Romita Turns Green

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For the whole interview click here

Source: The Slush Factory

For the first part of the interview click here

For the second part of the interview click here

Source: ComicFan

Here's a short excerpt of the interview:

"Despite being the son of a living legend and one of the stand-out artists working today, John Romita, Jr. -- or "Johnny" as he's often called by friends and family -- is one of the most approachable, affable and down-to-earth individuals in comics. He's a workhorse who thinks nothing of penciling two issues a month, every month, without missing a beat ... or deadline. Simply put, he's no prima donna, and he certainly didn't rely on his father's fame to do the job for him."

In the first part of the interview, JR talks about his continued association with Marvel's flagship character and title, The Amazing Spider-Man, as well as his reasons for taking over the drafting chores of The Hulk.

For the 1st part of the interview click here

The second part of the interview, JR reveals the immediate and long-term plans he and writer Paul Jenkins have for the Hulk and he talks about J. Michael Straczynski's plans for the Amazing Spider-Man title.

For the 2nd part of the interview click here

Source: WizardWold.com

A few weeks ago editor-in-chief Joe Quesada made some announcements about the creative line-ups on the Spider-books as of spring 2001: Artist John Romita, Jr. will remain on Amazing Spider-Man as the interior artist after a two issue hiatus. Art chores in issues #28 and 29 will be handled by Joe Bennett, Lee Weeks and Charlie Adlard. A cover artist for 'Amazing' will be announced later. New writer J. Michael Straczynski will be coming on board in April (Amazing Spider-Man #30).

Over on Peter Parker: Spider-Man, Humberto Ramos will be the new series cover artist.

Source: Comicbookresources.com & Comics Newsarama

"Assuming all goes well, JRJR will be on the book for the foreseeable future," Brevoort said.

Romita's current exclusive contract with Marvel expires at the year's end.

The Incredible Hulk #24, due in January, will feature the Abomination.

Source: Comics Continuum

For the whole interview click here

Source: Comics Continuum

In the first part of the interview Romita talks about his work on Avengers #35, his upcoming run on the Incredible Hulk and his film, which is called "I JUST DRAW" and is based on the Hollywood misadventures of John's friend, Hollywood storyboard artist Paul Power.

In the second part of the interview he talks about his work on Amazing Spider-Man, the ill-fated Dr. Strange project with writer Harlan Ellison and he also gives some feedback on the upcoming Spider-Man movie.

For the first part of the interview click here

For the second part of the interview click here

Source: HeroRealm.com

Kyle Hotz was originally scheduled to draw one issue - with Romita Jr. doing #22-23 - but will now be doing three issues. "We're going to do three versions of the Hulk, and since he did one, he might as well do all three," Jenkins said.

Incredible Hulk #25 will be double-sized.

Source: Comics Continuum

When Ron Garney leaves Incredible Hulk after #20 Kyle Hotz will draw Incredible Hulk #21 and Romita Jr. will draw #22-23, "with more issues as a possibility."

Reached for comment, Romita Jr., told Newsarama that with his exclusive Marvel contract expiring late this year, he doesn`t know what his plans will be after year`s end, but that he's going to take on the Hulk fill-ins on a, "see how I like them, see how they like me basis," and if he`s having fun and Marvel likes what`s he`s doing, he would consider staying with the title on a regular basis.

John Romita will also be penciling Avenger #35 ("Maximum Security" issue) after George Perez departs with September's Avengers #34.

Source: Comics Newsarama & Comics Continuum

This weekend at Wonder Con in Oakland, Ca., that company man was artist John Romita, Jr., who, like his father, has made a career out of his work at Marvel Comics.

Romita - teased unmercifully at a panel on Friday by fellow creators for his loyalty to Marvel, which they spun in the worst possible light - announced Saturday that he will likely be working outside Marvel once his contract ends.

"Until I finish out my contract in December, I'll be doing lots of miniseries."

Among the projects he will be doing is a project with Scott Lobdell and a three part Dr. Strange mini-series written by Harlan Ellison, who hand-picked Romita for the assignment.

The miniseries was originally intended to be about the Silver Surfer, but with the recent death of Galactus, things got tweaked a bit.

"Dormammu is dying," Romita said. "If he dies, it throws the whole netherworld off, and Dr. Strange has to go inside him."

But true believers shouldn't worry: Romita will follow family tradition and stick with the Amazing Spider-Man.

"That's one thing I want to do. I want to break the world's record for longevity on it. It's something I really enjoy."

Romita also told fans to expect lots of new villains in the Spider-Man books, and that Peter Parker would be getting a new girlfriend: "Daily Bugle" staffer Glory Grant.

Romita jr. is also discussing working on a project with Frank Miller.

Source: Comic Book Resources

Reached for comment in light of today's news that Paul Jenkins and Mark Buckingham will take over as the regular creative team of Peter Parker in June, Romita said there has been a "major change of plans" since that post on AOL and the announcement that he would serve as penciler of both titles.

The artist explained that he will pencil two issues a month of Amazing for a few months immediately after leaving Thor, but that these issues will ship monthly as per its regular schedule and that he will then pick up another second regular title elsewhere at Marvel, or possibly some special projects, later on.

Flash forward a month later, and Jenkins is holding true to his word. Marvel's online Yourman@Marvel announced today that Jenkins, along with former Titans penciler Mark Buckingham are the new creative team of Peter Parker: Spider-Man as of June's issue #20.

