Matt Fraction Explained

Birth Name:Matt Fritchman
Birth Date:1 December 1975
Birth Place:Chicago Heights, Illinois, U.S.
Write:y
Notable Works:Hawkeye
Sex Criminals
The Invincible Iron Man
The Immortal Iron Fist
Casanova
Uncanny X-Men
FF
Awards:"Favourite Newcomer Writer" Eagle Award (2007)
"Best New Series" Eisner Award (2009)
Inkpot Award (2016)[1]
Website:http://www.mattfraction.com
Spouse:Kelly Sue DeConnick

Matt Fritchman[2] [3] (born December 1, 1975),[2] better known by the pen name Matt Fraction, is an Eisner Award-winning American comic book writer, known for his work as the writer of The Invincible Iron Man, FF, The Immortal Iron Fist, Uncanny X-Men, and Hawkeye for Marvel Comics; Casanova and Sex Criminals for Image Comics; and Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen for DC Comics.

Early life

Matt Fraction was born December 1, 1975, in Chicago Heights, Illinois.[2] As a child, he developed an affinity for telling stories, and he enjoyed reading comic books and strips. The first comic he remembers buying was Batman #316 (Oct. 1979), and he liked newspaper comics Peanuts and Doonesbury. He became a regular weekly comic-book reader around the time that the 1985–86 DC Comics storyline "Crisis on Infinite Earths" ended, but he found that storyline bizarre and impenetrable and gravitated toward Marvel Comics instead. Spider-Man became his favorite character, and he read other Marvel publications such as Star Wars and G.I. Joe.[3]

In the late 1990s Fraction worked as an employee at the Charlotte, North Carolina-based comics retailer Heroes Aren't Hard to Find,[4] [5] and participated in the Warren Ellis Forum under the username "Matt Fraction".[6]

Career

Fraction started in the comics industry by working for smaller publishers including AiT/Planet Lar and IDW Publishing, many of which employed people that he had met on the Warren Ellis Forum; as such, he continued using the "Fraction" name as it was the one under which he had built a reputation.[6] He became known early in his career for his creator-owned work on The Five Fists of Science and Casanova, before taking on a number of assignments for Marvel Comics.

Fraction wrote two columns for Comic Book Resources: "Poplife"[7] and "The Basement Tapes",[8] the latter with Joe Casey.

Fraction teamed with Ed Brubaker for a run on Marvel's The Immortal Iron Fist.[9] The pair re-teamed on Uncanny X-Men for a short time, after which Fraction wrote the series solo until leaving it in 2011.[10] [11] [12]

He wrote The Mighty Thor and The Invincible Iron Man, the latter of which led to his consulting work on the set of the film Iron Man 2 and writing the Iron Man 2 video game that tied into that film sequel.[13] [14]

In 2011, Fraction wrote the Fear Itself limited series, which was the central part of the crossover storyline of the same name.[15] [16] In December 2011, he revived the series The Defenders with artist Terry Dodson[17] and, in August 2012, he started a new Hawkeye series with David Aja.[18]

As part of Marvel NOW!, Fantastic Four was relaunched in November 2012 with the creative team of Fraction and artist Mark Bagley. Its spinoff series FF was produced by Fraction and artist Mike Allred.[19] [20] Fraction left both series due to other work commitments.[21]

In February 2013, he was named on IGN's list of "The Best Tweeters in Comics", which described him as "the premier comics Twitter personality."[22]

In 2013, Fraction and Chip Zdarsky co-created the Sex Criminals series for Image Comics. He and illustrator Christian Ward created the ODY-C series in 2014, a science-fiction retelling of the Odyssey with the characters' genders changed to female.

In 2015, Fraction and Fabio Moon returned to Casanova with a new eight-issue mini-series, Acedia. The series featured backup stories written by Michael Chabon with art by Casanova co-creator Gabriel Bá. Also in 2015, Fraction and Kelly Sue DeConnick's company, Milkfed Criminal Masterminds, signed a two-year deal with Universal Television to adapt some of their comic books, as well as original TV series concepts. They also planned to use Milkfed Criminal Masterminds as a TV launchpad for other comic creators' properties.[23]

In 2018, Milkfed Criminal Masterminds signed another two-year overall deal, this time with Legendary TV to adapt several of their creator-owned comics, as well as produce exclusive, original projects developed by the duo for television across traditional and non-traditional platforms.[24]

In 2019, Fraction and Elsa Charretier co-created the graphic novella crime series, November, for Image Comics.[25] Meanwhile, Fraction wrote his first series for DC Comics, the twelve-issue series Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen which was drawn by Steve Lieber.

