The competition for top comic book artists and writers continues to heat up as Marvel announced the signing of artists Mike Wieringo and Brandon Peterson to exclusive contracts.  Timed to coincide with the opening of Wizard World Dallas, Marvel's announcement indicates that the House of Ideas is intent on keeping its preeminent position in the sales of periodical comics.  In signing Mike Wieringo to a two-year deal, Marvel is actually keeping one of its own in house.  Wieringo, known as 'Ringo' to his fans, has been working with writer Mark Waid on the Fantastic Four.  When it appeared that Marvel was dumping Waid, who reportedly alienated Bill Jemas in a dispute over the direction of the FF comic book, Wieringo walked out in support of Waid, but came back when Joe Quesada was able to exert editorial control and bring Waid back on the title.  The opportunity to continue working with Waid on the FF was key to Wieringo's signing of what is actually his second exclusive contract with Marvel.

The signing of Brandon Peterson, who most recently served as Art Director and Vice President of CrossGen Entertainment, was a more aggressive move with Marvel reaching out to profit from CrossGen's financial difficulties.  Peterson, who worked previously for Marvel, most notably on the Uncanny X-Men, rose to prominence as an artist while at Top Cow.  Peterson will start his new tenure at Marvel by drawing covers for key titles such as Ultimate X-Men, and will then move on to some new 'high profile' assignments.