Bloggers say nice things about Greg Pak’s comics

Ben Morse on “World War Hulk”:

It’s a timeless tale twisted in enough ways to be novel and it’s also packing the secret weapon of the one and only John Romita Jr. on art, and his pairing with Pak could not be more perfect as he draws just as grand as his writing counterpart tends to plot.

Jennifer Smith on “War Machine”:

And all of these characters, be they male or female, are strong, intelligent, and very, very good at their jobs. When the women are in danger, they’re saved due to the efforts of a mixed-gender team – as are the men. And if some non-white characters have shady criminal histories, they’re balanced out by those with impeccable records. These characters defy stereotypes and pigeonholing, and though their cultural backgrounds have obviously had an impact on their lives, as we see specifically in flashbacks to Rhodey’s childhood, their race isn’t their sole defining feature.

Marvel interviews Greg Pak about “War Machine” #9

Marvel.com has interviewed writer Greg Pak about “War Machine” #9, which features the beginning of a final showdown between James Rhodes and Norman Osborn and hits stores on September 16. Here’s an excerpt:

“Norman’s always playing multiple hands [and] only he knows if he sees Ultimo and Rhodey himself as tools or threats,” Pak notes. “But all will revealed over the course of issues #9 and #10. And Norman may find himself playing a very specific role that he absolutely didn’t anticipate. The Rhodey/Norman showdown will be a massive fight with life-changing consequences. Only one armored hero will be standing at the end of this one.”
Given the number of unforeseen obstacles that Rhodey has had to deal with in the last few issues, it might seem as if very little has gone according to any type of plan. But looks can also deceive, according to Pak.
“Rhodey’s all about adaptation these days,” reminds the writer. “His primary power is the ability to assimilate any new technology he comes into contact with. So he’s well equipped to adjust to changing circumstances. But Rhodey absolutely has a master plan and a huge endgame, all of which will be revealed in issue #10. I’ll just say that Ultimo isn’t the only reason he came back to the United States.”

Click here for the whole interview.

Preview of “Incredible Hercules” #134

Comic Book Resources has posted an exclusive preview of art from “Incredible Hercules,” written by Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente and penciled by Reilly Brown.
Click here to view the pages.
“Incredible Hercules” #134 hits comic book stores on September 9. Here’s the solicitation text:

“The Replacement Thor” continues as the Mighty Hercules, wearing the Thunder God’s togs and towing a most unexpected guest star along to provide the pyrotechnics, descends to mysterious Svartalfheim to save the day from a new threat among the Dark Elves. But everything changes when the wicked Elven Queen turns out to be as languorously lovely as she is lethal! What Would Thor Do? Probably not what happens in this book!

Newsarama interviews Pak and Van Lente about “Assault on New Olympus”

Lucas Siegel of Newsarama has interviewed writers Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente about the “Assault on New Olympus” storyline coming to the “Incredible Hercules” book later this year. An excerpt:

VAN LENTE: At least. And the shocking climax of New Olympus will have a major radical shift in status quo for Hercules that will tie in even closer to the mainstream goings on of the Marvel Universe…
PAK: But it’s totally a Hercules story as all the plotlines we’ve been doing throughout our whole run will be coming to a head. From the very beginning we planned out a huge arc for Herc and Amadeous, and it’s all leading up to this huge climax. But it’s all part of the master plan here in telling a story that really matters for these characters.
NRAMA: Can each of you give readers one specific moment from an upcoming issue that they should really look forward to?
PAK: I’m gonna heavily plug the moment when Hercu-Thor meets Thor-cules. In Incredible Hercules #136. Just imagine the hijinks that will ensue. We’ve got Hercules on a mission posing as Thor, and at the climax of this mission, a guy who looks remarkably like the real Thor shows up in a Hercules costume. Hijinks a plenty will be there, and perhaps some “THRAKADOOM”s as well.
NRAMA: You realize how ridiculous that sentence was: “Hercu-Thor meets Thor-cules.”
PAK: (laughs) Yeah! That’s the tools of our trade, my friend, ridiculousness and improbable word play.

Click here to read the whole thing.

2009.08.11 – Pak, Van Lente, Quesada, Claremont, and Janson in NYC!

“Incredible Hulk” writer Greg Pak will attend a special Q&A and signing session with Fred Van Lente, Joe Quesada, Chris Claremont, and Klaus Janson in New York City on August 11. The event is part of the celebration of Marvel Comics’ 70th Anniversary and will begin at 7 pm at the Barnes and Noble at 150 E. 86th Street in Manhattan.
Click here for the official announcement.

Comic Book Resources likes “War Machine” #8

“War Machine” #8, written by Greg Pak with art by Leonardo Manco, has scored a nice review from Comic Book Resources. An excerpt:

If you remember the “West Coast Avengers” series from years gone by, then Greg Pak has a special treat for you. Following the activities of the past few issues, James Rhodes has to answer to former teammates about the deeds he has meted out in the name of justice. Pak does a great job of pacing this tale and highlighting the personalities of the Wackos (as Ben Grimm used to call them) as he uses Clint “I Can’t Believe He’s Not Hawkeye” Barton to crack the shell of what is really going on.

Click here to read the whole thing.

ComicMonsters.com interviews Greg Pak about his return to “Incredible Hulk”

ComicMonsters.com’s Gary M. Miller has interviewed writer Greg Pak about his return to “Incredible Hulk,” starting with issue #601 on August 26. Here’s an excerpt:

“While ‘SMASH’ must invariably follow ‘HULK,’ I’ve been eager to get my hands on Banner for a long time and I’m having an absolute blast writing him. We’re in for some good, meaty character development as well as some wild new action as a result.” He adds: “A Hulk book needs massive smashing. That’s the visceral hook of the whole concept. At the same time, all that smashing only really pays off if there’s an emotional story that works. Certain stories will require more Banner or more Hulk, and that’s fine, as long as we get that crazy vicarious pleasure of the smash combined with the emotional complexity and character development that makes us care.”

The interview features a slew of exclusive preview art as well — click here to check it out!