In 2020, Sex Criminals concluded with issue #69, volumes 2 and 3 of November were released, and Adventureman, the long-anticipated series from Fraction and Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson began releasing from Image Comics, and his and Lieber's run on Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen concluded, with a collected trade paperback entitled Who Killed Jimmy Olsen? being released in October.

Fraction served as a consultant for the Hawkeye television miniseries, which was heavily inspired by his 2012 comic run. He also planned to make a cameo appearance as a member of the Tracksuit Mafia, but was unable to commit to this, due to complications stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.[26] [27]

Since 2022, Fraction has been working on the Apple TV+ show , on which he is a co-creator with Chris Black.[28] The series debuted in November 2023 and Fraction wrote episode 9, "Axis Mundi".

Personal life

Fraction is married to Kelly Sue DeConnick, a comic book writer and adapter of manga into English,[3] [29] whom he met when they were both participants on the Warren Ellis Forum.[6] They have two children, Henry and Tallulah.[30]

Awards

Nominations

Bibliography

Early work

Image Comics

"Fate" (with Kieron Dwyer, anthology graphic novel, 144 pages, 2005,)

Marvel Comics

"Doctor America" (with Howard Hallis and Brendan McCarthy, anthology one-shot, 2010) collected in Secret Wars Too (tpb, 208 pages, 2016,)

