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It is happening: one of Marvel’s top writers is set for a major comics comeback in 2025. Donny Cates was behind several character-defining runs at Marvel earlier in the decade, but he seemingly dropped off the comics’ scene, right as his career was heading to the next level. Fans wondering about Cates’ health will be overjoyed to hear the writer is prepping a grand return.
Donny Cates made the announcement of his return in an Instagram post. The black and white photo shows Cates posing with a cat, along with the announcement that he “is back on the dance floor.” Cates stated fans could expect announcements about future projects this summer, along with another big one after that. Cates did not offer any additional information, but joked that if anyone guessed the second project, he would buy them the first issue. The full post is shared below.
Who is Donny Cates, and What Has He Written?
Donny Cates Helped Make Venom an Even Better Character
Donny Cates has published comics with a variety of North American publishers, including Marvel, where he interned during college. Cates has a substantial body of creator-owned work at publishers such as Image, Aftershock and Vault, but it is his Marvel work that put him on the map. While at the House of Ideas, Cates has had runs on Doctor Strange, Thanos and Cosmic Ghost Rider, as well as the acclaimed miniseries Silver Surfer: Black. This trippy, psychedelic book, drawn by Tradd Moore, helped lay the foundation for the latter part of Cates’ career.
In 2018, Donny Cates partnered with artist Ryan Stegman for what would turn out to be the definitive Venom run of the past 20 years, if not in the character’s entire history.
In 2018, Donny Cates partnered with artist Ryan Stegman for what would turn out to be the definitive Venom run of the past 20 years, if not in the character’s entire history. Venom’s mythos was already well-established when Cates and Stegman came on board, but together they stretched it in bold new directions. The pair introduced Knull, AKA the King in Black. Eddie Brock learned of Knull’s existence, and had to begin preparing Earth for the inevitable invasion. At the same time, Brock learned he had an illegitimate son, Dylan. These events helped redefine Venom for a new generation.
Donny Cates Disappeared At What Should Have Been a Moment of Triumph
Donny Cates’ Return Raises Exciting Questions About His Future Projects
Cates and Stegman’s Venom run concluded with The King in Black, and afterward, Cates embarked on what should have been a triumphant run on Hulk. Yet midway through, Cates dropped out, and artist Ryan Ottley finished it. The book was then relaunched with a new creative team and direction. Fans wondered what happened to Cates. It came out that he had been in a terrible car accident, one that left him with partial amnesia. Since then, fans have wondered if Cates would ever return to comics. Now, they can breathe a sigh of relief, as Cates is returning.
It is possible that Cates could be announcing a new creator-owned project, or perhaps even a book at DC.
Donny Cates’ Instagram post did not state what projects he would be working on, which opens the door to speculation about what they might be. Cates also did not specify publishers either, but given his excellent track record at Marvel, a return there makes sense. Cates’ run on Hulk was curbed short, and while the character has moved on, perhaps one day fans can see his vision for the Jade Giant. It is possible that Cates could be announcing a new creator-owned project, or perhaps even a book at DC. Whatever the case, Donny Cates’ return is most welcome.
Source: Donny Cates
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