The following was originally posted on Newsarama.com:

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The following was originally posted on ComicBookResources.com:

Let's talk about some subjects outside of "Blade" as we wrap up. Is there any chance of you getting back to writing comics? Something at DC or Marvel? Allright, do you have a specific character in mind?

There are a couple of different ones. I will say if I ever do anything at Marvel I'd love to do the Hulk one day. At DC, we're talking about some specific characters, yeah, and I'd be interested in doing the Demon at some point.

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The following was originally posted on ComicBookResources.com:

From this past weekend's Cup of Joe @ the Baltimore Comic Con:

"Ultimate Wolverine Vs. the Hulk"-what happened? "'Lost' is what happened," Quesada said. "Damon [Lindelof] bit off more than he could chew." Later in the panel, Quesada appeared to confirm that Lindelof had finished script three and that they were just waiting on art.

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The following was originally posted on ComicBookResources.com:

Marvel's Big Plans Revealed at Baltimore Retailer Conference

Following the events of "Planet Hulk," "World War Hulk" breaks out with Greg Pak continuing to write the adventures of our favorite green skinned fighting machine with John Romita Jr. handling the art.

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The following was originally posted on Newsarama.com:

Question: This story is Marvel’s big summer blockbuster event for 2007

Answer: What is World War Hulk?

NRAMA: Now you’ve promised no major Civil War-type scope events next summer, Joe. Civil War to “World War” sounds pretty big and escalating to us. This still a smaller scale event, or do you need to amend your earlier promises?

JQ: In scope and as to what it means to the Marvel Universe, World War Hulk is every bit as important and huge as Civil War, it’s actually a story that is made possible by the events of Civil War.

However, with respect to the sheer number of tie in titles, this will nothing like Civil War. It’s a giant story but not a giant publishing event so the investment for fans will be minimal and it will be constructed very similar to our past Ultimate Universe events. But, the story will involve almost everyone, will have lots and lots of smashing and will answer some questions once and for all that have been troubling Marvel readers for some time now.

World War Hulk. or “WWH” as I’m sure we’ll be calling it will be written by Greg Pak and drawn by John Romita Jr. and will be shipping in May. More details to come!

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The following was originally posted on Newsarama.com:

Greg Pak's massive "Planet Hulk" storyline will wrap up with the two-part finale, "Planet Hulk: Armageddon", in March and April's issues #104 and #105, respectively.

However, the acclaimed writer, scriptwriter and director has more smashing to do when it comes to the Green Goliath.

Announced at this past weekend's Baltimore Retailer Summit, Pak will team up with superstar artist John Romita Jr on "World War Hulk". According to Marvel Editor-in-Chief, "WWH" is "Marvel's big summer blockbuster event for 2007."

"World War Hulk" picks up immediately after "Planet Hulk". The first of a planned five-issue arc debuts in May's Incredible Hulk #106 and it will be spread out over three consecutive months.

Details are still sketchy and we're still knee deep in the "Planet Hulk" multi-issue epic. It's been said that some hints as to the future direction of Hulk would be forthcoming in November's Incredible Hulk #100.

However, "WWH"'s not something that's planned at the last minute. "We've known that "World War Hulk" would happen from the day we started planning "Planet Hulk" over a year ago," Pak explained to Newsarama. "Which means that we had almost two years of storyline mapped out from the beginning. It's been great -- that means that we've been able to seed story elements throughout "Planet Hulk" which will pay off in a huge way in "World War Hulk" -- it also means we've been able to build an astronomically huge emotional story for the Hulk stretching over two epic story arcs. It's incredibly exciting for me to work on this level as a writer, and I think the payoff for readers will be enormous."

Big question: Is the Green Gladiator coming back to Earth in the five-part "WWH"? Or is it set in yet another planet in the vast Marvel universe? The writer's lips are "sealed" but added that "[the Hulk] sure has a lot of unfinished business on Earth, doesn't he?"

But what happens when he does return?

