholasRogue]

Well Wolverine definitely looks grittier and more slimy looking, hey if that's how they wanna portray him go ahead.

[WEAPONX7284]

Originally posted by Jim Lemoine
It's so sad that when two acclaimed creators come up with a great back-to-basics approach for a character... when they both look at what the character would realistically be like... when they set up to tell the kind of stories that Wolverine fans haven't seen in a long, long time...

... all some people are worried about is a goatee, yellow spandex, and how "cool" he'll look.

These guys (Rucka and Robertson) obviously understand how Logan would look and how we would act, if he really did exist. He's not a chatterbox, he's a quiet killer. He's not a young yellow spandex fan, he's an older, bulkier guy.

The sad root of it is, some people just aren't interested in realism. They want to see Wolverine yell "Hey, Bub" a lot and fight Sabretooth and Lady Deathstrike again and again and again and again and again.



It's pretty sad. As a hardcore Logan fan, I ain't too sure how t'take a lot these posts. A little open mindness never hurt nobody. It seems all people do care 'bout is the goatee. I will say I loved Chen's Wolverine. I was mad as all hell when I found out they would be leavin'. After readin' some a ' the things Robertson has said he fully understands the character an' has a clear view as t'how the character should be brought about. I think anyway ya draw Logan he's gonna look cool. I mean what ain't great 'bout a character with the most **** poor additude, adamantium skeleton, six claws on his hands an' the best lookin' hair in the Marvel universe. Not t'mention the code a' honor the character tries t'live, but seems t'fail in the end. These are just a few things that make Logan the most interestin' character in the Marvel comics. It makes fer some damn fine stories.

[BoomBot]

I've always been in for this relaunch. Robertson's excellent and this makes me more excited. I agree with him strongly on everything but I liked Ennis' Wolverine story.

[Weapon XXX]

For those of you who want an advanced glance at Robertson's Wolverine, go to the back issue bins, and pick up Wolverine numbers 58 and 59. Robertson drew both issues, and as a bonus, you get to see Jubilee in both issues.

[Zachary J. Morrison]

If they want to go in this direction...So be it. It's their writing and work that counts. I'll try to enjoy the book...

[Jason Alan]

Very well said, Jim. You really captured the heart of the problem. Hopefully, a lot of people will rethink some of the things they said.

[thewrite1]

Wolverine is a truly wonderful character and making the book more realistic and grittier is a wise move. I did read that there might be plans to involve Nightcrawler on occasion and I really want to see that. Kurt and Logan have a unique friendship and I really want to see this explored. Having got that out of my system, good luck to the new creative team. I'm looking forward to this.

One last thing: I like to see Logan looking older as he is over one hundred years old, but I'm curious - does Wolverine age physically? I mean, will he become an old man one day?

[Benjamin Ong]

I was unsure at first, though I'll normally pick up first issues and/or the first arc, at least.

However, after reading about Darick's love for the character since young and his vision of how Wolverine should be portrayed (art-wise), I think we're not gonna see a more real Wolverine than Darick's. This is what Wolverine should be and like Logan who is the best at what he does, I believe Darick is the best at what he's drawing as well.

[spinarakboi]

People way too big of a deal about a goatee in my opinion, that's all I have to say.

[Deathscythe]

I don't care about the relaunch, but I hope that the story be good.

[Steven Paul]

I'll give it a shot! But, the only reason I was picking up Wolverine before was because of Tieri and his writing, I'm not a very big fan of Logan/Wolverine. So it'll have to be somthing amazing for me to stick around.

[Benjamin Ong]

Originally posted by spinarakboi
People way too big of a deal about a goatee in my opinion, that's all I have to say.

Yeah, some of the discussions here and elsewhere really made a big deal out of this!

Anyway, I don't mind seeing flashbacks once in a while, especially in the old yellow costume :D

[Jacowboy]

Originally posted by Weapon XXX
For those of you who want an advanced glance at Robertson's Wolverine, go to the back issue bins, and pick up Wolverine numbers 58 and 59. Robertson drew both issues, and as a bonus, you get to see Jubilee in both issues.

Holeeee jebus!!!

I was about to say the same!!!

Hehehe, I knew the first time around I saw his take on wolverine that I had already seen that short haired logan somewhere...

