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Air Force major scores Marvel Comics writing gig

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  For most comic book fans, getting paid to write stories about Marvel Comics heroes like Iron Man, Captain America and Spider-Man would be a dream come true.

It was certainly a dream for Maj. Matt Yocum, the assistant air attache at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel. But that dream becomes a reality Dec. 26, when Marvel Comics' 'Giant-Size Avengers Special #1' hits comic book shops with a story written by Matt Yocum, the comic book fan.

When he's not advising the U.S. Ambassador on military matters, Major Yocum spends time in a world of heroes and villains; of super powers and super gadgets; of repulsor beams, indestructible shields and web-shooters.

"I started reading comics 26 years ago, so when I was about 10," said Major Yocum, a Union, Ky., native. "My first comic book was 'Iron Man #165' and from then on I was hooked."

Major Yocum's story focuses on Marvel's flagship hero, Spider-Man, and the character's first few days as part of the New Avengers team. The tale has particular significance within Marvel Comics continuity as the wall-crawler has primarily been a loner most of his career. Thus it takes legendary Avengers Iron Man and Captain America to show him why their heritage is so vital, as well as the importance of how Spidey can contribute to the team.

But this isn't Major Yocum's first foray into comics. Back in 2005, he volunteered his services as an advisor to one of his favorite comic book writers -- who took him up on the offer -- ensuring military terms were used correctly, uniforms were depicted properly, and other details. He was even credited for his assistance. But what he really wanted to do was write.

"I love writing and am pretty dedicated to it," said Major Yocum, a 1993 Air Force Academy graduate. "I set aside time each morning to write something. I've written novels, but never got very far in that world. I've been a fan of comics for a long time, but never thought I would get a chance to write for Marvel."

That all changed one fateful day in 2006. At a comic book convention in Los Angeles, the comic book creators charity, A Commitment To Our Roots (now called The Hero Initiative), auctioned off a lunch with Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada.

"It's not every day you get an opportunity to have the ear of someone like that," Major Yocum said. "We're taught in the Air Force to take control of our career and learn to market ourselves, so as soon as I found out about the auction, I decided I was going to win that lunch."

The auction closed out at a little over $700, but all for a good cause -- helping comic book creators as well as opening the door for his own ambitions -- so the price didn't matter. "Especially when it helps your own dreams come true," Major Yocum said.

"Joe and I went out for lunch and while I didn't want to blitz him with all the ideas I had, he reassured me that he would be doing the exact same thing," Major Yocum said. "I pitched him about seven or eight stories and the one focusing on Spider-Man's early days as an Avenger was the one he really liked.

"It took a while for them to figure out what series would have my story in it and when it would run, but otherwise this whole experience has been thrilling," he said. "I've been anticipating this for so long and I don't think I'll really believe it until I see my name in print with the story."

Working with Major Yocum has been a rewarding experience for Marvel as well. John Barber, Marvel Comics' editor overseeing production on the issue, was nervous at first. But his fears of an unproven comic book writer quickly vanished.

"Joe thought it was a good idea and that was enough for me, especially once I saw Matt's script," Mr. Barber said. "I talked to Matt about some of the details in his story, tweaking some things here and there, but that was it. He turned in a great script and I really liked working with him.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we saw more Marvel work from him in the future," Mr. Barber added.

And that's exactly the goal, Major Yocum said.

"The Air Force has always been first for me and my main focus when it comes to work," he explained. "But the Air Force also taught me to be dedicated and disciplined with a good work ethic, everything a good writer needs to be. When I retire in a few years, I would love to turn this into a full-time gig and write comics for a living."

In the meantime, Major Yocum looks forward to next year's "Iron Man" movie, in which the Air Force plays a large role. The film features F-22 Raptors as well as several Airmen in background roles as much of the movie was filmed at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

"Every comic book fan remembers the hero or the story that got them hooked," Major Yocum explained. "For me, it was Iron Man, so I can't wait to see the movie. Especially with all the Air Force stuff in it!"

In addition, Major Yocum was asked to be a guest speaker and judge at an Israeli comic book convention soon after the issue with his story hits the stands.

"They don't really get a lot of comic book creators outside of local talent, so it's an honor to have been asked to be a part of that," Major Yocum said. "I expect to get asked a lot about both being a comic book writer and being in the U.S. Air Force. I think it'll be a lot of fun and it's a great opportunity to share both those passions with people."

For this ambassador in blue -- an Airman who gets to realize his dream while also serving proudly -- the pen is just as mighty as the sword. 

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