"Some might argue that Hulk's true home is the savage planet of Sakaar, where his anger and strength make him a hero in the fight against the wicked Red King. If he ever comes back to Earth, maybe it'll actually be to help his puny human "friends," to show them the way a real hero uses his power," Pak said.

"But then again, maybe the Hulk isn't a hero. Maybe deep down, he's a monster, and once he finishes destroying Sakaar, he won't stop until he's crushed each and every one of those stupid puny humans who sent him there in the first place...

"Whatever happens, rest assured that "World War Hulk" will be an action packed and emotionally mind-blowing epic — and the Hulk will, indeed, smash."

As for Miek, Hiroim, Korg, the Brood Creature, and Elloe, they're all "Warbound" to the Hulk. "They'll stick with him to the death," Pak said. "Of course, the last story arc in "Planet Hulk" is entitled "Armageddon"... But if any of these Warbound gladiators survive, you can bet they'll join Hulk for whatever comes next, no matter what the cost."

From the title of the arc alone, "WWH" sounds so massive in scale. And it sure looks as though it's bigger in scope than Civil War. Again, Pak assured fans that "H ulk will smash like never before. The physical and emotional intensity of this story will be through the roof -- and with the legendary John Romita, Jr. providing the pencils, you won't want to miss a single panel. JRJR knows just how to make every image pop in that huge, insanely exciting way — I can't wait to see him tear into "World War Hulk."

For those who've been following "Planet Hulk", it hits the halfway mark today with the release of Incredible Hulk #98.

Visit www.pakbuzz.com for the latest updates.

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The following was originally posted on ComicBookResources.com:

In the Marvel Universe, Earth is a planet full of heroes and there the power of the Incredible Hulk can often cause more destruction than good, but what happens when the Green Goliath is transported to an alien world in desperate need of heroes? Will the arrival of the Hulk lead to the planet's salvation or destruction? This is the premise of the current storyline in "The Incredible Hulk," the epic fourteen part "Planet Hulk." CBR News spoke with writer Greg Pak about "Planet Hulk" and the storyline that follows it, "World War Hulk."

"Planet Hulk" was born out of an initial idea from the big guy at Marvel. "The inspiration for sending Hulk to an alien planet where he'd battle monsters as a gladiator came from Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada," Pak told CBR News. "I loved the idea from the minute I heard it, so I was blown away when they told me I had the gig and even more blown away when they basically cut me loose to create the whole world."

Books on history and cultural anthropology inspired Pak and helped him create the alien world that would serve as the setting for "Planet Hulk." "I got inspiration for the story by reading about the real lives of gladiators in ancient Rome and from the stories of figures like Genghis Khan and more contemporary warlords, dictators, and political leaders," Pak said. "Sun Tzu's 'Art of War' and Joseph Campbell's 'Power of Myth' played a big role in helping me think through other aspects of the story.

"Planet Hulk" began in February, but it's not too late for new readers looking to jump aboard the blockbuster sci-fi story. Pak provided a synopsis to catch new readers up. "Exiled by a group of Marvel heroes to the savage alien planet of Sakaar, the Hulk become a slave, then a gladiator, and now the Green Scar, a revolutionary leading his Warbound gladiator crew and a band of rebels and refugees against the planet's wicked Red King," Pak told CBR News. "The non-stop action powers a huge emotional question: is the Hulk a monster or a hero? Or, in Sakaarian terms, is the Hulk the Sakaarson, the planet's legendary savior? Or the Worldbreaker, the destroyer of everything?

"It's a sci-fi epic stretching over fourteen issues - it began in February 2006 with 'Incredible Hulk' #92 and ends in April 2007 with 'Incredible Hulk' #105," Pak continued. "New readers can jump on at any time - 'Incredible Hulk' #98, which hit stands September 13, is actually a great starting point, as it sets up the next major character and conflict for the Hulk. 'Incredible Hulk'#100 is another great entry point - it's a double (maybe even triple...) sized issue featuring the beginning of the 'Planet Hulk: Alliance' story arc as well as a backup story in which someone on Earth finally learns what the Marvel heroes did to the Hulk."

