Chip Gets Bit By The Spider

by Vince Brusio

“Go big or go home” is the mentality of Chip Zdarsky for his new run on Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #1 from Marvel Comics. Chip understands that to plow the road for a timeless character like Peter Parker means there’s little surprises for the character in regards to his personality and demeanor. But that doesn’t mean the environment around him has to stay static. In this PREVIEWSworld Exclusive interview, Chip alludes to what obstacle course Peter will have to navigate in this new upcoming series.

Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #1 (APR170970) is in comic shops June 21.

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Vince Brusio: You’re the writer on the new Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #1 (APR170970), and it’s being knighted as the “companion series to the best-selling Amazing Spider-Man series.”  What kind of voodoo did you put in your pitch to Marvel?  What kind of punch did that pitch pack?

Chip Zdarsky: How did you know brother voodoo was in my pitch?

Vince Brusio: How do you formulate the psychology of your version of Peter Parker? What are your parameters for getting into the head of this hero?

Chip Zdarsky: We all know Peter Parker at this point. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and is prone to self-sabotage. He covers his sadness and anger with humor, and has an obsession with saving everyone. In my series all of that is on display, but I really wanted to zone in on how MUCH he can shoulder. He’s never been more powerful, so does that mean he’s never needed to be more responsible? How much can one man do?

Ultimately we want this series to be fun and accessible! But at the same time we want to explore Peter and his supporting cast more, and keep the stakes high for everyone. I want big stories that feel personal.

Vince Brusio: Did the previous Peter Parker series have any bearing on what you do with this new title? Was the past a prelude at any point?

Chip Zdarsky: Well, that and MORE. I’ve been kind of looking at various Spider-Man series through the years so I can figure out what works, what doesn’t, and what ours should be. The past is going to be a running plot point through our first few arcs, as elements from Peter’s life, and decisions he once made, come back to wreak havoc.

Vince Brusio: Adam Kubert is handling the art chores for you on this title. As you have your hand in the art side of things as well as words when it comes to producing comics, did any of that play into working with Adam? Did you have any particular perspectives in mind that you wanted Adam to draw while the story played out on the pages? Or did you just let Adam be Adam?

Chip Zdarsky: When I write I almost always have a visual in mind, but you’ve got to know when to get out of the artist’s way! Adam is FAR more dynamic and experienced than I am. For one page I’ll imagine a quaint rooftop shot and Adam will make it a beautiful bird’s eye view of the city, filled with insane detail! Who am I to dictate to an artist like that?

Vince Brusio: As convention season is getting underway soon, are there any plans for you or Adam to attend any shows this year to promote this book? And if so, where are you likely to make that announcement?

Chip Zdarsky: Oh! I don’t know! I’m doing C2E2, Heroes, TCAF and VanCaf in the next few months but I’m not sure if Adam will be at any of those shows! I’m hoping so cause I’d love to meet him!

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Vince Brusio writes about comics, and writes comics. He is the long-serving Editor of PREVIEWSworld.com, the creator of PUSSYCATS, and encourages everyone to keep the faith...and keep reading comics.