Inter-Action
"Ask Matt" Fan Forum Archives
Here are Matt Idelson's answers to questions fans put to him in February 2008:
Matt's Answers
Rob B. (Email address withheld by request) asks:As of Feb 8, 2008, DC's site has stated that Action Comic Annual #11 is now set for a April 9. Before that it was March. Before March is was February, and before that... I can't remember. Johns has stated that Kubert's was the reason for the delay when the MONTHLY was pushed back. Bottom line is what is the reason for the push backs to this storyarc that started in early 2006?
Matt: Hey, Rob. A fair question, without a doubt. I can only go into so much detail because of my position here, but there have been a lot of factors that have interfered with the timely delivery of this storyline overall. Quite honestly, we should have been able to break ground on the initial issue many months earlier than we did, but that's just one factor that contributed to the snail-like pace of this thing. Adam had some very definite health issues during the second half of the storyline, which he tried to battle through without avail. Suffice it to say, he's exceptionally healthy now (well, except for his mind), and this is one of those stories that I think will have been worth the wait. We're almost done with it, and it's just stunning. I included one of the pages for Steve to post as he sees fit. Hopefully, you'll agree with me. If not, well, I'm used to it. :-(
John (Jpfx75@verizon.net) asks:
I know you sort of cleared up Supergirl's origins in last months questions, but I was wondering if you can clear up the origins the current version of the Legion of Super-Heroes, the version Supergirl was with, because when the series started all the heroes of the past were fictional characters in comic books. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and so on, were only comic book characters. Then Supergirl ends up in this version of the Legion of Super-Heroes universe and the Legion wonder how she can be in their universe if she's a fictional character, and then suddenly she goes from being fictional to real, then they show her Superman's past, but how could they show her Superman's past if he only fiction character, and then books goes from the heroes of the 21st century being fictional characters to being real. So I'm confused.
Matt: YOU'RE confused?!? John, I knew the scoop until I read your question and subsequently suffered a brain aneurism. Thanks for that. Seriously, I can clear things up, but I'd rather not. There's been a lot of activity involving the Legion lately, between their monthly title, the version of them we saw in the JLA/JSA crossover, and now the guys showing up in ACTION. All I can say is, it ALL MAKES SENSE, and will be addressed in what's going to be a very, very special project. There's a major taste of what's to come on two pages in issue #863. Can't wait to hear your reaction to those.
Michael Sacal (Email address withheld by request) asks:
First of all, I wanted to thank you for taking responsability for the myriad of mistakes across the Superman titles. It's refreshing to see someone associated with Superman take blame for the mistakes in the stories instead of blaming them on New Earth or Superboy Prime's punches, like Busiek and others have done in the last few years. Having said that, is there any chance that this mistakes will ever be addressed IN story? Have the characters aknowledge that, for instance, in one story the LexCorp building was the version from Birthright only to change into the version from the Man of Steel continuity in the following issue, or the aforementioned mistake with Supergirl's problems, or Superman's ignorance of having met five people called Zod.... and on and on and on and on.
Matt: That's an awesome question, Michael (and I'm not just saying that 'cause you buttered me up). For as long as I've been editing, I've been a proponent of taking continuity glitches and making them launching points for stories. Doing so not only validates the earlier stories that were compromised, but shows a respect for the readers who put down their hard-earned cash to buy the books. Oh, and we get another story out of the mix, too. I would very much like to address the inconsistencies that cropped up while we were driving at 150 mph (in a 30 mph lane) the last year and half, but it's going to take some time. We've got this story coming up in ACTION starting in June which is going to send a lot of dominos falling, requiring SUPERMAN, ACTION and SUPERGIRL to participate. But someday (like, in 2010), we should have the ability to go back and scrape out the litter box.
Paul Belfi (paulbelfi@hotmail.com) asks:
Matt... My love for Superman has never gone away. Unfortunately my keeping up with him in the comics has been mostly on again and off again. I am somewhat aware of all the things going on with DC (Crisis, Infinite Crisis, etc.) and frankly I am totally lost. So for someone like me who wants to re-discover Superman and know exactly where he stands today in terms of continuity, who the players are in his world, etc. or for the people who are looking to get into the Superman/DC Universe... where would you suggest we begin? HELP!!
Matt: Don't jump, Paul! It's okay! I can point you in two directions: forward or backward. If you want instant gratification, then go backward and pick up the UP, UP AND AWAY! trade that collects the storyline from SUPERMAN and ACTION COMICS of the same name. It's set after INFINITE CRISIS. Or, you can chill out for the next couple of months sipping lemonade and start reading with ACTION COMICS #866 and SUPERMAN #677. Both books are out in June, and both will really be setting the tone for much of what is to come through the rest of next year and much of 2009. And if you can't bear to wait that long, pick up the ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #11 - I hear it's coming out in April - which will also give you a sneak peek as far as Superman's supporting players.
Thanks Matt! Just out of curiosity, which version of Superman is your personal favorite? Golden Age, Silver Age, Modern, etc...?
Matt: I love them all as if they were my children, Steve. Don't you?
Of course... Nice dodge. :)
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