[SDCC:] MARVEL SECRET INVASION PANEL

Welcome once again Wizardites and Wizarditesses to another installment of Kevin M.’s San Diego Comic-Con 2008 panels. This time, I’m at arguably Marvel’s most popular panel—The Secret Invasion Panel! The line outside stretched far beyond the convention interiors and out into the setting sun. They’re still waiting for a few people to come into the room, so except more soon!

Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada started off the panel to many applause and cheers from the crowd.
“Alright, we’re done,” joked Quesada.
Quesada introduced the “humungous dais” of guests beside him: Marketing Guru Jim McCann, Joe Pokaski, Christos Gage, Peter David, Greg Pak, Fred Van Lente, Ivan Brandon, Jason Aaron, Brian Reed, Chris Yost, editor Nick Lowe, Daniel Way and C.B. Cebulski.

Quesada then showed some pages from Secret Invasion #5, and announced a new Thunderbolts team of Andy Diggle and Roberto De La Torre.
Marvel also announced “War of Kings,” which starts in August with Pokaski’s Inhumans tie-in and with a series coming up at the end of this year by Yost about Vulcan, Havok, Polaris and others. McCann said “War of Kings” focuses on a bevy of the Marvel space-based characters—including the Guardians of the Galaxy and Nova.

Questions then opened to the audience.

A fan asked about Parker Robins and whether an ongoing series might be in the works after Secret Invasion.
“That’s a fantastic question,” said Quesada. “Will there be an ongoing with the Hood? Probably not.”
However, Quesada did say that Bendis does have plans for the character. Behind Quesada an image presented at Wizard World Chicago of Emma Frost, the Hood, Doctor Doom, Namor and Loki appeared on the screen.

A fan asked how far ahead Marvel plans.
“We have what we call The Big Marvel Summits,” said Quesada. “The big ones are the broad brush strokes of the Marvel Universe.”
Quesada also said the sometimes happy accidents occur, such as Civil War.

Another fan questioned about whether Norman and Harry would have a reunion in the future. Quesada assured the fan that it would be addressed, and that Norman and Harry will have a connection coming up.

A fan asked about when the “War of Kings” event will be coming about.
“It is definitely coming up early next year,” said Lowe. “It won’t be a big summer event, but it will be a winter, spring event. So bring your long coats and sweaters, and then your dress for the last half.”

Another fan asked about the Infinity Gems and whether they would be seen again anytime soon.
“If I had my way, we will,” said Reed. “The infinity Gems is one of my favorite pieces of Marvel lore. I keep talking to editor Tom Brevoort saying, ‘I want to do this. I want to do this.’ But the opportunity hasn’t arisen yet.”

Brian Bendis called in to talk to Bob, who early called Bendis a punk for not coming to the show.
“He says he’s at Alan Moore’s house,” said Bob.

Quesada put Bendis on speaker phone to answer questions from fans.
A fan asked if Alias ties in to SI: Bendis said no, but it will in “Secret Invasion 2. Coming next Fall.”
Another fan asked why Bendis sold out Powers and Bendis said, “Boo you,” to much applause and laughter.
Another fan asked if the Skrull in House of M would be explored and Bendis said their story would be told in New Avengers #45.
After answering a few questions, Bendis thanked everyone in the audience for supporting the book and everyone on the panel for enhancing the event. He also promised a “super ending.”

Talking about his current involvement at Marvel, David expressed how much he enjoyed being a part of the industry in this day and age.
“I can truthfully say that I’ve never been as happy as a writer as I am right now,” said David. “People think in most industry’s when you’re older you’re slushed off to the side. I’m middle aged and I’ve never felt more vital.”

A fan asked about Deadpool and what he’ll be doing and what direction the book will be going in.
“Deadpool is one a mission for someone I can’t tell you about something I can’t tell you about,” laughed Way. “The direction afterward, oh, I can’t tell you about that either.”

A fan asked if Layla Miller will be get an origin story and if she’ll be back in the Marvel Universe. David said he was “in no rush to give a lengthy exposition” on her backstory because it adds to her air of mystery. He also confirmed that Layla will be back in regular continuity.