Other publishers

Other work

Fraction served as a consulting producer for the Disney+ series Hawkeye, which is heavily influenced by his stint writing for the Hawkeye comic.[26] Fraction also serves as the co-creator, writer, and executive producer of alongside Chris Black.[47]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Inkpot Award . July 9, 2017 . January 29, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170129155249/http://www.comic-con.org/awards/inkpot . live .
  2. Web site: Matt Fraction . IGN. https://web.archive.org/web/20131026140341/http://www.ign.com/stars/matt-fraction. October 26, 2013. dead. August 27, 2012.
  3. Web site: Conversations with GoD: Matt Fraction. September 29, 2008. Geeks of Doom . MajorJJH . live . https://archive.today/20131104103835/http://www.geeksofdoom.com/2008/09/29/conversations-with-god-matt-fraction . 4 Nov 2013 .
  4. Howard, Natalie. "Our Hero", Creative Loafing (May 2, 2007), pp. 24–26.
  5. Hargro, Carlton. "Home is for Heroes", Creative Loafing (June 18, 2008), p. 39.
  6. Web site: An Oral History of the Warren Ellis Forum . Joshua . Rivera . Image Comics . December 5, 2018 . December 21, 2018 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20181222125424/https://imagecomics.com/features/an-oral-history-of-the-warren-ellis-forum-part-i . Dec 22, 2018 .
  7. Web site: Poplife. Matt. Fraction . Comic Book Resources. October 1, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101025061422/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=column&id=9 . Oct 25, 2010 .
  8. Web site: Casey & Fraction launch THE BASEMENT TAPES at CBR July 27th. July 21, 2004. CBR.com. January 6, 2021. March 9, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240309055720/https://www.cbr.com/casey-fraction-launch-the-basement-tapes-at-cbr-july-27th/. live.
  9. Book: Manning. Matthew K.. Gilbert. Laura, ed.. 2000s. Marvel Chronicle A Year by Year History. Dorling Kindersley. 2008. London, United Kingdom. 334. 978-0756641238. Ed Brubaker teamed with co-writer Matt Fraction and artist David Aja to give Iron Fist another shot at an ongoing title..
  10. Web site: Revelation X: Matt Fraction Talks Uncanny & Second Coming . Steve . Ekstrom . February 25, 2010 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20131104031508/http://www.newsarama.com/4803-revelation-x-matt-fraction-talks-uncanny-second-coming.html . November 4, 2013 . live.
  11. Web site: Fraction and Gillen on Their Uncanny X-Men Team-Up . Albert . Ching . September 23, 2010 . Newsarama . https://web.archive.org/web/20131104033452/http://www.newsarama.com/6146-fraction-and-gillen-on-their-uncanny-x-men-team-up.html . November 4, 2013 . live.
  12. Web site: Fraction and Gillen Explain It All (Thor, Journey, X-Men) . Albert . Ching . January 24, 2011 . Newsarama . https://web.archive.org/web/20131104033450/http://www.newsarama.com/6893-fraction-and-gillen-explain-it-all-thor-journey-x-men.html . November 4, 2013 . live.
  13. News: Matt Fraction talks Iron Man (and a bunch of other stuff). New York Post. William. Vitka. February 5, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20121018111804/http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/gamereport/matt_fraction_talks_iron_man_and_i98Z0Os53T94CFRC6UL1tL. October 18, 2012. dead.
  14. Web site: Comics' Matt Fraction on how he wrote the Iron Man 2 game. Adam-Troy. Castro. August 3, 2009. Blastr. https://web.archive.org/web/20131105011524/http://www.blastr.com/2009/08/comics_matt_fraction_on_h.php. November 5, 2013. live.
  15. Web site: Marvel Announces Fear Itself. Shaun. Manning. December 21, 2010. Comic Book Resources. https://web.archive.org/web/20131029203327/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=29984. October 29, 2013. live.
  16. News: Be afraid: Marvel's heroes gear up for Fear Itself. Brian. Truitt. December 21, 2010. USA Today. https://web.archive.org/web/20121103151948/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/comics/2010-12-21-FearItself_N.htm. November 3, 2012. live.
  17. Web site: CCI Exclusive: Fraction Unravels a Strange Conspiracy in Defenders. Dave. Richards. July 24, 2011. Comic Book Resources. https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204649/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=33521. October 29, 2013. live.
  18. Web site: Matt Fraction Takes Aim at Hawkeye . David . Uzumeri . April 15, 2012 . Comics Alliance . https://web.archive.org/web/20131101161312/http://comicsalliance.com/matt-fraction-hawkeye/ . November 1, 2013 . dead.
  19. Web site: Marvel NOW! Q&A: Fantastic Four . Jim . Beard . August 13, 2012 . Marvel Comics . https://web.archive.org/web/20130511144455/http://marvel.com/news/story/19200/marvel_now_qa_fantastic_four . May 11, 2013 . live . May 26, 2013.
  20. Web site: Fraction Celebrates Marvel's First Families in Fantastic Four & FF . Dave . Richards . November 27, 2012 . Comic Book Resources . https://web.archive.org/web/20130512074944/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=42363 . May 12, 2013 . live . May 26, 2013.
  21. Web site: Matt Fraction Leaving Fantastic Four and FF. Joey. Esposito. August 14, 2013. IGN. https://web.archive.org/web/20131104021642/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/14/matt-fraction-leaving-fantastic-four-and-ff. November 4, 2013 . live. November 3, 2013.
  22. Web site: Yehl. Joshua. The Best Tweeters in Comics. IGN. https://web.archive.org/web/20140427010055/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/20/the-best-tweeters-in-comics. April 27, 2014. live. April 22, 2014. February 20, 2013.
  23. Web site: Comic Book Writers Matt Fraction & Kelly Sue DeConnick Sign Deal With Universal TV, Will Adapt 'Sex Criminals' To Series. Deadline Hollywood. Andreeva, Nellie. February 25, 2015. January 6, 2021. February 25, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150225225130/https://deadline.com/2015/02/matt-fraction-kelly-sue-deconnick-deal-universal-tv-sex-criminals-comic-series-1201380723/.
  24. Web site: Legendary TV Inks Overall Deal With Kelly Sue DeConnick & Matt Fraction's Milkfed Criminal Masterminds. Deadline Hollywood. Petski, Denise. December 13, 2018. January 6, 2021. December 14, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181214014046/https://deadline.com/2018/12/legendary-tv-overall-deal-kelly-sue-deconnick-matt-fraction-milkfed-criminal-masterminds-comics-1202519788/.
