[TheBlueMarvel]

@et al

I've been getting a kick out of reading many of the posted comments regarding the current state of Marvel. As someone who left the books in lieu of spot trades some 5-7 years ago, my impression is that the Marvel continuum has been abysmal for quite some time. What Marvel needs, other than Disney to stick to its original stance of taking a "hands free" approach to daily operations, is a REAL editor in chief. Someone who doesn't green light every story that comes down the pike in some misguided effort to secure a cash grab. Someone who respects the rich history Marvel has created, while making room for new characters. Someone who tethers characters and stories to meaningful conundrums found in the real world. And finally, someone who doesn't bastardize/cannibalize the books to create symmetry with the flashy success of Marvel movies (canon should remain such - it shouldn't be mutable simply because it doesn't play well with a screen audience).

Stan Lee was an egotistical jackass; attempting to steal the thunder/credit for the development of characters created by a plethora of talented artists and writers that he was privileged to work with, but he did do many of the things I mentioned earlier with great skill and success. I have to imagine that an heir apparent for Stan is out there. It becomes a matter of whether Disney will relinquish some of their power to whomever he or she may be. Any REAL editor in chief would need to be empowered to such a degree that they could say no to some of Disney's more destructive tendencies. "Yes men/women" (sycophants) won't right this ship, only someone with experience, conviction, and temerity can get 'er done.

Just my two cents...