Steve Murphy on "The Forever War"

[CyberCubed]

Originally Posted by The Ninjinister

that he just wasn't into writing TMNT stuff anymore. Furthermore, both he and the illustrator had other things on their plates than just Forever War.

Then either it should have never been promised to the fanbase again unless he had the free time to work on it, or he should have given the preliminary outline to the story to Jim Lawson or someone to do the art.

Now it just seems like a broken promise. He even reduced the issue count down from 5 issues to 3 issues which would have given him the time to do it. His heart wasn't in it.

[Rooish]

Maybe Murphy can just tell us what was supposed to happen, to satisfy our curiosity.

[Lordmylar06]

Originally Posted by Rooish

Maybe Murphy can just tell us what was supposed to happen, to satisfy our curiosity.

I'll second that thought. Maybe a script? I'd love to take a crack at drawing a page or 2 from the story. That would be a cool fan project...

[TristanHuwJones]

Originally Posted by CyberCubed

Then either it should have never been promised to the fanbase again unless he had the free time to work on it, or he should have given the preliminary outline to the story to Jim Lawson or someone to do the art.

Now it just seems like a broken promise. He even reduced the issue count down from 5 issues to 3 issues which would have given him the time to do it. His heart wasn't in it.

Just out of curiosity, were are all these promises people keep making mention of. I don't remember anyone promising anything.

[ToTheNines]

It was advertised in at least one TMNT comic.

[CyberCubed]

Originally Posted by TristanHuwJones

Just out of curiosity, were are all these promises people keep making mention of. I don't remember anyone promising anything.

Isn't that what the whole TPB "Future Tense" was for? It collected issues from the Archie run about Armaggon and the future Cyber Turtles...for what?

I bought that TPB and I liked seeing Archie stories re-printed, but now it feels like it led up to nothing.

[TristanHuwJones]

There's a massive difference between promising something and preparing for something. The only officially announced book that's been canceled is the Mirage Sourcebook.

[Roseangelo]

Originally Posted by TristanHuwJones

There's a massive difference between promising something and preparing for something. The only officially announced book that's been canceled is the Mirage Sourcebook.

The Forever War was officially announced, it just didn't get to the point of being solicited in Previews.

[oldmanwinters]

Originally Posted by Roseangelo

The Forever War was officially announced, it just didn't get to the point of being solicited in Previews.

Oh man, I would like to know how much of the storyline is at least written down or in artistic form. It might make me feel better if Murph released his rough draft or something like that.

I am sad.

[TristanHuwJones]

Originally Posted by Roseangelo

The Forever War was officially announced, it just didn't get to the point of being solicited in Previews.

Okay, the only officiall SOLICITED book that has been canceled was the Universe book.

[Andrew NDB]

Originally Posted by TristanHuwJones

Okay, the only officiall SOLICITED book that has been canceled was the Universe book.

It was officially solicited to readers of Tales of the TMNT.

[Venom]

Hehe, now you're just nitpicking.

[Roseangelo]

Originally Posted by Michelangelo83

Hehe, now you're just nitpicking.

Well, trying to say that we weren't promised the Forever War also seems to be nitpicking.

[Spitfire]

Why is it things with "Forever" in the title appear to be doomed to failure?

[TristanHuwJones]

Well, it might just be me, but offering and promising are two completely different things, so it's not nitpicking. A lot of people have been saying that things were promised when they never were, and promise incites a more emotional response because it's a far deeper word than offer or attempt (not quite words I'm after but you'll get the idea). It's an oath of commitment to something. If someone offered to do something, but ultimately didn't I wouldn't be anywhere near as bugged by it as I would be if someone promised me they'd do something and didn't. I don't remember anything being promised, and an add or teaser poster or image doesn't constitute a promise as far as I'm concerned. The NECA series 2 figures, and the Playmates comics figures fall into the same category as the Forever War -- something that could have happened, and something that should have happened, but didn't and likely won't, and because there was no promise that these things would happen, it doesn't bother me (much).