  25. Web site: Holub . Christian . July 19, 2019 . Matt Fraction and Elsa Charretier's 'November' puts normal people in noir circumstances . 2024-03-09 . . en . May 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230528043419/https://ew.com/comic-con/2019/07/19/matt-fraction-elsa-charretier-november-preview/ . live .
  26. Web site: Barnhardt . Adam . November 15, 2021 . Hawkeye Comic Writer Matt Fraction Was Consulting Producer on the Show, Almost Cameoed as Tracksuit Mafia . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211116121233/https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/hawkeye-matt-fraction-consulting-producer-cameo-tease/ . November 16, 2021 . November 16, 2021 . ComicBook.com.
  27. Web site: Robinson, Joanna; Holmes, Charles. Discussing 'Hawkeye' With Matt Fraction . The Ringer. November 15, 2021 . November 16, 2021. November 15, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211115152340/https://www.theringer.com/2021/11/15/22782318/discussing-hawkeye-comic-books-disney-show-with-matt-fraction.
  28. Web site: Kit . Borys . 2022-01-20 . Godzilla and Kaiju Monster TV Series in the Works From Legendary, Apple . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231201035458/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/godzilla-and-kaiju-monster-tv-series-legendary-apple-1235078313/ . December 1, 2023 . 2024-03-09 . . en-US.
  29. Web site: Dave. Richards. DeConnick On Sif, Rescue and Girl Comics. Comic Book Resources. April 6, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20121012175439/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=25531. October 12, 2012. live. July 27, 2010.
  30. News: Truitt . Brian . Family fuels Matt Fraction's Fantastic Four . USA Today. November 12, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140418023621/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2012/11/12/matt-fraction-fantastic-four-comic-book-series/1699983/ . April 18, 2014 . live . December 22, 2012.
  31. Web site: Eagle Awards Previous Winners 2008 . 2013 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20131023120223/http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/category/previous-winners/2008/ . October 23, 2013 . dead . November 3, 2013.
  32. Web site: SDCC 09: 2009 Eisner Awards Winners. Michael. Doran. July 25, 2009. Newsarama. https://web.archive.org/web/20131104032145/http://www.newsarama.com/3455-sdcc-09-2009-eisner-awards-winners.html. November 4, 2013. live. November 3, 2013.
  33. Web site: Matt Fraction wins 2010 PEN Center literary award. Heidi. MacDonald. September 20, 2010. ComicsBeat.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20131104030106/http://comicsbeat.com/matt-fraction-wins-2010-pen-center-literery-awards/. November 4, 2013. live.
  34. Web site: PEN Center USA Winners . 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131104034159/http://penusa.org/awards/winners . November 4, 2013 . dead . November 3, 2013.
  35. Web site: 2014 Harvey Awards Unspool. Heidi. MacDonald. September 6, 2014. The Beat. https://web.archive.org/web/20141006084319/http://comicsbeat.com/2014-harvey-awards-unspool/. October 6, 2014. live.
  36. Web site: 2014 Eisner Awards: Full List Of Winners And Nominees . Andrew . Wheeler . July 26, 2014 . ComicsAlliance . https://web.archive.org/web/20141006085623/http://comicsalliance.com/2014-eisner-awards-full-list-of-winners-and-nominees/ . October 6, 2014 . dead.
  37. Web site: Inkpot Award. 2016. San Diego Comic-Con. https://web.archive.org/web/20170129155249/http://www.comic-con.org/awards/inkpot. January 29, 2017. live. mdy-all.
  38. Web site: 2008 Eisner Nominations Announced. April 14, 2008. Comic Book Resources. https://web.archive.org/web/20130827115205/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=15972. August 27, 2013. live. November 3, 2013.
  39. Web site: Your 2013 Harvey Awards Winners. Tom. Spurgeon. September 8, 2013. The Comics Reporter. https://web.archive.org/web/20141006085202/http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/your_2013_harvey_awards_winners/. October 6, 2014. live.
  40. Web site: Building Stories, Saga Dominate 2013 Eisner Awards . Joseph . Hughes . July 20, 2013 . ComicsAlliance . https://web.archive.org/web/20141006071252/http://comicsalliance.com/2013-eisner-award-winners-sdcc-2013/ . October 6, 2014 . dead.
  41. Web site: Harvey Awards Announces 2014 Nominees, Congratulations In Advance To Hawkeye #11 . Chris . Sims . July 16, 2014 . ComicsAlliance . https://web.archive.org/web/20141006153215/http://comicsalliance.com/harvey-award-announces-2014-nominees-congratulations-in-advance-to-hawkeye-11/ . October 6, 2014 . dead.
  42. Web site: Your Sélection Officielle (And Other Lists) For Angouleme 2014. Tom. Spurgeon. November 27, 2013. The Comics Reporter. https://web.archive.org/web/20141006120744/http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/your_s233lection_officielle_and_other_lists_for_angouleme_2014/. October 6, 2014. live.
  43. Web site: Darren . Franich . Marvel's 'Inhumanity' . Entertainment Weekly . July 11, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130714054748/http://popwatch.ew.com/2013/07/11/marvels-inhumanity-fraction/ . July 14, 2013 . live .
  44. Web site: Marvel Announces All-New Marvel NOW! Series, "Avengers" Renumbering . Comic Book Resources . September 9, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130911060546/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=47797 . September 11, 2013 . dead .
  45. Web site: Albert . Ching . JMS Confirms "Thor" Exit . Comic Book Resources . December 17, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131217101306/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=49752 . December 17, 2013 . dead .
  46. Web site: Axel-In-Charge: The Full Story Of "Inhuman" With Fraction & Soule . Comic Book Resources . December 20, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131225025251/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=49859 . December 25, 2013 . dead .
  47. Web site: Kroll . Justin . 2022-01-20 . Apple TV+ Lands Godzilla & Titans Series Based On Legendary’s Monsterverse . 2023-08-18 . Deadline . en-US . January 20, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220120233013/https://deadline.com/2022/01/apple-tv-godzilla-legendary-monsterverse-1234916545/ . live .