Well there are no words to truly encapsulate the insanity of this last week. It’s best if I just tell you about it in this week’s installment of The Impact.

Neil Gaiman’s Angela Returns to the Marvel Universe.

SPOILERS Courtesy of the New York Times. This June Neil Gaiman returns to Marvel and he is bringing a friend. In the conclusion of the Age of Ultron Gaiman’s creation the angelic warrior, Angela will make her debut in the Marvel Universe. Until 2012 Gaiman’s creation had long been tied up in a legal dispute with Spawn creator Todd McFarlane. Angela will also appear in the fifth issue of the Guardians of the Galaxy which Gaiman will written by both Brian Michael Bendis and Neil Gaiman. This is the second comic project from Gaiman this year as he returns  to Sandman in November.

Andy Diggle Leaves Action Comics.

Well the game of musical chairs that is DC’s “New 52” continues. This time two creators leave their books before their runs even begin. Andy Diggle confirmed on Twitter that he would be leaving Action Comics after only one issue. He stated the cause of his departure was “professional reasons.” It was then announced that artist Tony Daniel would be taking over as both writer AND artist. Then on Friday we learned that Daniel clarified his exact involvement on the book,

“For the remainder of the arc I’ll be working off his plots to finish out this first arc,” Daniel continued.  “So essentially, I become ‘scripter’ in the credits w/ Andy as ‘plotter.’

“As for myself, I end my short run after I complete this first arc, which ends with issue 21. This was preplanned since last fall as there is another project I’ll be taking on, and assisting with, a massive project with DC. I still think people will like this arc and I’m staying as true as I can be to Andy’s plans for this story. In the end I hope he’ll find it somewhat recognizable as something he took part in.”

So who do you want to take over Action Comics once Daniel wraps up his arc?

Joshua Hale Fialkov Leaves Green Lantern Corp and Red Lanterns.

While the news of Diggle’s departure from Action Comics was breaking Bleeding Cool reported that newly appointed Green Lantern Corp. and Red Lanterns writer Joshua Hale Fialkov had left both titles.  Fialkov confirmed the news several hours later on his website.

Hey guys,

Just a quick note to confirm what everyone knows, I am no longer the writer of GLC and Red Lanterns for DC Comics. There were editorial decisions about the direction of the book that conflicted with the story I was hired to tell, and I felt that it was better to let DC tell their story the way they want. I’m grateful for the opportunity and I’ll miss working with the entire Green Lantern team.

This was not an easy decision to make emotionally or financially, but, I’m sure it was the right decision for both me, and for the Green Lantern books. The outpouring of support, your kind words and well wishes means so much to me and my family.

In the meantime, I’ll be writing ALPHA: BIG TIME and THE ULTIMATES over at Marvel, and THE DEVILLERS at Dynamite. I’ve got a couple more projects in the works, so stay tuned.

Thanks again,
j.

Reports started coming out from both Bleeding Cool and CBR that the reason for Fialkov’s departure was due to an editorial edict to kill John Stewart.  Stewart, is one of if not THE most recognizable African-American character in comics and news of his possible death was not met well by the fans. After a quick and intense uproar incoming Green Lantern writer Robert Venditti and Executive Director of Publicity Alex Segura  tweeted that there were no plans to kill Stewart.

I however do believe there was a plan to kill John Stewart this is not the only time we have heard creators and editorial clash heck at this point it is becoming common place. If it is true I really want to commend Fialkov for sticking to his guns and literally saving John Stewart. I look forward to thanking him. If you are a fan of the character you should to.

In regards to who is replacing Fialkov… on Green Lantern Corp. Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer writer Van Jensen will co-plot with Robert Venditti. Swamp Thing writer Charles Soule will take the writing reins on Red Lanterns.

 While there were not a lot of new comic news stories the stories that did break were pretty huge. Well that is all for this week, I hope to see you all this weekend at WonderCon.

Matt Todd

matthew@comicimpact.com