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Greg Pak
Greg Pak
Greg Pak
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Greg Pak is an American comic book writer and film director. He is best known for his work on books published by Marvel Comics, including X-Men (most notably X-Treme X-Men), several titles featuring the Hulk, and Hercules.[1] In 2019, Pak began writing Star Wars comics for Marvel.

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Pak was born in Dallas, Texas, to a Korean-American father and a white mother. He graduated from Hillcrest High School. He studied political science at Yale University, where he wrote for the campus humor magazine, The Yale Record,[2][3] and was a member of the Purple Crayon improvisational group. In 1991, he went to study history at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar with the intent of becoming a politician. He then entered New York University's graduate film program.[2][4][5][6]

Career

[edit]

Pak's New York University (NYU) student film, Fighting Grandpa, which centered on his Korean grandparents, won the gold medal at the 25th Student Academy Awards.[citation needed] His short film "Asian Pride Porn", starring playwright David Henry Hwang and director Michael Kang, was licensed to Atom Films. Pak wrote and directed the feature film Robot Stories. He collected his screenplays in the book Robot Stories & More Screenplays, whose foreword was written by David Henry Hwang.

Pak worked as the cinematographer on the 1998 documentary short The Personals: Improvisations on Romance in the Golden Years, which was directed by his wife, Keiko Ibi. In March 1999, the film received an Academy Award for Documentary Short Subject at the 71st Academy Awards.[7]

Pak began writing for Marvel Comics in September 2004, with a 4 issue Warlock series,[8] and signed an exclusive deal with them in July 2005.[9] In a story in 2005's Amazing Fantasy vol. 2 #15 he and artist Takeshi Miyazawa created Amadeus Cho.

Pak helmed the year long Planet Hulk story arc in the pages of The Incredible Hulk in 2006 & 2007, beginning with #92 and concluding with #105. After the ensuing World War Hulk event in 2007, where he wrote the primary miniseries as well as the core tie-ins issues of Incredible Hulk (#106-111).

He continued onto the Incredible Hercules series, joined by co-writer Fred Van Lente, which continued the now defunct Incredible Hulk's numbering,[10][11][12] as well as the spinoff series World War Hulk Aftersmash - Warbound and Skaar: Son of Hulk,[13] The adventures of Incredible Hercules (alongside Amadeus Cho) would culminate with Chaos War in late 2010/early 2011 after which the series was concluded. Pak returned for a solo Hercules comic some months later, initially tying into the Thor-centric Fear Itself series, which ended in early 2012.

Other 2000s Marvel projects include Phoenix: Endsong,[14] Phoenix: Warsong,[15] Iron Man, Magneto: Testament[16] and War Machine.[17][18][19]

At the same time as his Planet / World War Hulk run, Pak also wrote Dynamite Entertainment's initial series based on the Sci-Fi Channel's Battlestar Galactica.

Pak is one of the featured contributors to Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology.[20]

In June 2013, Pak began writing Batman/Superman for DC Comics, which he wrote for the majority of its run (26 out of 32 issues).[1] From late 2013 to 2015, he wrote Action Comics.[21]

Pak would return to the world of the Incredible Hulk in 2016, scripting The Totally Awesome Hulk, in which Amadeus Cho was now imbued with the Hulk's powers.[22] The series lasted 23 issues before being replaced with the original Incredible Hulk series (restarting its legacy numbering at #709), though its revival (and Cho's time as the "primary" Hulk) was brief as the series concluded with #717. Pak returned to the world of Planet Hulk once more with 2022-2023's Planet Hulk Worldbreaker miniseries.

During this time Pak also helped briefly revive Alpha Flight in 2011, created Weapon H (with Mike Deodato Jr.) in 2017, and wrote a 12-issue Weapon H series (as well as a tie-in Hulkverines miniseries) in 2018. He also returned to Dynamite in 2017 and wrote a 5-issue John Wick comic series.[23]

In 2019 Pak would help bring the characters Aero and Sword Master into the Marvel Universe proper, initially created in Chinese digital comics the previous year.[24][25] He translated the original comics and wrote new stories for the year long Aero and Sword Master series. Pak also wrote a new series of Agents of Atlas comics, which would feature Aero and Sword-Master interacting with other young Marvel heroes, including Wave, White Fox and Amadeus Cho.[26] The team was last seen confronting Namor the Sub-Mariner in Greg Pak's Atlantis Attacks miniseries of 2020.