After being forcefully exiled from Earth by a group of Marvel Heroes the Hulk was the physical embodiment of Fury and crashing down on Sakaar didn't help his emotional state. "Through 'Exile,' the first story arc in 'Planet Hulk,' the Hulk was driven almost purely by rage," Pak said. "After passing through the wormhole that brought him to Sakaar, he discovered that he could be cut - maybe even killed. And he teamed up with a group of fellow gladiators in order to survive. But every step of the way, he was driven by anger - against the puny humans who sent him here and against the puny pinkies, the Imperial overlords who threw him into the gladiatorial ring and made him fight.

"Now, in the middle of the 'Anarchy' arc, the Hulk's bonded with his Warbound gladiator allies," Pak continued. "And as they rage across the countryside after escaping from the Great Arena, he's beginning to see how his anger is affecting them. Deep down, the Hulk knows that he could literally destroy this whole world. And he fears that if he keeps fighting alongside his Warbound allies, he just might. But at every step, the Hulk and his crew come face to face with the horrors perpetrated by the Red King. Whatever the cost, the Hulk seems destined to keep smashing."

While the Hulk is wrestling with what to do with his rage, some readers might be wondering how Bruce Banner, the other persona that shares the Hulk's consciousness is coping with being marooned on Sakaar. "A ten page story called 'Banner War' in 'Giant Size Hulk' #1 (June 2006) gave a glimpse of what Banner is thinking - and at that time, Banner was desperate to leave Sakaar," Pak explained. "But now, when it's becoming clearer and clearer what's at stake and what the Hulk's responsibilities are on Sakaar, who knows?"

In the current chapter of "Anarchy," the Hulk finds himself with a new responsibility on Sakaar. "'Incredible Hulk' #98, the third chapter in 'Anarchy,' came out on Wednesday. I don't want to spoil too much - let's just say that the divisions within the Warbound come to a head as Hulk and Miek face off - and another figure steps up to take a huge role in the Hulk's life while a terrifying new threat surfaces."

As "Planet Hulk" continues, the Hulk will confront threats all over Sakaar and there will be some off planet action as well. "The broken moon will indeed play a role in upcoming issues - beyond that, my lips are sealed," Pak explained.

The Broken Moon orbits Sakaar and another enigmatic astrological anomaly, The Great Portal, sporadically appears in the space surrounding the planet. It was the portal that brought the Hulk and many other alien castaways from the Marvel Universe to Sakaar. Pak promised a huge reveal about the nature and origin of the Great Portal is forthcoming in "Incredible Hulk" #101.

In addition to the Hulk, the Great Portal has deposited many familiar faces onto Sakaar including representatives from races like the Brood and the Kronans (who battled The Thor in his very first Marvel appearance) and even the Silver Surfer. Pak couldn't reveal if any more familiar faces would be popping up on Sakaar, but he did promise that some established Marvel characters would be appearing in a different setting in an upcoming issue. "There's a twelve page backup story illustrated by the brilliant Gary Frank in Issue #100 that features several familiar faces," Pak stated.

Before issue #100, a new face will appear among the Hulk's growing legion of allies. "Issue #99 will reveal a major addition to the Hulk's team, which will lead right into the first series of twists in 'Allegiance,' Pak explained.

Pak couldn't reveal much information about "Allegiance" or the story arc that follows it "Armageddon," the concluding arc of "Planet Hulk." "For now, I'll let the story arc titles speak for themselves," he said. "But get ready for huge action and a giant payoff that launches right into 'World War Hulk.'"

Before "World War Hulk" begins, readers will finally learn the truth about the legendary figures that many Sakaarians believe the Hulk to be, the Sakaarson and the Worldbreaker. "There will be a huge payoff by the end of the series regarding these Legends," Pak said. "And an even bigger payoff later on down the line. We've got plans we can't even start to hint at yet, but they're big!"

