And well, I really don't want to get that sappy.

After 32 issues of writing some thoughts on the ever-expanding Marvel Universe, I'm hanging up my TMU spurs. Sort of finished. Mostly.

I've promised TMU's editor, publisher, website designer and all-around go-getter at least two more interviews and a player to be named later to close the deal. I don't really want to go, but I have something pretty special lined up. We can talk about that in a bit. For now, we can talk up the state of the Marvel Universe as I see it before I move on to great beyond.

The sagging comic market did not recover during my tenure here, but things look as well as I have seen at Marvel in a long time on the editorial side of things.

1. Heroes Return Worked- Not every reboot was a dream, this much is certain. However, most of the rebooted classics are both selling better than before the books before them and are better comics than there were before as well. The AVENGERS are in the midst of their best run since SIEGE; THOR is doing as well, in comparative popularity, as he did under Walter Simonson's pen. The addition of Paul Jenkins to the creative team on the INCREDIBLE HULK has added some recent life to that title.

2. Marvel Knights Rule- The micro-Marvel Universe, or the land of the Knights has put together some fantastic projects. Love or hate the PUNISHER, the book is something that keeps people talking and that's a good thing. If DAREDEVIL finds any kind of regular schedule it will recapture the early momentum gained by the amazing visuals and stories told in that series. All that and we're waiting for more BLACK WIDOW, some MARVEL BOY and the namesake title in the series.

3. Return of the X-Men?- The net pundits are debating back and forth in cyberspace now that X-MEN #100 is on the stands, but the jury is decidedly still out on whether Claremont's return and Ellis' arrival will cause a real X-Revolution. I hadn't read a main mutant book in six months. I thought the comic was a little convoluted there at the finish line, but I'm interested enough to try another. Other than my affection for the tales in HIDDEN YEARS, it is a wait and see situation with the other mutant books.

I wish Marvel would publish some more trades, more often. That said, I love the additions to line-up this year. The ESSENTIALS are incredible and I'm glad to be able to get my hands on some Golden Age books any chance Marvel is willing to roll them out. I didn't jump into comics until the close of the Silver Age, but I really like looking into the past to see what foundations the modern Marvel Universe was built on. I also think a number of modern trades need to be looked at by Marvel as well, but the budgets are tight right now and we will have to take what we can get.

I also really enjoyed BLAZE OF GLORY and look forward to some out-of-spandex adventures in the fantasy based AVATARS coming up from the House-of-Ideas. Now I just hope that future ongoing titles are selected with greater care and the company provides better support for future releases. The pile of mini and maxi series are interesting, but I really think some ongoing second tier, younger reader books need to be developed over the long haul in order to gain more new readers.

I live for a day when a SPIDER-MAN comic is fun to read again and a time when I'm not trying to guess who's who in the X-Men titles. Other than that, things are at least as strong (story and art) as the mid-to-late 80's. I've already forgotten most of the 90's nightmares, most of them.

As for my time with TMU, I'll be thankful to Noc forever. This opportunity to interview folks like Tom Brevoort, Jay Faerber, Walt Simonson, Fabian Nicieza, Dan Jurgens, Mark Bagley and Walden Wong has been an absolute blast. I'll contribute in the future whenever I'm allowed, but you're getting an ace back here in the Feature slot in the form of David Rose. This guy can research a character or comic title with the very best. At least with David back, you guys can learn something now and again. This online magazine has a fantastic staff and a lot of heart. No one gets paid but this pub shows up every week and now for the 100th issue. An impressive feat by any publication.

One final thought to explain where I'm going. I have the honor of helping to relaunch a legendary fanzine of years gone by into a modern hardcopy, monthly comic magazine. It is called THE COMIC READER and I hope folks will check us out.

Thanks NOC!