Chaykin Pulls No Punches When Discussing His Career, Comics & More

[CBR News]

At his Vegas Valley Comic Book Festival spotlight, Howard Chaykin had strong opinions on everything from the state of comics to the greatness of "Guardians of the Galaxy."


Full article here.

[CrazyOldHermit]

Awesome. Nice to see some honesty.

[Nick Miller]

haha, oh Howard.

I picture Bendis asking him that.

could some one explain this quote to me: "You can't do epic drama, melodrama, romance in a seven-panel page"

most comics use 4-5 panels, does he mean we need 9 or more panels? I don't get this.

I wish what someone would have asked him, what he thinks of comics where the only words on the page are dialogue?

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

Ah, a Chaykin interview. I still get a giggle about the time he mentioned how badly it hurt him that Tim Vigil and Todd McFarlane think of him as a hero.

[Park Slope Pixie]

"I loathe Marvel-style writing. I really hate it. It's such lazy, cheap shit," he said, discussing his approach to comics writing. "I believe in full script. When a writer asks me what I feel like drawing, my first answer is, 'Fuck you.'"

Amazing. And 100% in agreement with Chaykin.

Writers skirt by on half-effort with the "Marvel style"

That was fine when you were Stan Lee and juggling 7 books on a tightly monthly schedule. No excuses nowadays.

I love Chaykin.

[FanboyStranger]

Chaykin interviews are the best. You never know what he's going to say, but you're guarantee to laugh until it hurts. He is one of comics greatest treasures, both for his work and his attitude.

[Park Slope Pixie]

You're too busy reading 'Captain Marvel' or some bullshit?

lolololol. omg.

[John Ossie]

LOL This was an entertaining interview/panel thing. Wish more were like this to be honest

[Marvel_Is]

"Chaykin didn't hold back in expressing his displeasure with the current comics industry's focus on the "superstar writer." "The alpha talent is the writer, which is absurd," he said. "The artists aren't the problem, the writers are the problem. They have a complete lack of understanding of the real estate of the page. You can't do epic drama, melodrama, romance in a seven-panel page... I'm waiting for someone to write a comic book that I give a shit about."

[MiloTheMayor]

Chaykin is awesome. Totally respect this guy, and damn, Satellite Sam is one of the best comics out there right now.

[Greg]

HAHAHA!! I've never read any interviews from him, this is great. I love it.

[MJ Tanner]

I met him once at Emerald City Comic-Con about 11 years ago. He was fantastic to talk to.

[ed2962]

I was under the impression that the "Marvel Style" really wasn't used that often these days? I kinda thought most of their writers were using full scripts except on specific occasions. I know Matt Fraction has used it in recent years but as an exception.

[shamus]

If nothing else he speaks his mind. That is refreshing. However he's such a curmudgeon he doesn't do himself any favours. I always thought his art-work on Star Wars was sloppy sh*t too so it's nice to have him confirm that we share the same opinion on that matter.

[FanboyStranger]

I was under the impression that the "Marvel Style" really wasn't used that often these days? I kinda thought most of their writers were using full scripts except on specific occasions. I know Matt Fraction has used it in recent years but as an exception.

Some people still use it. Matt Wagner, for example, still likes to use it because he finds new directions to take the story when he sees the art, although he said he's been working more full script recently. Walt Simonson also likes to use it, and Chaykin agreed to work that way on Hawkgirl because he's good friends with Walt, although he prefers full script as the interview clearly shows.