Fans were shocked and outraged when Marvel Comics sacked writer Mark Waid
and artist Mike Wieringo from "Fantastic Four" a few months back, when the
series was garnering critical acclaim. Though Mark Waid spoke to CBR News
about the firing, fans still questioned Editor-In-Chief Joe Quesada at
numerous conventions. It was obvious that this decision, and the
introduction of a New York playright as the new writer, were not overly
popular with fans, despite the written explanation provided by Marvel.
Well, never say the fans don't have a say in what happens.
On Wieringo's online web diary, colloquially called a "blog," the artist
revealed that he and Waid were back on "Fantastic Four," with the issue
following what was expected to be their last. He said:
"And they say you can't go home again.
"Well, I'm VERY happy to be able to announce that I'm going to be BACK as
the regular penciler on FANTASTIC FOUR as of issue #509-- working with my
buddy Mark Waid. That's right, we're back as the creative team of the
World's Greatest Comic Magazine. Well, Mark will have never really have left
in the first place, but you get my drift.
"I'm not going to speculate on the reasons why things have turned out the
way they have. It's been a very strange (almost) four months since the whole
"Mark Waid firing" incident-- but all I CAN say is that I'm very glad that
things have turned out the way they have. I'm back working on one of the
greatest books I've every worked on, with one of the greatest writers in
comics. And working for Tom Brevoort-- one of the finest, best editors in
this business. So, at the end of the day, things are back to being the way
they were-- only better. And that's just fine with me.
"I'm ready to get back to work!
"Mike"
Fan reaction on the CBR Forums and the CBR-hosted Wieringo forum has been
overwhelmingly positive and stay tuned to CBR News for more on this
developing story.