[Spitfire]

Originally Posted by TristanHuwJones

Well, it might just be me, but offering and promising are two completely different things, so it's not nitpicking. A lot of people have been saying that things were promised when they never were, and promise incites a more emotional response because it's a far deeper word than offer or attempt (not quite words I'm after but you'll get the idea). It's an oath of commitment to something. If someone offered to do something, but ultimately didn't I wouldn't be anywhere near as bugged by it as I would be if someone promised me they'd do something and didn't. I don't remember anything being promised, and an add or teaser poster or image doesn't constitute a promise as far as I'm concerned. The NECA series 2 figures, and the Playmates comics figures fall into the same category as the Forever War -- something that could have happened, and something that should have happened, but didn't and likely won't, and because there was no promise that these things would happen, it doesn't bother me (much).

This along with everything you've just mentioned falls under "**** tease" in my book. Even if it wasn't a promise it evokes emotion in me. That emotion is disappointment and anger. I see companies complaining about not making enough money off turtles when they refuse to make good on products they advertise. That's a great way to lose customers.

If NECA hadn't released pictures of the 2nd wave, especially ones where they appear completed, people wouldn't be so mad they were never released. If Ubisoft didn't tell us in every interview that Smash Up was gonna be the second coming for turtles fans we wouldn't be so mad about the roster. Lastly if Mirage hadn't told us they were dusting off Forever War we wouldn't be so disappointed. They advertised it, released a trade to promote sales and catch up readers, and told us a exact date it was coming. The fact it just never happened is just really poor business. If Marvel pulled crap like that people would be rioting. These companies are lucky turtles isn't bigger then it is. I believe it's because of this the fanbase is more tightly nit and we take it more personally when stuff like this happens. It's like a punch in the face. You're loyal to a brand for years and the only reward you get is a cancellation of everything you were looking forward to.

[TristanHuwJones]

Yeah but my point is that you weren't promised any of those things. Take the emotion that you're feeling now and then imagine how much worse things'd be if you HAD been promised them.

Marvel has done it too. Kevin Smith's Bullseye: Target? Favs' Iron Man: Viva Las Vegas? I'm sure there are more.

You're not trying to tell me that you've been loyal to the brand ONLY because you wanted the Forever War to come out, are you? Or the NECA Turtles latter series to come out? Nobody even knew about them prior to 2008 or late 2007, and same with the Forever War. It was only when Murph said he'd been given the greenlight on it that people got all excited.
Did the animated series, the movie, the good issues of the comics, the original NECA figures, the good Playmates figures, TMNT Forever, etc., etc., etc. all mean absolutely nothing?

[Coola Yagami]

Originally Posted by TristanHuwJones

Yeah but my point is that you weren't promised any of those things. Take the emotion that you're feeling now and then imagine how much worse things'd be if you HAD been promised them.

Marvel has done it too. Kevin Smith's Bullseye: Target? Favs' Iron Man: Viva Las Vegas? I'm sure there are more.

You're not trying to tell me that you've been loyal to the brand ONLY because you wanted the Forever War to come out, are you? Or the NECA Turtles latter series to come out? Nobody even knew about them prior to 2008 or late 2007, and same with the Forever War. It was only when Murph said he'd been given the greenlight on it that people got all excited.
Did the animated series, the movie, the good issues of the comics, the original NECA figures, the good Playmates figures, TMNT Forever, etc., etc., etc. all mean absolutely nothing?

There were..... GOOD Playmates figures...?

[Spitfire]

Originally Posted by TristanHuwJones

Yeah but my point is that you weren't promised any of those things. Take the emotion that you're feeling now and then imagine how much worse things'd be if you HAD been promised them.

No I wasn't promised but advertising typically means a product is either finished or close to it and you will be seeing it soon. If your stuff isn't done then don't advertise it. That's just bad business. That is what pisses me off.

Marvel has done it too. Kevin Smith's Bullseye: Target? Favs' Iron Man: Viva Las Vegas? I'm sure there are more.

Where those 15 years in the making and highly desired by virtually the entire fanbase? I'm asking cause I don't follow either character.

