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So Why Did Marc Guggenheim Leave Action Comics Anyway?

Published Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:00:42 -0500

Pre-C2E2 rumours are abound over this particular story. Screenwriter Marc Guggenheim leaving the Action Comics book before publication and Paul Cornell taking the job. And there are contradictory versions circling the way contradictory versions do. emember, folks, this is a piece based solely on rumour. The truth of the matter, as always, should be down to your judgment. You don't need traffic lights.

1) The Official Version.

The story he pitched began to evolve into something quite different, something Marc knew would be great, but he had concerns about whether he was the man to write this tale. Rather than do a disservice to the book, the readers and himself, Marc decided to step away from ACTION, and we both know that sometime in the future, we'll be collaborating on Superman for sure.

Very clear, simple, and no one in comics actually believes it. At least not the way it was presented. The cynical bastards.

2) That Joe Michael Straczynski has asked to basically be showrunner on the Superman books and that Superman should centrally appear in Superman with only minor appearances in other DCU titles (including Action Comics) so that consistency can be maintained. Guggenheim wouldn't agree to this, or to the necessary rewrites and walked. This story kinda fits in with the official version, if the "evolution" can be interpreted as "editorial mandate" and is bolstered by the released Action Comics cover featuring Lex Luthor (BTW, look for that cover to be changed to one with Lex Luthor sporting a certain ring instead). But DC are denying he quit in any kind of protest. The proof of this version may well be in the pudding – how much will Superman appear in Cornell's comic?

3) There have been rumours of significant rewriting on the Green Lantern movie, to the extent that it was possible that neither writers Berlanti or Guggenheim would receive a substantial writing credit on the finished film. And as a result, Guggenheim quit all his DC books in protest. Again, watch for the proof or not in the film's final credits. And if indeed he still does a Superman book with DC, as mentioned in the official version.

4) As number 2, but Marc had to be pushed rather than jump himself. He wouldn't play ball, so the ball had to be taken away from him. And he was given a different ball to play with instead.

Normally with this kind of thing we have to wait a considerable number of years to find out exactly what was going on. This time we should have some evidence in a few months…

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