There's nothing objectively wrong with Ditko's return to Marvel on the upcoming Marvelman series.
The largest (and strangely most underreported) news story to come from this year’s New York Comic Con was Marvel’s shocking announcement that not only would legendary creator Steve Ditko be returning to monthly mainstream comics work, but that he would be writing and illustrating the highly-anticipated 12-issue Marvelman maxi-series- officially bringing the character into the Marvel Universe.
Steve was gracious enough to meet with NewComicsDay for this exclusive one on one interview with legendary interviewer nilskidoo, even hand delivering the required pony keg of Guinness to NCD headquarters.
NCD- Steve- can I call you Steve?
Ditko- I’d rather not.
NCD- Excellent. Steve, I know this is your first real interview in many years, and I want to think you for coming to NewComicsDay. You have actually maintained a fairly mysterious image, largely stemming from your controversial Randian views. But I mean, say what you like about the tenets of Objectivism, dude, at least it’s an ethos. So why face true, front believer?
Ditko- It’s all politics. Stan Lee and I never really had any big issues. Lots of folks are oh so quick to forget that he actually gave me my first copy of Atlas Shrugged! And I’ve seen firsthand how writers and artists are more prone to jumping into experimental and philosophical belief structures than non-creative types. Fifty years ago lots of people were wrestling with some pretty big demons, so Objectivism really just gave me something to believe in.
NCD- And time kinda slipped away?
Ditko- Hey, it happens! Now all of a sudden, it seems like every GOP Conservative is claiming Ayn Rand to be their own patron saint. You really think John Galt would vote Republican? Who is John Galt? He was a hardworking blue collar greasemonkey. What do Republican politicians know about hardworking blue collar greasemonkeys? Galt had problems with folks above him making scratch off his efforts, so he went on strike. Modern Republicans would be more likely to call in their mob pals to play strikebreakers, ya know what I mean?
So I figured I’d hop back into the mainstream comic book thing to raise the dough so I can sue the Ayn Rand Foundation for misrepresentation. I call it my oatmeal plan- because it’s the right thing to do!
NCD- But you have been self-publishing comics for years though. Will those continue?
Ditko- You kidding? You know how much money Marvel can throw around now that they’re owned by Disney?
NCD- So tell us about Marvelman. How did you become involved?
Ditko- For the last twenty years or so, more and more artists have been learning to draw by tracing photos. That’s fine, but a character just doesn’t feel like it’s from the Marvel bullpen unless either me or Kirby draws it. Everyone knows that.
NCD- And Jack “the king” Kirby is, unfortunately, dead…
Ditko- Wrong again, bucko. Remember that bit where Jack was hired by the CIA to design a theme park based on the Zelazny novel Lords Of Light? Well, that was just the tip of the iceberg. So, Jack had to go and fake his own death. But I’ve said too much…
NCD- So back to Marvelman.
Ditko- Right, back to Marvelman. Kirby ain’t playing ball right now. So like the old days I have to jump in to cover for him. Joey Quesada said I can do pretty much whatever I want with the character, as most Marvel readers nowadays have attention spans so short they won’t even realize there’s no Bendis or Wolverine until after the purchase is made. But if necessary for the trade they can digitally add a Bendis script and Wolverine on every page. I actually started working on the book about a year ago, so we should be ready to roll next month. If sales are good I can get started on the next 12-issue Marvelman maxi-series.
NCD- Cool! So while we wait on the sales reports, are there any other upcoming Ditko projects NewComicsDay readers might like to know about?
Ditko- As a mater of fact, just last Saturday I was out bowling with little Danny Didio and Bobby Wayne- the DC guys. And Danny was lamenting at how they’d completely forgotten to include Lobo in that new DC52 thingamagig. They know I’m not necessarily exclusive with Marvel right now, so I said I’d take a crack at her. We’ll see how it goes. Of course I don’t know thing one about Lobo except that it’s Spanish for wolf. And wolves are fun to draw, right? Kids love ‘em. So, Spanish like que sera, sera. Whatever will be, will be, ya know?
NCD- Marvelman AND Lobo comics from you. Sounds great, Steve. And thanks again for scooping NewComicsDay.
Ditko- No problem. And that’s Mister Ditko to you.
NCD- Sure thing, Steve.
For more information on Steve Ditko, check out Ditkomania!