"About a month ago I was telling anyone who'd listen that there was no way I was going to take on any new books, not for a long while," Jenkins said. "I can remember casually mentioning that if offered, I'd possibly write Spider-Man because I feel that character is so full of potential. He's such a tragic figure because he's striving to rectify a mistake he once made - namely the death of his Uncle Ben - but there's no way he can make up for it. The only way would be to somehow bring Uncle Ben back to life, and that can't happen. But this poor guy, he's going to keep trying no matter what... and while he's at it, he'll take the occasional moment to thumb his nose at all the obstacles placed in his way. What a great character."

"So, of course, who should call me up but the bold Ralph Macchio to ask me if I'm interested in writing Spidey on a monthly basis. The rotten swine. Sleep is overrated anyway."

"To me, it's all about character, character, character," Jenkins continued. "There are certain elements that should always be in a Spidey comic: action, humor, fisticuffs, bad guys with outrageous costumes, crazy futuristic weaponry, boatloads of gorgeous women... and Aunt May's meat loaf. So, never fear, those elements will be in the book. But if anyone has ever read my stuff they'll know I feel it's very important to take time to understand the characters."

Asked what kind of stories he's like to tell, Jenkins replied, "I want Doctor Octopus to dress up in a snorkel and flippers and a tutu and take up swing dancing. Seriously, I'm planning on telling more single-issue and two-issue stories than are currently appearing in the Spidey books. My stories will mostly resolve pretty quickly. If Howard Mackie continues the current intrigue with Senator Ward and the stalker and so on over in Amazing Spider-Man, then people will have two types of quite different Spidey books to choose from. I think that's a good thing."

Yourman did not address how this move will affect Amazing Spider-Man. Loyal readers are aware the artist John Romita Jr. recently left Thor to become the penciler of both monthly Spider-Man titles. With Buckingham now onboard Peter Parker, could rumors that Amazing could turn into a regular bi-weekly title with the creative team of Howard Mackie and Romita be accurate? Romita has announced his first five Spidey issues will be consecutive bi-weeklyy issues of Amazing...

We'll bring you details as we get them...

Source: Daily Buzz

Larsen told readers on Marvel AOL message boards that the lead story will feature a new Spider-Slayer story, and that following the 'thematic' format of the first 2 monster, collected stories in the special issue will feature "more of the same."

"I'm pretty sure that both Amazing V1 #25 and #58 will be in there - possibly #192 as well, although there are quite a few decent yarns to choose from," Larsen posted.

And speaking of Amazing's upcoming regular artist, Romita told AOL readers that when he completes his run on Thor, he'll begin a run of 5 consecutive bi-weekly issues of Amazing Spider-Man, while another artist(s) handles Peter Parker, after which he'll begin his regular run as penciler of both titles. Whether these 5 issues of Amazing will be released bi-weekly for the summer is not clear and Marvel did not comment when asked to clarify.

While there is still no word out of Marvel as to who will follow John Romita Jr. as regular penciler of The Mighty Thor when the artist departs for his new ongoing assignment as penciler of Amazing Spider-Man, Erik Larsen has announced that he will pencil a 3-issue 'fill-in' run on Thor (issues #26-#28) in between Romita's exit and the debut of the unnamed next regular penciler. Klaus Jansen will ink.

And if Larsen is feeling any pressure following Romita, he'll have the chance to return the favor. As previously announced, Larsen will also guest pencil 3 issues of Amazing Spider-Man (#19-21) between the exit of John Byrne and arrival of Romita.

LARSEN DONS THE WEBS AGAIN

Fans who remember Erik Larsen's pre-Image Comics days, back when he was making his name on Marvel Comics' Spider-Man books, will be getting a touch of déjà vu this spring.

"I'm doing a three-issue stint on 'Amazing Spider-Man' following John Byrne's run," Larsen told the Comic Wire on Friday. "I draw issues #19-21."

Larsen's not the only Image founder to have made a big splash helping Peter Parker sling his webs; Todd McFarlane had become a fan favorite the same way immediately prior to Larsen's run.

"Ralph Macchio asked me to layout an issue of 'Spider-Woman' (#10) and I was curious to see if I could pound one out in the time he gave me. Seeing how nicely that worked out, I decided to commit to a short run on Spider-Man - he's a fun character to draw and frankly - I miss him!"

Source: Comic Book Resources

Romita confirmed with Newsarama that he'll be ending his run on Thor with issue #25 (May 2000), to take over as the Amazing Spider-Man penciler following the upcoming exit of John Byrne with issue #18. This seemingly will give both core Spider-titles - Amazing and Peter Parker - the same creative team of Howard Mackie and Romita.

"I can safely say that this is the first time I leave a title with extreme regret, bordering on melancholy!" the artist told Newsarama. "Working on Thor, with Dan Jurgens, Klaus Janson, Greg Wright, editor Tom Brevoort and his super-assistant Gregg Schigiel has been an absolute highlight in my comic career! The stories have been consistently wonderful, as has the inking! The editorial dept. is top notch! In fact I feel the talent attached to this title is what made it look like I knew what I was doing!"

"I'll miss the character just as much as anything," continued JRJr. "I wall-papered my office with Stan and Jack's version of Thor, for reference sake, and I think that was what made it easy for me to enjoy, from the outset! From then on it was Dan's fantastic plots (I looked forward to reading them as I looked forward to a Clancy novel). As far as Klaus is concerned...I think he is one of, if not the finest inker in the biz! He's also a heck of good friend!"

"The only thing that could get me to move would be the chance to do both main Spidey titles! It happened so I jumped! Who knows if it was smart...I thought the Mets would win the Series!"

There is no immediate word as to who will be take over for Thor after Romita's exit.

John Romita Jr. Leaves Thor For Amazing