The JLA/Avengers crossover event of 2003 was a highly anticipated collaboration between two of the most iconic superhero teams in the world. However, it was not without its challenges, and one particular moment that still bugs Tom Brevoort, the Marvel Executive Editor and SVP, has become a topic of discussion among comic book enthusiasts. Brevoort reveals his biggest regret about the plot changes made during the crossover, shedding light on the editorial clashes with DC and the impact on the story's original organizing principle.
Brevoort's regret stems from the removal of a crucial sequence that would have showcased the evolving team lineups as the heroes fought through Krona's base. This sequence was a key part of the original plot outline, which both Marvel and DC had agreed upon. By cutting this sequence, Brevoort deviated from the agreed-upon plot, providing an opportunity for DC editor Dan Raspler to question other aspects of the series. Raspler's main issue was with the use of Barry Allen and Hal Jordan, as he felt that Wally West and Kyle Rayner should be the Flash and Green Lantern, respectively.
The lost sequence would have been a fascinating exploration of the characters' evolution, as they faced the consequences of their actions since the 1980s and 1990s. It would have allowed readers to witness the classic versions of the League and Avengers, such as Hank Pym, Barry Allen, and Hal Jordan, making their way through Krona's base. The idea was to restore the characters' original states, with Pym striking Jan, Allen sacrificing himself in the Crisis, and Jordan's descent into madness. This would have been a powerful moment, as the heroes would have had to decide between their personal desires and the greater good.
Brevoort's decision to let things go too far, in an attempt to be a good partner with DC, resulted in a compromised final product. He spent weeks revising and re-revising the #3 script, ultimately failing to prevent a complete failure. This regret has stuck with Brevoort, and he wonders if a new Justice League/Avengers crossover in 2028, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the original, could fix what was lost. The question remains: can a new collaboration bring back the missing moment that still bugs Brevoort?
This incident highlights the challenges of cross-company collaborations in the comic book industry, where creative differences and editorial decisions can have a significant impact on the final product. Brevoort's regret serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a clear vision and staying true to the original plan, even in the face of editorial clashes and creative compromises.
