The thing I Hated Most About Being at Marvel
A Pre-San Diego Comic-Con Confession in Two Acts
TRUE CON-FESSIONS PART I
My love for Marvel runs deep. Watching it evolve into the pop culture giant it is today has been one of the greatest joys of my life. However, there’s a particular aspect of my time at Marvel with which I struggled.
My journey with San Diego Comic-Con began in 1989. It was my first ever comic convention, and I was there purely as a fan, despite just starting my career as a colorist for Valiant Comics.
In the following years, I attended as a professional, made some great friends, and met my long-time collaborative partner, Jimmy Palmiotti, on a line for free hamburgers at an industry party. A few years later, Jimmy and I attended as the publishers of our newly formed imprint, Event Comics, and then, in a few more years, as the procurers of Marvel’s Marvel Knights imprint. As if that wasn’t a strange enough story arc, it would only be another three years before I would begin a two-decade stretch of walking the convention floor, first as Marvel’s editor-in-chief and later as Chief Creative Officer. I’m not sure what planet that happens on, but I swear it did here on Earth.
Representing Marvel at various events over the years was always a blast. However, there was a recurring issue at SDCC and other shows that I found deeply troubling. It was a truth I struggled to accept.
Back in the day, I would walk into an industry gathering and just be one of the gang, another creator. Those who liked me made it clear; those who didn’t had no issue expressing that either. Life was good, and these events were some of the highlights of my career.
Then, I got the EIC gig, and I could feel a subtle shift in the force. I’d be outside a bar where a Marvel party was in full swing and see folks having fun and letting their hair down. Then I’d walk through the door, and the mood would subtly shift. As Marvel emerged from Chapter 11 and grew exponentially, so did that shift. Deep down, I knew what was happening, but a good friend set me straight over a dinner many years ago. As I sat there and vented, he stopped me mid-sentence and called me an idiot.
“Freelancers and employees see you as the guy who can instantly hire and fire them. How are you not surprised that you’re an instant buzz-killer? You’re like The Godfather when you walk in.”
His words weren't a revelation, but the unfiltered way he expressed them hit me hard because I never saw myself and was never that guy. My buddy agreed that I was the same degenerate, low-life loser I was in 1989, but my actions were overshadowed by the title.
Last year marked my return to SDCC without a Marvel badge or title for the first time since 2001. It was a joy to reconnect with old friends and make new ones as a creator again, and not “The Marvel Guy.” I'm eagerly looking forward to more of the same this year.
INTERMISSION
Back in 2016, I did this Phoenix pencil commission for a fan.
About two months ago, C.B. Cebulski, Marvel’s EIC, called and asked if they could use it as a cover. I said yes, but since it hadn’t been designed for that purpose, I wanted to ink it and add gray tones.
Then, the brilliant Morry Hollowell gave it life.
I haven’t seen the actual comic yet, but I hear that it’s on sale now and that there’s a foil variant that’s very, very shiny.
INTERMISSION EXTRA
Here’s a bit of pre-SDCC press for you.
‘The Crow’ Producer Pressman Film Moves Into TV
Sam Pressman is every bit the visionary that his father was. This is going to be fun! Oh, and I’d like to thank Sam for introducing me to the rejuvenating effects of the Russian Bath.1
TRUE CON-FESSIONS PART II
Now that you know my most hated aspect about attending conventions as a Marvel employee, I feel it’s only fair to discuss what I miss the most. This SDCC will be the first convention since my first in 1989, when I won’t be hosting or a guest on any panels. Being on panels, especially hosting them, is my absolute favorite part of any convention, especially the Q+A, and I have nothing scheduled for this year. I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself. But it’s my own fault; I didn’t RSVP in time to a few requests.2
So, if anyone needs a last-minute host, you know where to reach me.
Kidding.
No, not really.
No, really, I am.
Am I?
That said, I’ll be signing every day of the show and early next week, I’ll post my location, signing times, and some of the items I’ll have for sale at the booth. That last part feels weird, but I promised my agent Kwan I’d do it because he’s adorable when he gets greedy.
You’re Amazing!
JQ
Note to self: Next time, take off all jewelry before entering the sauna.
With some of my free time, maybe I’ll get to enjoy more of San Diego. A day trip to Coronado Island sounds kind of fun. Any recommendations?
That Jean Grey cover is great. Her eyes say forget all the rest of the books in the store. You will buy this one first. 😉😁
Please come to Rhode Island Comic Con this fall, Joe! You've been my favorite creator for 30 years and it would be amazing to meet you. I think there's a lot of people in New England who would!