[Serge]

WOOF is right. I've never picked up Wolverine, however this art alone makes me want to pick up the book ;)

Howeve I think the ideas they are using are amazing, it might just make me a Wolverine fan at last, I've liked him, just not to the point of buying the Wolverine book, however I think it looks amazing, and I think it sounds amazing too. I'm looking forward to this relaunch (even though I dont like relaunching of books however I understand why they are)

[papaford]

Got nothing against your ideas or art, don't know much about it, but I'm always up for new things.

I just don't understand why Marvel wants to relaunch a title that is currently selling in the top 20 if not top 15 every month. Why not just keep going with 191 or whatever instead of a whole new volume. My only answer is that they want to make more money, which a title usually does on its first issue.

Like I said, new is always good, but remember why people read comic books. Because they like the story that never ends. They like the charatchers. If a charatcher's slate is wiped clean, where does that leave the audience?

I'll be keeping that in mind when 15 to 30 issues later the Wolverine title falls through the top 50 cracks. And the best art, stories, ideas won't make a difference. People want their charatchers to grow and change, but they also want the past that goes with them.

On a personal note, I enjoyed the younger more attractive wolverine. In fact, the main reason I've always been turned off of new x-men is for how ugly wolverine is portrayed.

[weapon-x79]

I believe there's gotta be some balance in terms of Wolverine's looks. Lately, Wolverine's either going towards the bad-boy with sex appeal direction (Ultimate X-Men) that was inspired by the movie, or just simply ugly (New X-Men). The artists over on Uncany X-Men were the ones that achieved a balanced look for Logan (especially Sean Philips' rendition). Ron Garney and Kia Asamya did a good job as well. I actually like Darick's rendetions (facial wise at least... still unsure as far as Wolverine's too buff and too short look). Also, I can see Wolverine making time for the gym, considering the fact that the Xavier Mansion does have fitness facilities (not to mention the Danger Room!). Also, given the fact that Wolverine's using different methods to calming his rage via meditation techniques and Yoga, the idea of Wolverine using the gym isn't too far off. The more I think about it, the more I realize how Sean Chen will be missed... man. :(

[WEAPONX7284]

He would use the gym. He has used the gym back in Wolverine #90 'tblow off some steam. This was when Creed was shackin' up with the X-Men an' Logan was pissed as hell. He went t' the gym t',"..lose myself in reps," as he put it. Logan ain't a lazy guy. I think he would hit the weights when time allows. 'Course this is next t'never. but it would happen.

[Anthony Lucynski]

He would use the gym. He has used the gym back in Wolverine #90 'tblow off some steam.

Yeah, just cuz he's done it in the past doesnt mean he realisitcally would. Can you imagine Clint Eastwood pumping iron in a gym? I cant. I'd imagine Clint Eastwood would simply go off on a long walk somewhere, to clear his mind. Maybe go hiking.

Why am I mentioning Clint Eastwood? Cuz I believe Logan would have the same kind of mentality as many of Clint's characters over the year.

Or, if you'd like, think of how Edward Norton and Brad Pitt's characters in FIGHT CLUB viewed "manufactured bodies". I believe Logan would agree.

Anthony L

[Filthy Mutie]

I appreciate the passion behind this rebirth of the Wolverine series, but I have to say that I am just tired of Wolverine in all of his shapes and mentalities. As I was growing up, he was without a doubt my favorite character; however, that was before he was in every single X-Book.

Know what I would love? If this Wolverine series took off on a good start and he "leaves" the random teams with 'X' in them for about a year or so. Not to lick any wounds (a la Fatal Attractions), not to become some ape of a man (like around Onslaught), and not to work out at a gym and fight the Hulk in some crazy parallel universe. It would give the other X-characters room to breathe and and give him his own book to be the best he is at what he does--and not spread too thin over 57 books.

That's just me. Good luck with this new Wolverine series.

[Anthony Lucynski]

I have to agree. I'd love to see Wolverine in just his book. Maybe an occasional guest appearence in the X-books, but i'm more interested in Logan the adventurere/warrior/loner than I am Logan the team player.

