A Word From One of the Creators
From the desk of Eric Ratcliffe
Alright, confession time: I know absolutely nothing about the Hobgoblin. Well, other than the fact that he was in the ’90s cartoon and was basically only created because Marvel didn’t want to bring back the real Green Goblin at that point. And it’s not that I hate the character or anything, it’s just that to me he’s one of those confusing characters with way too convoluted of a backstory that kind of makes the industry come off stereotypcial when you have to explain a character like that to someone who doesn’t read comics.
I do, on the other hand, really like Phil, but I think that’s mostly because of BKV introducing the Loners in Runaways and really taking the character and running with him. Then of course CB Cebulski did that really fun miniseries, The Loners with all the really cool homage covers and gave life to some super obscure characters. I have a thing for the guys who usually get put in the background; any character like that under the right writer becomes amazing.
The other behind-the-scenes thing before I give credit to Jim and Alyssa for just such an amazing job on this one (Panel #3 for the win!), I would like to give a shout out to the most “dedicated” fan of the Hobgoblin I know. Some people out there know him as Zechs and others know him as Greg Novak. Though if you’re Dan Slott I think you know him as the guy too chicken to ask any questions at a panel (http://youtu.be/WTfEYfUN0NY). But just like myself, he has a love of the industry that I think is really refreshing and I consider him a good friend. (Even though I know for a fact he’s going to want to kill me for this very strip)
Next week…who is crashing on Eric’s couch and just why would it give anybody on this planet a heart attack?! Find out in 7, folks!
No offense amigos, but I’m getting anxious to see the G-Man return to his proper place as HALF THE TEAM here. This is slowly becoming the Eric Ratcliffe show!!!
For the record, I have been working on a design for BIll that I’m anxious to use when the time comes. I’m hoping he likes it. I know I do
Well I mean, there’s a major reason for that…I’ve been kind of the main writer on the strip for over a year now. Bill left with strip #104 Ron.
Ron, it’s only been 5 strips Bill hasn’t been in, and one of those Eric wasn’t even in.
But we also want to expand the cast, which is why you’re seeing more of Chad, Chuck, me, etc.
Personally, I applaud going outside of the box and outside of the formula. As long as the strips are good, I don’t care who’s in them.