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CBR TV @ WC12: Tom Brevoort Talks “AvX,” Events & Tumblr

Marvel Comics Executive Editor and Senior Vice President of Publishing Tom Brevoort brought the party to the CBR Tiki Room at WonderCon in Anaheim, CA, where the longtime Marvel mainstay sat down with CBR’s Kiel Phegley to discuss “Avengers Vs. X-Men,” how to plan an event comic, continuity, and the next era of Marvel Comics.

The conversation began by focusing on Marvel Infinite Comics, one of Marvel’s new digital publishing initiatives, debuting April 4th with a Nova story by Mark Waid and Stuart Immonen.

Next Brevoort steered the comic toward the massive “Avengers Vs. X-Men” crossover event, and Brevoort touched on the editorial structure for it within Marvel, as well as his own involvement with the Marvel AR added value content. Brevoort revealed that the main series — 12 issues featuring five writers and 3 pencillers — was produced sequentially, a necessity given the size of the undertaking.

While Marvel has found a formula for how they launch and orchestrate their events, Brevoort said it can’t be replicated exactly the same each time without diminishing returns. He also spoke to “AvX’s” three act structure and the necessity of having the three different artists each tackle one. As for continuity, Brevoort said Editorial is careful to make sure events have a character-driven story that affects the larger universe, rather than playing with all the toys because they’re all in the sandbox.

After being asked about the introduction of Hope to the Marvel Universe and how all the intervening events led to “AvX,” Brevoort recounted the broad strokes of how each story since then shaped the Universe and allowed this event, whose origins date back all the way to “House of M,” to finally happen.

Brevoort also touched on his tumblr blog, themarvelageofcomics.tumblr.com, where he posts art and other material related to Marvel Comics, and the one scan that got away. Brevoort said most of the artwork is from his own personal collection and meant to amuse him, but he also tries to share his archive with the world.

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  • Kill563

    I hope white phoenix is involved in this

  • morganw

    I seriously hope that this not another big event that will segue to a new “different” status quo that will hold for about a year before the next big event that will segue to a new “different” status quo that will hold for about a year before the next big event that will segue to a new “different” status quo that will hold for about a year before the next big event that will segue to a new “different” status quo that will hold for about a year before the next big event that will segue to a new “different” status quo that will hold for about a year before the next big event that will etc. to the (marvel) infinit(e)y (comics).

    “It’s time for you to make your statement, and hold on to that for a long while. This way the next time you present your big event, it will have an actual impact, not a false representation of one.

    I understand that these event comics are your highest selling books and they generate a large percent revenue for your company. But with time the numbers will drop because people will realize it is, in fact, more of just the same”
    -Me to the machine

    That being said, Marvel and I have been in a relationship for about 15 years. Lately I’ve been noticing that what once was love has now become somewhat of an abusive relationship. Sometimes she forces me to do things I don’t agree with or can’t afford (double shipping/price increases, low page counts ). I still hold strong feelings for her but I’m in no position to let this keep on. Who knows what the future holds, she still has some good qualities to her. I’ll continue to remember those and maybe stop by for the occasional visit.

    In all seriousness, I think Marvel has plenty amazing creators and I still love their characters. But I’m not on board with the business side of things, although it’s completely understandable that we all have to make a living. I don’t feel like I’m on my own when it comes down to my dislike of higher priced titles for less page count. (2 pages makes a difference. (SIZE MATTERS. hee hee hee))

    I’m curious to hear what others think, not just about Marvel or their events, but the industry in general. What they think can be changed and should stay.
    Just random discussion. Better than studying cal.

    P.S. Side note, X-men have been allegory for the minorities since their inception. If the x-men don’t win AVX, that will make the Avengers the Oppressors. How bad would that be for the film franchise? (drum roll please)

    P.P.S. no i’m not a d-bag….seriously……..

                                                                                   …i’m not

    Take care!

    • morganw

       i wish this weren’t so ridden with spelling mistakes, i need to fire my editor. GEEEEZ

      • morganw

         AND grammatical errors. OH G-D!!!!!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=701905796 Anthony Janssen

    This was a great interview. Thanks Kyle/CBR.
    As for AvX, I have never been as excited about a comic as I for this. I loved Childrens Crusade (love Wiccan and Speed), but ever since HoM I’ve wanted more and more of the Scarlet Witch.