Anthony L

[Filthy Mutie]

The only beef I have with this "all new, all different, all ugly" Wolverine (and may I state that this is a very, very MINOR beef) is... if he's this, uh, "old looking," how does he get all of these hot comic women? He's a mad chick magnet! I need to hang around this guy.

I could see Logan hitting the gym, but not always just to push some weights around. Sure, the Danger Room lets him duke it out, but I could see him venturing into a boxing ring for some good ol' fashioned fisticuffs. Plus when you're slugging it out with a holographic Orphanmaker, are there the same smells (sweat, blood, misc. pheromones, etc.)? Do holograms get that certain look in their eye (you know the one)? I bet someone that is on Logan's feral level would like to tinker around with something more... real from time to time to satisfy those primitive urges.

That's all, for now. Just some afterthoughts from last night.

[Darick Robertson]

Originally posted by emesem
this "baggage" thing is getting so tired...... As tired as this endless whining and complaining about a book that hasn't even been published yet?

did claremont/morrison/miller/alan moore/simonson moan about the "baggage" when they started their legendary runs respectively??? Or John Byrne when he restarted Superman in the 80's? actually, all those guys had a list of complaints and did some serious overhauls on their titles to make them what they were, to the dismay of some vocal fans back then who wanted it like it was before, and YOU have to understand THOSE DAYS ARE OVER! It's 2003 and the playing field has changed. The industry is very different now, and we are all in survival mode. You mentioned Morrison... has New X-Men eluded you? And Claremont completely revamped the X-men back in his day.

No, they simply ignored or explained away what they didnt like and keep what worked.... Which is exactly what I said we were doing. The only difference is we're doing it from #1. And there was never anything 'simple' about what they accomplished.

.this is a medium based (or was based) on serialized fiction....tying it or at least keeping it consistent (or super consistent) is part of the job description...... Uh, I believe my job description is "Artist", and Greg's is "Writer". If there's more to it than that, please forward me a copy of the memo.

if writers/editors want stories without the "baggage" then CREATE NEW CHARACTERS!....... And everytime they do, people go whining that the older characters are going ignored. There's seemingly no pleasing fans like yourself, with the exception of doing everything exactly the way it's always been done over and over again. The first issue isn't even out and you think you have an idea of what you're going to get. You're critcizing an interview made up of responses to other fan's concerns.

they want it both ways....they want the guaranteed sales Newsflash: there is no such thing anymore. There are no guaranteed sales in comics which is why you are seeing massive changes going on. What we hope this book will sell in numbers would have gotten a title canceled for the same numbers back in 1991.

but also want a clean slate.....maybe thats why neither DC nor Marvel have created a significant new character/franchise since the 80's This insight must come from your many years of working within the industry like I have. To put a little reality into this, I think it has more to do with there not being enough support from the core fan base to afford to take a chance on new titles. If they aren't instant hits, they die. It's very cut- throat and neither company can afford to nurture a title until it gets the readership numbers it needs to go on.

You understand very little of the realities invovled in the decisions that are going on within the industry now. You live in the wonderous nostalgic world of yesterday, and think things are still like they were in 1989, while in the real world my friends are losing thier jobs, and seeing their books get canceled. Legendary names in the business are hurting for work. Editors are working very hard and are grossly underpaid for the time they're putting in. Everybody working in comics has one goal: to bring in new readers and keep comics alive. Why? Because we friggn' love comics.

Anything else you perceive is your fantasy.

[VolcanoRob]

You tell 'em, Darick. I guess some fans will still long for the days when Wolverine fought Galactus, but then bitch about it afterwards anyway. But hey, such is the nature of comic book fandom.

I was never a steady reader of Wolverine. What I've read from Rucka and Robertson over the last month or so displays an understanding of this character that is born of love and passion. Maybe I might not like how short Logan looks, but I can respect and appreciate the reasoning behind it. When you read those reasons Robertson's given, you can see that he's been thinking about it for a LONG time.

I'll be subscribing to Wolverine for the first time ever with this new series.

[Darick Robertson]

Originally posted by Jackraow21
[B]LOL! Nice. But it kind of looks like he has it in that first picture you've drawn. That's just long stubble and a bad crop on the panel.