You're not trying to tell me that you've been loyal to the brand ONLY because you wanted the Forever War to come out, are you? Or the NECA Turtles latter series to come out? Nobody even knew about them prior to 2008 or late 2007, and same with the Forever War. It was only when Murph said he'd been given the greenlight on it that people got all excited.
Did the animated series, the movie, the good issues of the comics, the original NECA figures, the good Playmates figures, TMNT Forever, etc., etc., etc. all mean absolutely nothing?

Not at all but I feel like the things I do want the most happen to be the canceled ones. This is the 25th anniversary and it's a pretty poor one.

Canceled
NECA Wave 2
Forever War
Sourcebook
Issue #1 animation
The Playmates figures I'd have actually bought
2011 movie*This was due to the buy out however*

The animated series didn't do much for me. To be honest I almost I never watch it and the last season was embarrassingly bad. I'm grateful it was made and there are some good episodes but all in all I can't say I'd rather have more TV show over the listed things above. I hated "TMNT". I hated the designs, most of the animation, and the plot. The 2011 is what should have been made to begin with. I know they did their best with what they had though. Good Playmates figures does not compute. The only PM stuff I've bought all year are the re-issues just for decoration.

Turtles Forever I've yet to see but I'm sure it's awesome. NECA line 1 was also indeed awesome. We finally got the turtles figures we always wanted. Too bad none of the others got the treatment, except April...

So yes you're right. There are some great things we've got, over the past 6 years. Lately though we've been getting screwed left and right. What I do like of what's been released this year is dwarfed by what was supposed to come out, because as I said all the things I really looked forward to were canceled. I actually like Archie better then Mirage.

[darthsmozers]

Originally Posted by TristanHuwJones

Yeah but my point is that you weren't promised any of those things. Take the emotion that you're feeling now and then imagine how much worse things'd be if you HAD been promised them.

Marvel has done it too. Kevin Smith's Bullseye: Target? Favs' Iron Man: Viva Las Vegas? I'm sure there are more.

You're not trying to tell me that you've been loyal to the brand ONLY because you wanted the Forever War to come out, are you? Or the NECA Turtles latter series to come out? Nobody even knew about them prior to 2008 or late 2007, and same with the Forever War. It was only when Murph said he'd been given the greenlight on it that people got all excited.
Did the animated series, the movie, the good issues of the comics, the original NECA figures, the good Playmates figures, TMNT Forever, etc., etc., etc. all mean absolutely nothing?

You're missing the point.

Look at it from the order of events. Back in the early 2000s, a couple of issues of either TMNT or Tales mentioned in the letters columns that the project was being discussed, and eventually was set to be published in the next year or two. That got everyone excited.

Then while still waiting year after year, SM posted some backstory, early cover art, and early interior pencils in his blog. While not an official solicit from Mirage, it obviously built everyone's excitement further.

SM then posted new/unseen cover art concepts on his blog. Even more excitement, as evidence that some ideas were being played around with between he and the artist. More excitement!

The Forever War gets labeled as an upcoming 25th Anniversary Project. Looking good! Excitement!

Its mentioned the number of issues wasn't final, but that indicated the project was still being retooled. Not much of an advance, but still excitement to know it was being worked on.

Future Tense is officially promoted with banner ads and solicits, with it meant to be a lead-in to The Forever War. Here, to answer your question if anyone's support of Mirage was only for TFW, I will say no, BUT support for Future Tense was, in part, to directly show support for TFW, with the thought that "if this sells well, maybe something good will happen", in this case that something good being something that was dangled like a carrot on a string for years, not on blind faith but on the words of Mirage, that it was coming. Future Tense = Excitement and anticipation for TFW, no doubt!

SM releases TFW promo prints at a comic con and online - a direct promotion for the project.

More talk of retooling the script and issue count = still being worked on = hope, excitement, anticipation.

And then..... it all falls flat. Nothing.

How can you nitpick the word promise, after a build-up like that, something thats been that "unfinished ending" to a great series, that was already cancelled once?

Yes, those other elements of the franchise mean something. But its something like this that not only causes a bad taste in the mouth, but a bit of a smack in the face.

Not trying to pick on you but for goodness' sakes, its easy to see how its such a dissapointing turn of events.