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.