Regardless, I'm really psyched to for this series. I love the way you draw Wolverine, and can't wait for issue #1. Thanks for taking the time out of your schedule to come here and talk to the fans. Thanks very much, fans like yourself, it's a pleasure.

[SIMPS!]

This seems like it will be a great book to give out to friends come May and June when all my friends are asking me what X-Men books to read. The art looks great, and I have great faith in Greg Rucka, author of some of the best novels I've ever read. Mr. Robertson, I wish you the best of luck, and being on a spotlight book like Wolverine at the release of X2, looks like a great chance for you and Greg to shine! Tear it up man!


Ben Simpson

[Darick Robertson]

Thanks Ben, that's mighty cool of ya.

[Anthony Lucynski]

This is great. It's like watching a heavyweight versus a paper pusher from floor 36 B. You're a breath of fresh air to these boards, Mr. Robertson. The only other creator i've ever met that is as outspoken as you would be Rob Liefeld. I looked forward to his posts as much as I do yours, and he doesnt post much anymore, so....

Rock on.

Anthony L

[Darick Robertson]

Rob's a cool guy indeed.

[papaford]

Just wondering why start with number 1, instead of just continuing on? The only reason I can think of is to boost sales. I understand that its a new direction and all, and its part of showing the metamorphing book, but why can't that be done but just continuing with the current numbers? I'm really just curious and would like to better understand the logic.

By the way, I really appreciate all the talented people who work in comics even though the money really isn't that great right now in the bussiness. I don't have issues with the prices of comics as long as it dons't all go to the paper companies. ;)

[papaford]

Just wondering why start with number 1, instead of just continuing on? The only reason I can think of is to boost sales. I understand that its a new direction and all, and its part of showing the metamorphing book, but why can't that be done but just continuing with the current numbers? I'm really just curious and would like to better understand the logic.

By the way, I really appreciate all the talented people who work in comics even though the money really isn't that great right now in the bussiness. I don't have issues with the prices of comics as long as it dons't all go to the paper companies. ;)

[Darick Robertson]

The why's have been rampantly argued and discussed if you read back through the posts. Sales and a part of it, creating a new jumping on point for new readers is another.

[Darick Robertson]

Originally posted by Filthy Mutie

I could see Logan hitting the gym, but not always just to push some weights around... I bet someone that is on Logan's feral level would like to tinker around with something more... real from time to time to satisfy those primitive urges.

I see your point but I think you've missed mine. I meant he wouldn't spend time in a gym for his vanity. If he's a chick magnet it's not because of his looks. Most women admire and are attracted to confidence and strength far more than looks.

As far as that boxing ring/Danger room scenario, I just believe he'd have more proactive things to do with his time that would satisfy those urges.

[steve2275]

Originally posted by X-Fan
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/darickwolv_facecu.jpg" GOOOD
"...and no, Logan won't have any stinking goatee."KOO
IF THE BOOK HAS THE SAME QUALITY AS THE FACES
ITLL LOOK5

[Chris_Flowers]

[Originally posted in Darick's own message board - no reply!]

Hi Darick.

Well, theres certainly less people in here then a Baath Party meeting :) Why so quiet!?

Anyway, just thought I'd share my views on the upcoming Wolverine #1. Personally I'm really looking forward to it! From what I've seen and read, it looks like Wolverine is finally geting depicted in the book as I've always thought he should be. I think your spot on with the artwork I've seen. I really like the sketches I've seen on your news page, he looks gritty, he looks mean - the way he should be IMO. Personally I welcome the change as I've not been impressed with, not so much the storyline, but the artwork in the recent issues of Wolverine. I'm glad Rucka is on board too as I'm a big fan of his, the Elektra/Wolverine: Redeemer story was fantastic.

Anyway, I'm expecting great things from the pair of you on the coming issues of Wolverine, you best not dissapoint me or else ;)

Seriously man, its looking good - can't wait!

BTW, recently Marvel have been doing 2 issues a month - any ideas if thats planned for Wolverine in the coming months? One issue a month is just not enough for a die hard Wolvie fanboy like myself :) Having said that, I'd rather the quality was better and wait a month between issues!

Cheers,
Chris.
United Kingdom (see, not all who read comic books are American!)

P.s. Is your name pronounced 'Derrick' or do you sound the 'a'? Just curious!