Pak could only provide cryptic hints about his next gamma powered epic, "World War Hulk," which features art by John Romita Jr. "'World War Hulk' begins in May 2007," he stated. "I can't reveal too much. But the events of 'World War Hulk' will come directly from the epic storyline we're building in 'Planet Hulk.' Hulk will smash. And who knows if he'll ever stop."

Whether "World War Hulk" is set on Sakaar or Earth and the identities of the characters that play major roles in the story are two more pieces of information that Pak had to keep under wraps, but he was able to drop another hint about the story. "Hulk is the emotional and physical center of this story," he said. "It's too early for us to reveal who else will be featured, but it might be worth thinking through whom in the universe the Hulk might most like to smash."

The big question of Marvel's "Civil War" story is, "Whose side are you own?" and "World War Hulk" will have a big question about allegiances as well. "The big question is whether Banner will side with or against the Hulk - which may turn on our giant thematic question of whether the Hulk is a hero or a monster," Pak explained. "By the time 'World War Hulk' reaches its climax, all will be revealed."

Many readers hope that the climax of "World War Hulk" will have the Green Goliath getting revenge on The Illuminati, the secret cabal of Marvel heroes who sent him into space. Pak couldn't reveal if this will happen or not but advised fans to check out the Gary Frank illustrated back up story in "Incredible Hulk" #100 for more information on the Hulk's feelings towards the Illuminati and when asked, "How worried should the Illuminati be if the Hulk ever does make it back to earth?" Pak answered, "The short answer: very, very, very worried."

Over the course of "Planet Hulk" readers will become quite familiar with the planet Sakaar and some might be worried that once the storyline wraps and "World War Hulk" begins that they will have seen the last of the unique setting. "Hulk editor Mark Paniccia and I have a couple of year's worth of stories planned out," Pak said. "We can't reveal too much, but rest assured, we're not forgetting Sakaar."

Planning huge sagas like "Planet Hulk" and "World War Hulk" has proved to be a challenging, fun, rewarding, and addictive experience for Pak. "'World War Hulk' may be the biggest comics project I've ever tackled - and I'm thrilled to be working with John Romita, Jr," Pak said. "I was looking back over his work on the 'Wolverine: Enemy of the State' storyline, and I can't wait to see him tackle 'World War Hulk.' It's exactly the kind of insane action that he does better than anyone. I'm also hugely happy to be continuing to develop this epic with Marvel editor Mark Paniccia, who's been my partner in crime throughout 'Planet Hulk.' We're both hooked - we cannot get enough of the Hulk and can't wait to share these insane stories with you."

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The following was originally posted on the Vancouver Sun:

Elan Awards debut on night filled with glitz and goodwill

It was a red-carpet night full of applause, backslapping, Hollywood glitz and a few jokes, too.

Hosted by actor William Shatner of Star Trek fame, the first Canadian Awards for the Electronic and Animated Arts left 37 lucky winners exiting the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond Thursday evening with a new feather in their cap and something known as an Elan.

Viewers choice: game of the year: Kelly Zamak of Radical Entertainment for Hulk Ultimate Destruction.

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The following was originally posted on ComicBookResources.com:

INCREDIBLE HULK #101

Written by Greg Pak, penciled by Carlo Pagulayan and Gary Frank, cover by Ladronn, variant cover by Michael Turner.

"Planet Hulk: Allegiance," part 2. Accompanied by Caiera the Oldstrong and Hiroim the Shamed, the Hulk heads into the hold of the Shadow Elders to learn if he truly is the legendary savior known as the Sakaarson -- or just another angry monster. Also -- secrets revealed about the Great Portal! The final showdown with the Spikes! Elloe makes a shocking decision! And the Hulk smashes and smashes and smashes some more! Featuring pencils by the brilliant Carlo Pagulayan as well as a slew of pages by a surprise guest artist!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 6.

SHE-HULK #14

Written by Dan Slott, penciled by Rick Burchett, cover by Greg Horn.

"Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Awesome Andy But Were Afraid to Ask." Ever wonder how the Mad Thinker's Awesome Android becamse Awesome Andy? It's the origin you never expected‹complete with a bombastic battle against the Mighty Thor! And an ending that'll knock your block off! Also, in the aftermath of Civil War, She-Hulk's life takes one more life-altering turn, courtesy of a mysterious cast member from the pages of the Incredible Hulk. This builds into the start of next month's... Planet (w/o a) Hulk.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 20.

MARVEL HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Written by Mike Carey, Roger Langridge, Scott Gray and Shaenon Garrity, penciled by Mike Perkins, Langridge and Ron Lim, cover by Frazer irving.

Join us in this year's follow-up to last year's Holiday Special! Thrill to the return of the Fin Fang Four! Enjoy the holidays with Thing and Annihilus! And much, much more!

48 pages, $3.99, in stores on Dec. 6.

ONSLAUGHT REBORN #2

Written by Jeph Loeb, pencils and cover by Rob Liefeld, variant cover by Joe Madureira.

The battle for the fate of the Marvel Universe has begun! The Fantastic Four are joined by Hulk, Thor, Captain America, and the Avengers -- all going head-to-head against the most dangerous creature ever created: Onslaught! All-out action as only Jeph Loeb and Rob Liefeld can deliver!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 13.

MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #8

Written by Tony Bedard, pencils by Shannon Gallant, cover by Sean Chen.

The Wrecker. The U-Foes. The Juggernaut. What do these villains have in common? They all hate the mighty Avengers. Can our heroes survive the onslaught when they join forces?

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 20.

BULLET POINTS #2

Written by J. Michael Strazynski, pencils and cover by Tommy Lee Edwards.

With military policeman Ben Parker killed during the assassination of Dr. Abraham Erskine (the developer of the Super Soldier serum), Peter Parker has become a disenchanted teen, angry at the world. After he wanders in front of the path of a gamma bomb test, how dangerous does the combination of a lonely, angry boy and the lethal power of a rampaging Hulk-ish monster become? Steve Rogers, the WWII hero known as Iron Man, is about to find out.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Dec. 6.

ULTIMATES 2 #13

Written by Mark Millar, pencils and cover by Bryan Hitch.

"Grand Theft America." The concluding chapter of the Millar/Hitch tenure on Ultimates has finally arrived! All the running plot lines come to their cataclysmic end in these pages as the Team Supreme puts everything they've got into a grand finale that will take its place alongside the finest comics of the past decade. Alliances are made and relationships are severed in a tale.

48 pages, $3.99, in stores on Dec. 20.

The following was originally posted on Action-Figure.com:

ToyBiz write in with imagery of their second series of Marvel Legends Icons figures (including the 2 variants) that are now hitting stores across the US...

Marvel Legends Icons
Ages 5+, SRP $14.99

Super articulated to heighten the sense of power and flexibility, these mammoth Marvel Heroes look as good in the collector’s box as they do in action. Just place them on their display base with hyper- action stand and fans can replicate their Super Hero’s favorite poses! Adding to the authenticity, Toy Biz has included an exclusive, character-dedicated book: Evolution of an Icon, which contains a full of history of each character, stats, must-read issues and more.

Series 2 consists of:

* Hulk
* Venom

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The following was originally posted on Newsarama.com:

NRAMA: Will World War Hulk be a mini-series or will it run in the Incredible Hulk book?

JQ: World War Hulk will consist of the World War Hulk mini proper, several issues of the monthly Hulk series and perhaps a tie-in book here and there. It will be considerably smaller than Civil War in title count but not in story.

Also, WWH will be a considerably different story than Civil War in one very big respect. Civil War is steep deep in the real world and real world metaphors, WWH will be just wall to wall fun and fantasy and lots and lots of punching and breaking of stuff. We love the idea and its timing because it will be the perfect story to cleanse the palette after the weight of Civil War.

A big green sorbet of sorts.

