1. So this whole thing means the return of the 2099 line, right?

No. Marvel is publishing five one-shot issues, set in the year 2099, with future versions of MARVEL KNIGHTS characters, Daredevil, Punisher, Black Panther, and the Inhumans, along with a new character, Mutant #002099. These are essentially new Marvel Knights books, not new 2099 books. But Marvel Knights are still visiting a version of our favorite universe, so that means we have a shot!

2. Will we see Spider-Man 2099, Doom, the X-Men 2099, etc. in any of these books?

As of this writing, Tom Brevoort has stated on his message board at X-Fan that Miguel O'Hara will be seen. "He's kinda in one of the 2099 one-shots," he said, but that could mean almost anything. We could easily be given a throwaway fake-out like an "O'Hara's" night club, or the S-Man's insignia spraypainted on a wall. There is no confirmed mention of any other prior existing '2099' characters in the issues. Even though we had Doom 2099, Punisher 2099 and Daredevil 2099, etc, the new Marvel Knights versions will be completely new incarnations. That is why we have launched the Return Miguel Campaign! We want to see the original Spider-Man 2099, Miguel O'Hara, back in the comics!

3. That stinks. Can't we see S-Man and Doom again?

Well, that's what the Return Miguel campaign is all about! We want to see Spider-Man 2099 back on the page! Just because what we consider to be 2099 will not be acknowledged in these 5 one-shot issues, debuting in September 2004, that doesn't mean our classic characters could not fit into the rest of the Marvel Knights 2099 ('MK2099') universe! Robert Kirkman wants to see Mutant 2099 continue long past a one-shot issue, so other creators and characters might stick around for the fun. That's why we're campaigning for the return of the real Spider-Man 2099, AKA Miguel O'Hara, who is, by far, the most popular 2099 character.

4. So why was the Marvel 2099 imprint cancelled in the first place?

It wasn't due to low sales, as Spider-Man 2099 and X-Men 2099 each sold more than 100,000 copies per issue, even at the end of their runs. The short of it is, by year's end 1995 Marvel was in debt over half a BILLION dollars, and still hemorraging money. As a drastic cost-cutting measure, Marvel laid off a quarter of it's staff, and cancelled a third of it's titles, mostly by cutting entire imprints. The entire 2099 imprint was cut, along with both of it's editors. The 2099 creative staff (all freelancers) weren't directly affected, but decided their last day on the titles would be their editors' last day in the bullpen. In some cases the issues were left incomplete. Marvel turned the remaining issues over to fill-in creators/editors to finish the books. A few months later, demonstrating the popularity of the imprint, Marvel announced they would publish a new 2099 title (2099: World of Tomorrow) immediately following the last issues of the original titles, using the new staff.

5. The last few issues of those books really stunk anyway, don't you think?

That's debateable, but the reason they took a sudden change is because of the fill-in creators who had to bring the books to a stunning conclusion to lead into the 2099: WORLD OF TOMORROW series. But enough of the history lesson! We're trying to make some new history here!

6. What can I do?

Right now, the main thrust of our campaign is to remind Marvel that there is still a fanbase for Spider-Man 2099 and the original Marvel 2099 line! The first step is to write letters to Robert Kirkman and Marvel editors. Then spread the word, tell a friend, write two letters and have a friend sign one.

7. Should I e-mail or start an online petition?

E-Mail is largely ignored because anybody could simply write an e-mail and start making crazy requests to bring back old characters. But only real FANS can hand-write a letter and send it in. Online petitions are simply too easy and again are not taken too seriously. So we won't be going that route.

8. Can I type a letter, print it, and send it in?

Well, if you feel you must. At least sign it with your real name and a return address on the envelope. We'd prefer if you could hand write a note.

9. Are there certain things I should or shouldn't do?

Check out our letter essentials page, but we're going to stress right here that you have to be POLITE, speak as a real person, be honest, and do not complain about negative things from the distant past. For example, if writing to editor Tom Brevoort, don't complain about Joey's firing or a character's mishandling. Obviously, Mr. Brevoort has nothing to do with that, and neither do most of the people you'll be writing to.

10. Writing long letters is a pain, though. What are my options again?

Letters don't have to be very long, but they should make a point. If you can get some articulate friends to do some letters, you'll help us move this thing forward. EVERY letter counts!

11. I'm not very good at writing letters. What other tips do you have?

Again, check out our essential tips. We hope to have more tools for you soon.

12. Can you tell me about Spider-Man's foes/who the X-Men were/what happened to the present-day Marvel characters/etc?

13. I still have some ideas that I think will help. Maybe you should...!

If you've got ideas or want to volunteer to do more, drop us a line at returnmiguel@yahoo.com.