In 2023 Pak wrote an educational comic book entitled Who Belongs?, drawn by Jeremy Arambulo, colored by Irma Kniivila, and lettered by Janice Chiang. This project was part of an AAPI Hidden Voices series from the New York City Department of Education’s Civics for All Comics Group.[27]

Personal life

[edit]

Pak is married to Japanese filmmaker Keiko Ibi.[7]

Filmography

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Greg Pak

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from Grokipedia
Greg Pak is a Korean writer and filmmaker renowned for his contributions to major superhero titles at Marvel and DC Comics, as well as his independent films that explore themes of identity, technology, and Asian American experiences. Born Gregory Pyung Won Pak in , , he graduated with a in from in 1991 and was selected as a Rhodes Scholar, studying history at the . Pak later earned a in film production from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Pak began his career in , directing the Fighting Grandpa (1998), which won 20 international prizes, including a Student Academy Award. His debut, Robot Stories (2002), an anthology examining human-robot interactions, premiered at the and secured 35 awards while screening at over 75 festivals worldwide. He also co-wrote the for MVP (2004), which premiered at Sundance. Transitioning to comics in the mid-2000s, Pak gained prominence with Marvel's Planet Hulk (2006–2007), a storyline that exiled the Hulk to an alien gladiatorial world and inspired elements of the 2010 film Thor: Ragnarok. This led to the epic World War Hulk (2007) and co-creating the series Incredible Hercules (2008–2010) with Fred Van Lente, blending mythology and humor. Other key Marvel works include the graphic novel Magneto Testament (2008), depicting the character's Holocaust origins; Storm (2014–2015); Agents of Atlas (2019); Darth Vader (2020–2022); and Totally Awesome Hulk (2015–2017), introducing Amadeus Cho as the new Hulk. At DC Comics, he wrote Action Comics (2011–2016) and Batman/Superman (2013–2016), revitalizing Superman's early years and exploring the Dynamic Duo. Pak has also created original series like Mech Cadet Yu (2016–2018) for BOOM! Studios, which won the 2018 Mike Wieringo Spirit of Comics Retailer Award, and Ronin Island (2019–2021). His work often emphasizes diverse representation, including Asian and Korean American characters, and he continues to write series such as Lilo & Stitch (2024–present) for Dynamite Entertainment.

Early life and education

Early life

Gregory Pyung Won Pak was born in 1968 in , , to a Korean father and a white mother. He grew up in a predominantly white suburb of , where he encountered as a biracial child, experiences that profoundly influenced his views on identity and diversity. Pak's parents played a key role in fostering his pride in his Korean heritage, sharing family stories and cultural traditions that sparked his early fascination with storytelling and multicultural narratives. One formative anecdote from his childhood involved his participation in the Cub Scouts, where he learned foundational principles of equality that reinforced his parents' teachings on inclusivity and across differences. Pak graduated from Hillcrest High School in , marking the end of his pre-college years amid these personal and cultural influences.

Education

Pak earned a in from , where he engaged with topics that sparked his interest in societal structures and power dynamics. Following graduation, Pak was selected as a Rhodes Scholar and studied history at Oxford University, further honing his understanding of cultural and political narratives across time. After Oxford, Pak transitioned to the graduate film program at , where he pursued his longstanding passions for directing and screenwriting, blending his intellectual background with practical storytelling skills.