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The following was originally posted on Action-Figure.com:

The debate rages on over the correct scale of The Hulk! The crux of the issue seems to be that different artists draw Hulk at different scales, making his height range from Marvel’s reported 7+ feet to the over exaggerated 13+ we’ve seen in epic battles were Hulk seems able to destroy a whole city if left unchecked. Luckily, Toybiz has provided a number of Hulk figures which allow you to slide the jade giant into battle along side Spidey and Cap, but none truly showed the extreme, chaotic power behind the creature..until now! The new Icons hulk can be argued to be in scale, even with most legends standing crotch high.

Icons Hulk is articulated with a pegged and hinged head, pegged and hinged shoulders, sculpted upper bicep swivels, hinged elbows, swivel wrists, hinged hands, hinged thumbs, first finger and 2nd, third and fourth on the same hinge, mid torso hinge, waist swivel, hinged and pegged hips, upper thigh swivels, hinged knees, upper calf swivels, hinged ankles, rocker feet and mid-foot hinges. Balance on a figure as bulky as Hulk should be a non-issue, but beware! Hulk’s huge upper body coupled with arms the size of tree trunks can easily tip him into a carpet bound spiral. There is enough articulation here to counteract any issues, but just be aware. Many of the classic poses can be acquired at this level of articulation but if you were looking for the sonic hand clap, double fists to the ground or down on bended knees to look into Betty’s eyes (were there a Betty figure), then I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. Trust that is the ONLY place this figure falls short though, and it’s not a big gripe to make. The 20 other poses more than make up for it.

Sculpt for Icons Hulk is fantastic! The look on his face is somewhere between manic and enraged…the powder keg ready to explode, for lack of a better way to put it. It’s nice to see a Hulk figure without his gums exposed for once! Sure the First Appearance Hulk had the stoic look I loved, but this is the modern version, so I’m happy they went for depth instead of the standard Toybiz battle cry face. For those of you that always wondered what it might be like if SOTA or McFarlane took on Marvel Universe characters…this would likely be the result! Veins stand on end across over pumped biceps and forearms. Musculature is pulled tight across a massive green chest. Fingers and toes end in gnarled, blackened nails that resemble tree bark rather than human anatomy. Hulk’s magic purple pants stretch to maximum capacity complete with tension lines in the fabric and texture all around. Top and bottom of the clothing includes tear detail which even ends in a flare away from the legs, made of a softer plastic. I should note that there are fairly large circular pegs protruding from elbow, knee and ankle joints which probably make the sculptor want to cry. I could say that they become invisible at 3 feet but mine stick out pretty far, at least on the elbows. I suppose I could sand them down a bit but then we go back to the “Why Nomad doesn’t want to work on an action figure when the company could have done it for him in the first place” conversation. You’ll remember this song from every time I talk about the figures from the JLU line that can’t stand on their own. Hair dryer??!!

Paints are very decent here. Hulk’s pale pea green is topped with a light ash dry brushing to play up texture, add depth and simulate shadow. You could complain that too much texture on the face made this brushing all too evident in that area, but at about three feet away you’d never notice. That’s just me being super critical of an already killer piece. Eye and teeth detail is rendered miraculously with superb precision, showing no signs of overspray or missed hits. Even Hulk’s nails get a dark grey paint with a lighter grey brushing while toes get a more brownish brushing …which makes sense with his bare feet and all. All joints are the proper colors which make for a happy Nomad.

If you were on the fence about picking up this Hulk, well, give up. This is the first and last super sized Hulk you will ever want or need. It’s like a sculpture come to life. Sure there are a couple of minor flaws, but considering this is only series 2, things can only go up. Of course…we have that Hasbro change over snag… Cross your fingers.

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The following was originally posted on ComicsContinuum.com:

First Look: Incredible Hulk #99

Incredible Hulk #99 will arrive in stores on Oct. 4 from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Greg Pak, with art by Aaron Lopresti and a cover by Ladronn.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"'Planet Hulk: Anarchy,' part 4. When an insanely powerful, legendary enemy threatens the entire planet, will the Hulk and his army of rebels fight alone -- or join forces with the Empire? Plus, stunning revelations and shocking developments regarding Caiera the Oldstrong, the Emperor's gray-skinned Shadow Guard. And Miek and his hivelings come face-to-face with the destiny of their species. The legend grows and the smashing continues as the 'Planet Hulk: Anarchy' storyline reaches its mind-blowing conclusion."

