“Get ready to geek out with the master of reimaginings, as comic book legend Mark Waid takes the stage for an unforgettable conversation with fans at WonderCon 2025. For one electrifying hour, 50 questions were answered, and the creative genius behind iconic titles like ‘The Flash’ and ‘Doom Patrol’ dished out his expertise in a candid, fast-paced Q&A session that left the audience breathless. In our exclusive recap, we’ll break down the highlights of this must-see panel and explore the diverse topics that sparked lively discussions among the celebrated author and his enthusiastic audience.”
The Ultimate Q&A: Mark Waid’s 50 Answers in 50 Minutes Panel Recap
At WonderCon 2025, Mark Waid took on the ambitious challenge of answering 50 questions in 50 minutes, showcasing his extensive knowledge of comics and creative process. Morningpicker is thrilled to bring you a recap of this exciting panel, where Waid shared valuable insights into his approach to writing, his favorite characters, and his reading habits.
A Hero’s Preparation: Insights into Waid’s Creative Process
The Art of Preparation
When asked about his approach to writing major characters, Waid emphasized the importance of reading comics since childhood and being inspired by various stories. This rigorous preparation enables him to tackle complex characters and storylines with confidence.
Collecting Comics: Waid’s Treasures and Trade Collections
Waid revealed that he prioritizes his comics by putting up certain titles for consignment and maintaining a “trade collection” of his most prized comics. This meticulous approach to collecting reflects his dedication to the medium.
A Shift in Interests: COVID-19 and the Rise of Silver Age Comics
During the pandemic, Waid’s interest in collecting Silver Age comics increased, demonstrating his adaptability and enthusiasm for the medium. This shift in focus highlights his ability to find inspiration in different eras and styles of comics.
The Marvel Universe: Waid’s Take on Iconic Characters
Waid’s Thoughts on Stucky and the Marvel Universe
When asked about Bucky Barnes, Waid shared a humorous anecdote about the character’s supposed crush on Steve Rogers, as well as his thoughts on the character. He also speculated on the outcome of a potential Cage Match between Martian Manhunter and Gorilla Grodd, ultimately declaring Martian Manhunter the winner.
Favorite Characters and Teams
Waid expressed his desire to introduce new characters like Orchid and Dial H for Hero to Justice League Unlimited. He also named Steve Ditko as his favorite artist, both living and deceased. This enthusiasm for new characters and classic creators showcases his passion for the medium.
Classic Character Showdowns: Namor vs. Aquaman
In a hypothetical showdown between Namor and Aquaman, Waid enthusiastically declared Namor the winner, citing his ability to thrive in any environment. This confidence in Namor’s abilities reflects Waid’s deep understanding of the character.
Waid’s Reading Habits and Favorite Comics
Waid shared his impressive reading habits, having read every Superman comic ever, most Batman comics, and several other iconic titles. He also revealed that he hasn’t read any good fiction books in the past twenty years, highlighting his dedication to the comic book medium.
When asked about his favorite issue of 52, Waid mentioned the issue where they introduce Blood Kryptonite, although only because it’s the first one he could remember. He also shared his first comic book experience, reading Batman #180, which sparked his lifelong passion for comics.
In addition, Waid discussed his thoughts on Bart Allen, a character he created, and shared his top three books that have made him cry: Death of Jean Grey, Superman #148, and the Superman novel titled Miracle Monday. These personal anecdotes offer a glimpse into Waid’s emotional connection with the characters and stories he creates.
Reading Habits: Waid’s Favorite DC Comics and Authors
During the panel, Waid discussed his favorite Superman and Batman comics, as well as his favorite authors, including Dan Slott and Steve Ditko.
When asked about his favorite issue of 52, Waid revealed that his favorite issue is the one introducing Blood Kryptonite, and shared his first comic book experience, Batman #180.
Waid also shared that his favorite comic book stories that have made him cry include Death of Jean Grey and Superman #148.
A Life in Comics: Waid’s Career and Personal Insights
The Birth of Bart Allen: Waid’s Creation and Design
The writer proudly declared that he created Bart Allen and shared his original design sketch, highlighting his passion for character creation.
Cathartic Comics: Waid’s Favorite Graphic Novels
Waid discussed his favorite graphic novels that have evoked strong emotions in him, including Death of Jean Grey, Superman Owes A Billion Dollars, and Miracle Monday.
Navigating Continuity: Waid’s Approach to the DC Universe
The panelist addressed the challenges of maintaining a consistent continuity across different storylines, citing Hawkman and Wonder Girl as particularly tricky characters to manage.
The DC Implosion and Waid’s Early Years
A Childhood in Comics: Waid’s Early Experiences
The writer reflected on his childhood love for comics and how it shaped his career, including reading Batman #180 after the TV show.
The DC Implosion of 1978: Waid’s Perspective
Waid shared his feelings about the DC implosion of 1978, citing the financial struggles and the impact on the industry.
Collaboration and Creativity: Waid’s Favorite Memories
The writer discussed his favorite memories of working with artists like Dan Mora and highlighted the importance of collaboration in creating great comics.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the Mark Waid: 50 Answers in 50 Minutes Panel at WonderCon 2025, it’s clear that this event was a masterclass in storytelling, creativity, and industry insight. From Waid’s humorous anecdotes to his poignant reflections on the comic book industry, the panel was a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. We learned about Waid’s approach to writing, his thoughts on the current state of comics, and his advice for aspiring creators. We also gained a deeper understanding of the importance of diversity, representation, and inclusivity in comics, as well as the need for creators to stay true to their artistic vision.
The significance of this panel cannot be overstated. In an industry that is constantly evolving, Waid’s words of wisdom serve as a beacon of guidance for both established and emerging creators. His emphasis on the importance of storytelling, character development, and emotional resonance is a timely reminder of what makes comics so powerful and enduring. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the comic book industry will continue to face challenges and opportunities. But with creators like Mark Waid leading the charge, we can be confident that the art form will continue to thrive and evolve in exciting and unexpected ways.
As we close the book on this panel recap, we’re left with a profound sense of awe and appreciation for the comic book medium. Mark Waid’s 50 answers in 50 minutes may have been a fleeting moment in time, but the impact of his words will resonate for years to come. As we move forward, let us remember Waid’s parting words of wisdom: “The best comics are the ones that make you feel something.” May we, as creators and fans, continue to strive for that emotional resonance, and may the comic book industry forever be changed by the power of storytelling.