Atomic Comics - Obviously with an iconic character like Spider-Man, it’s easy to keep creating and creating. However, what is the unique hook to Amazing-Spider Man Extra that will make it compelling to long time and new fans? i.e. Tell us how to pimp this one for you.

Steve Wacker - “ASM Extra” was born out of the fact that we had some beats that didn’t quite warrant full fledged issues in the ongoing series, but that we thought were important to get out there for the readers who wanted to explore our subplots a little deeper or catch up on some recurring characters. All of these are “official” stories and will be collected with the story-appropriate issues of Amazing.

AC - You’ve had some of the biggest artists in the industry on Spider-Man (from Romita Jr to Bachalo) – any new surprise names coming up?

SW - I think Mike McKone, Phil Jimenez, Barry Kitson and Marcos Martin are also destined to be remembered as classic Spider-Man artists. We’ve also got some beautiful stories by Dale Eaglesham, Paulo Siqueira and Yanick Paquette on the horizon, so I am a very spoiled editor.

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AC - With so many writers involved in a 3 issues a month Spidey schedule, how do you keep everyone happy while keeping continuity tight? How the hell do you keep it all schedule (we guess you got some practice on this during 52)

SW - I depend on the writers a lot to look at each other’s work and make sure they’re keeping continuity straight. I also have two great minds on either side of me with assistant editor tom Brennan and Executive Editor Tom Brevoort. Both constantly harangue me minute-by-minute about my mistakes, so it’s a real party here.

AC - Since Spidey is clearly the key icon for Marvel, does the phone ring off the hook all day with noob creators wanting a shot at any of his books?

SW - I get creators from every level of experience

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AC - Speaking of … 52 was a huge, convoluted deal. How did get through it without your head exploding? Or did it, as per #6 below?

SW - I handled it the way I handle most things…by leaving halfway through.

AC - What is so appealing about Twitter? Apparently you haven’t been appraised of the Big Brother conspiracy issues as of yet.

SW - I find nothing appealing about Twitter. Creators and Executive Editors who spend their time there are just trying to prove they know something that a fan on the outside doesn’t. No kidding!

For these guys, Twitter’s all about the fact that no one cared about them in high school…or college…or now.

AC - Without enabling sensitive people to get all butt-hurt, can you give fans some comparison/contrast between editing for the two big powerhouses in comics?

SW - I was treated great at DC and learned a metric ton everyday I was there.  The history there is just wonderful and there are certainly days when I miss the people (not Carlin, but the other folks). However, the companies are pretty different an almost every respect: editorially, technologically and bureaucratically. At my current job, I’m probably a bigger part of the creative and marketing process on my books (unless you hate my books. Then it’s all Quesada’s decisions.) I also do more of the actual tracking of the work from the moment the idea is formed by my talent to approving the pages at the printer. All in all, I’d say it’s much more hands on at Marvel. And the offices here are LOT more cramped. At DC I couldn’t smell Brevoort so strongly.

AC - Has anyone ever told you that you look a bit like Payton Manning? Or maybe a hybrid of Peyton Manning and Fred Savage?

SW - I have a much better throwing arm than Fred Savage.
Also Manning has only won one more Super Bowl than me. Suck it, fantasy league nerds!

AC - So ever since President Obama showed up in Spider-Man we’ve been wondering: when are we going to spotlight the Spider-Man vs. VP Biden throw-down? You can easily compare the man to the Vulture and get away with it! Or maybe Biden IS the Vulture?

SW - I think I have a story for Spidey 600, thanks!

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AC - As an editor who must admire skilled writing, have you ever considered hiring the other Steve Wacker, that skilled wordsmith: www.wackerwordsandmusic.com

SW - At least SOMEBODY’S doing something worthwhile with the name. I do think if there’s anyone left still angry about Spidey they should send all the e-mail his way.

AC - Enough beating around the bush…  Just tell us!! Who the heck is Menace? Malve’s guess is that he’s Ed Brubaker!!!

SW - Very close. Half the time Menace is Matt Fraction.

AC - Being the Spider-Man editor is a dream job to so many people. (clearly they need to read that blogspot in #6) Can you rub it in a little by telling us why it’s so cool?

SW - You can love super-hero comics more than anything in the world, but no matter what if you do this job long enough, you’ll get sick of it and need some time away to recharge.
With Spidey, though, that absolutely never happens The character lends himself to so many different types of story (moreso than other super-hero I think)  and has such worldwide appeal that I’m thrilled to have anything Spider-man related sitting in front of me. If you have to have a job making super-hero comics, this is the one you want.
It’s terribly corny (and will only make Malve’s eyes roll up into his big bald head), but it’s a real honor to drive this train for however long I’m allowed.

Interior art from Amazing Spider-Man Extra #2