JJ Abrams and son cowriting Spider-Man mini-series; Sara Pichelli on art

[Tofali]

But the only reason this is being made is just that, to bring in a big name director from movies to attract attention and potentially attract a new set of customers into the world of comics. If it doesn’t work, no prob it’s a side project...it doesn’t take anyone’s job or work away. If it works, it’s better for everyone in comics because they’ve grown the comic industry.

The part about bringing a big name celebrity with a following isn't the issue - Marvel has been doing that for years the grating part is having the son of a celebrity be extended the same chance without any credentials.

[WebSlingWonder]

Layman's a major target of "Comicsgate". Marvel may not want the headache.

Yeah, I can definitely see that being a reason.

[Mister Mets]

Layman's a major target of "Comicsgate". Marvel may not want the headache.

There seem to be major Comicsgate target who get work regularly, so that's probably not it.

There may be some other factors. Layman hasn't gotten much of a reputation outside of Chew. A guy who complains about Marvel policies on Twitter might not be easy to work with. There's no indication that his name sells.

[WebSlingWonder]

There seem to be major Comicsgate target who get work regularly, so that's probably not it.

There may be some other factors. Layman hasn't gotten much of a reputation outside of Chew. A guy who complains about Marvel policies on Twitter might not be easy to work with. There's no indication that his name sells.

But didn't he have an extensive run on New 52 "Detective Comics"?

EDIT: And looking at his biography, he also did a lot of Marvel work, including "Gambit" and "Cyclops", and the "Identity Wars" crossover, so I'm kind of surprised at his comments. Unless he means that he can't pitch them a story.

[Mister Mets]

But didn't he have an extensive run on New 52 "Detective Comics"?

Has it had any discernible acclaim?

[Bruce Wayne]

But didn't he have an extensive run on New 52 "Detective Comics"?

It was like 18 issues where he was one in a revolving door of writers on that book that included Tony Daniel and Brian Buccellato. Layman is much more well known for his editorial work at Wildstorm than any scripting jobs he has done since.

[WebSlingWonder]

Has it had any discernible acclaim?

It was like 18 issues where he was one in a revolving door of writers on that book that included Tony Daniel and Brian Buccellato. Layman is much more well known for his editorial work at Wildstorm than any scripting jobs he has done since.

That's the thing: he's had work from Marvel and DC, a successful run with "Chew" at Image, and, like Bruce Wayne said, editorial work at Windstorm. So his comments on this don't make sense.

[Mister Mets]

That's the thing: he's had work from Marvel and DC, a successful run with "Chew" at Image, and, like Bruce Wayne said, editorial work at Windstorm. So his comments on this don't make sense.

His argument is that he's not getting current work from Marvel.

[WebSlingWonder]

His argument is that he's not getting current work from Marvel.

Hmm. What do you think about his statements?

[Mister Mets]

Hmm. What do you think about his statements?

He's probably in the wrong to complain about what appears to be a good business move by Marvel. Marvel doesn't owe him any work, and I can understand why they don't hire him.

[Hugo Strange]

I don't thinks it was a good business. If it was a good business, there wouldn't be so many people angry about that, many of them professionals in the field.

[WebSlingWonder]

I don't thinks it was a good business. If it was a good business, there wouldn't be so many people angry about that, many of them professionals in the field.

This is a good business move. Maybe not a good public relations business move as far as endearing Marvel Comics to the public, but it is a good business move.

A well-known and successful Hollywood director along with his son and a successful and proven comic book artist are teaming up for a five issue miniseries for one of their biggest characters. Regardless of whether or not it was a stunt pick (even though Nick Lowe was trying to get this to happen for ten years), this will drum up interest and, possibly, sales. That's what we know. By that logic, it's a good business move.

EDIT: As for the professionals who are upset about it, we have to remember that this is hardly the first time they haven't gotten work. And some of the more prominent ones, like Jenkins, Conway, Layman, have already worked at Marvel before. Whether they do in the future depends on their strengths as a writer. I will concede that I don't particularly favor the idea of JJ bringing Henry along, but again: I'll judge the work itself. Does that make sense?

[Hugo Strange]

I believe the main problem here is the nepotism. This guys worked hard to get where they are now, and Henry got that on a silver platter because he's his father son. Even Stan Lee had to work hard on Marvel, same goes for Romita Jr.

This is a very unfair situation for everyone who work with comics, because no matter how hard they work, people like Henry will have everything without doing anything to deserve it.

[WebSlingWonder]

I believe the main problem here is the nepotism. This guys worked hard to get where they are now, and Henry got that on a silver platter because he's his father son. Even Stan Lee had to work hard on Marvel, same goes for Romita Jr.

This is a very unfair situation for everyone who work with comics, because no matter how hard they work, people like Henry will have everything without doing anything to deserve it.

So, one case of nepotism invalidates all of the hard work of other comic writers/artists of the past and future? That seems a bit dramatic.

[Ravin' Ray]

…people like Henry will have everything without doing anything to deserve it.

Do we know for certain that Henry is undeserving? True, he has no works to his name that stand out in public, but maybe he's shown his talents to Marvel management in private. Of course, being the son of JJ Abrams gave him an advantage.