Incredible Hulk #99 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.99.

For the complete 5 page preview, click here.

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The following was originally posted on Jaded Expressions Magazine:

With the amazing success of his work for Marvel Comics, like X-men: Phoenix - Endsong and Planet Hulk, and other books such as Battlestar Galactica, Greg Pak has taken the comic book industry by storm. What many comic fans don't know is that Pak was originally a screenwriter and director. His most notable and recent film being, Robot Stories, which spawned the behind the scenes book about the film, Robot Stories and More Screenplays. The film garnered over 35 film festival awards and has played around the world. What more is in store for Greg Pak? JXM sat down with the talented writer to discuss his work past and future, and how he ended up writing for a living.

Greg Pak

JXM: As a successful writer and director of film and comics, is this something you've always wanted to do growing up? What more do you hope to accomplish in your career?

Greg: I'm living one of my dreams - basically, I'm making a living doing the things I did for fun when I was ten. My big goal is to keep on telling the stories I care about, in whatever medium fits them the best.

JXM: Being a writer with a film background, what brought you to writing comics and the eventual Marvel gig? Were you always a comic fan?

Greg: I grew up reading and loving comics, but as an adult, it never occurred to me to try to get work in the comics industry. I was pretty well-ensconced in the independent film world, making and distributing my feature film Robot Stories. But one day my agent called me to say that Marvel was looking for new writers, and would I be interested? And I said, "Absolutely!" And three years later, here we are.

It's been pretty fantastic, because comics let me play with many of the elements that inspired film projects of mine like Robot Stories. I love genre of almost any kind - science fiction, fantasy, horror, noir. And I think there's something really powerful that happens when you combine genre with genuinely honest, emotional storytelling. The conventions of the genre provide amazing opportunities for building subtext and creating emotional and thematic resonance. And as an Asian American writer, I'm particularly interested in the way the smart use of genre can bring entirely new audiences to stories with multiracial casts.

JXM: Your diverse educational background includes political science, history, and of course film. How have all of these fields helped you in your development as a writer?

Greg: It's all enormously helpful. As just one example, right now I'm writing the Planet Hulk storyline for The Incredible Hulk comic. It's a crazy sci-fi epic in which the Hulk is exiled to an alien planet where he becomes a slave, then a gladiator, and now the leader of a revolution. And all of that history and political science background has been hugely helpful in creating and developing the world in which the Hulk finds himself. Great genre storytelling thrusts us into fantastical worlds which give us new ways to think about our own world - so it's important to have an understanding and perspective on our world in order to create those new worlds.

JXM: As a writer and film director, who are some of your inspirations and influences?

Greg: Akira Kurosawa and Billy Wilder are my big film heroes. Current filmmakers who frequently blow my mind include Spielberg and Ang Lee and Ridley Scott and Hayao Miyazaki. Prose writers I've always loved include Ray Bradbury, Mark Twain, William Faulkner, Lloyd Alexander, and Maxine Hong Kingston. My current literary obsession is Jane Austen - incredibly funny and sharp and humane all at once.

JXM: From your own experience, what valuable pieces of advice would you give to aspiring writers and filmmakers who'd like to make it in this business?

Greg: Three big things - first, do everything you can to learn about the craft. Read books, take classes, join workshops, go to school - the path is different for everyone, but somehow we all need to find ways to seriously study what we do. Second, do the work. If you're a writer, write. If you're a director, direct. There's almost no excuse not to these days - it's possible to make a short film for a hundred dollars or less. Third, ruthlessly seek out criticism and feedback so you can find out the flaws in your work and get better. This can be incredibly painful, but it's absolutely essential if we're to get better at what we do.

For fellow filmmakers interested in more detailed practical advice and articles on low-budget filmmaking, please feel free to check out my website www.filmhelp.com. Also, the Robot Stories and More Screenplays paperback (available for purchase at Immedium.com) has detailed introductions describing the writing and production of many of my films.

Robot Stories

JXM: Tell us a little bit about your critically acclaimed feature film, Robot Stories.

Greg: Robot Stories is science fiction from the heart, four stories in which utterly human characters struggle to connect in a world of robot babies, robot toys, android office workers, and digital immortality. The film stars Tamlyn Tomita and Sab Shimono and has won 35 film festival awards. It's now available on DVD from Kino and the book of the screenplay can be bought at Immedium.com or Amazon.com.

JXM: What brought about the decision to portray your themes of human emotion and the human need for connection through, first of all, robots, and secondly, four little stories, as opposed to one?

Greg: Science fiction in general and robots in particular provide ideal means through which to explore the human heart. First, because one of the best ways to make something interesting is to work with contrasts, to play with surprise. So combining science fiction with genuine emotional storytelling is the kind of creative contrast that can spark fun, surprising stories. And second, because when you think seriously about robots and artificial intelligence, you end up asking the kinds of questions that are vital for all of us - who am I? What am I doing here? What is this thing you humans call love? Great stuff.

Regarding the decision to make an anthology film, I actually never wanted to - anthology films are notoriously hard to market and sell. But sometimes things creep up on you just because they're the absolute right thing at the right time. I'd written three of the four stories in Robot Stories at different times over several years. I didn't originally see the connections between them, but at a certain point, I was going through my file of unproduced screenplays and realized I'd written three scripts that dealt with robots and the human heart. So the project sort of ambushed me. These were all stories I'd been compelled to write, and suddenly I realized they shared a thematic thread and just about had to become a feature film.

JXM: Was there anything specific that initially inspired Robot Stories?

Greg: Years ago I heard about a production company that was looking for Mother's Day stories to make into short films. I mused over the challenge and came up with a few ideas. Of course, my stories involved a woman who had to take care of a robot baby and a mother who became obsessed with finishing her dying son's robot toy collection. These were not, apparently, this particular production company's idea of appropriate Mother's Day stories. But I loved the ideas, so I wrote the scripts anyway, and they eventually became the first two tales in Robot Stories.

Comic Books and Film

JXM: With a growing library of Marvel books under your belt, what characters, Marvel or otherwise, would you like to tackle?

Greg: I've had great opportunities at Marvel to play with most of the characters I've loved over the years. But I'd love to have a chance to do more with Storm - she's always been one of my favorite X-Men. I'm also a big fan of the Deathlok, Cyborg, and Morbius. But I'm most excited right now about telling more stories with Amadeus Cho, aka Mastermind Excello, the Korean American boy genius on the run I created for Marvel's Amazing Fantasy #15 anthology book. I'll spill the beans right here - the character will pop up in a prominent role in Incredible Hulk #100, which hits comic book stores in November. Dontcha dare miss it!

JXM: In addition to The Incredible Hulk, X-men: Phoenix - Warsong, and Battlestar Galactica, are there any other books you can tell us about that you're working on?

Greg: I have a few more projects in the hopper, but nothing I can reveal just yet, alas. But readers can always find the latest news at www.pakbuzz.com.

JXM: What's next for you in the world of film? Any upcoming projects?

Greg: I have a couple of short films in festivals right now - a sci fi short called Super Power Blues and a loopy comedy called Happy Hamptons Holiday Camp for Troubled Couples. Both films are screening around the country in September and October - for the latest screening times and venues, check out www.pakbuzz.com.

JXM: Thanks for chatting with us Greg!

Greg: Thank you!

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The following was originally posted on Newsarama.com:

Moving on…re: our Gary Frank comment from last week. C’mon, he’ll be drawing Incredible Hulk the ongoing series while John Romita Jr. draws World War Hulk, right?

JQ: Okay, you got me... Yes, Gary will be illustrating some issues of Hulk! And, just to be a tease, you’ll see some of Gary’s first Hulk pages in a special 12 page story in Hulk #100 (it’s even Civil War related).

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