Career

Filmmaking

Following his graduation from New York University's Tisch School of in 1996, Greg Pak entered the independent filmmaking scene by directing a series of short films in the late . His early works included the 1997 short and the 1998 documentary Fighting Grandpa, a personal exploration of his extended Korean American family that screened at over 50 film festivals and won 20 awards, including a Student Academy Award. Pak's early films emphasized themes of Asian American experiences, family dynamics, and the intersection of with human life, often drawing from his own heritage to examine identity and cultural . For instance, Fighting Grandpa delves into intergenerational relationships within an immigrant Korean family, probing questions of and resilience across three generations. Later shorts like the 2000 satirical Asian Pride Porn critiqued stereotypes of Asian masculinity in media, while his 2003 feature Robot Stories—comprising four vignettes—explored 's impact on bonds and personal connections in a near-future setting. Pak's directorial style fused intimate, autobiographical storytelling with pointed , creating accessible narratives that highlighted marginalized voices and societal issues without overt . This approach earned critical recognition, as seen in Robot Stories, which garnered 35 awards across 75 festivals, including Best Feature at the 2003 Rhode Island International Film Festival. A key milestone came in when Pak co-wrote the for the feature MVP a.k.a. Joy Road, a drama about a defense attorney entangled in Detroit's underground boxing scene, which premiered at the . This project marked a pivot toward narrative-driven features while maintaining his focus on character depth and cultural nuance. Pak's filmmaking honed his skills in visual storytelling, pacing, and thematic layering, which he later applied to comics writing starting in the mid-, allowing him to expand his creative output beyond the constraints of production.

Comics writing

Greg Pak entered the comics industry in the early , leveraging his background in to bring a cinematic approach to visual in . His debut for came in 2004 with the four-issue miniseries , which introduced a new take on the cosmic character amid a world on the brink of . This initial project marked the beginning of Pak's collaboration with major publishers, blending independent sensibilities with narratives. Pak achieved a major breakthrough with Planet Hulk (2006–2007), a sprawling epic serialized in The Incredible Hulk #92–105, where the Hulk is exiled to the distant planet Sakaar and rises as a gladiatorial champion and reluctant king. Co-plotted with artist Carlo Pagulayan, the storyline emphasized themes of exile, found family, and redemption through character-driven action, earning critical acclaim for its operatic scale and emotional depth. This success solidified Pak's reputation at Marvel, leading to the direct sequel World War Hulk (2007), illustrated by John Romita Jr., in which the Hulk returns to Earth for vengeance against his betrayers. Throughout his career, Pak has championed diverse representation, particularly for Asian American and multicultural characters, co-creating the Korean American genius in Amazing Fantasy (Vol. 2) #15 (2005) alongside artist Takeshi Miyazawa. Cho evolved from a supporting role in stories to a central figure in titles like Incredible Hercules (co-written with Fred Van Lente) and Totally Awesome Hulk (2015–2017), where he assumes the mantle of the , subverting stereotypes of Asian intellect while exploring themes of identity and heroism. By 2022, Pak had written or co-written over 100 featuring Asian or Asian American leads or co-leads, including teams like (2019–2022). Key collaborations have defined Pak's artistic partnerships, with Pagulayan's dynamic layouts enhancing the alien worlds and battles of Planet Hulk and its spin-offs, such as the introduction of Skaar, Son of Hulk, in 2008. Romita Jr.'s bold, high-contrast style complemented the raw fury of World War Hulk, amplifying the storyline's themes of rage and consequence. These pairings, along with later work with artists like Stephen Segovia on X-Treme X-Men (2012–2013), underscore Pak's ability to craft visually immersive tales across genres. Pak's career evolved from standalone miniseries to extended ongoing runs, expanding his scope beyond Hulk. In the 2010s, he helmed X-Treme X-Men #1–18 (2012–2013), a globetrotting adventure led by Dazzler that explored mutant diplomacy and interdimensional threats, blending humor with high-stakes action. Transitioning to DC Comics, Pak took over Action Comics during the New 52 era (issues #25–52, 2013–2016), reimagining Superman's early days with themes of vulnerability and heroism, later extending to Batman/Superman (2013–2016). These arcs demonstrated his versatility in handling iconic teams and solo heroes, from cosmic Hulk sagas to street-level X-Men exploits and Kryptonian lore. More recently, Pak has written the ongoing Sam Wilson: Captain America (2025–present) and a Planet Hulk one-shot (2025). Pak's has had lasting impact on the , directly inspiring elements of Thor: Ragnarok (2017), including the gladiatorial contests on Sakaar, the Hulk's warrior persona, and alliances with alien rebels. Pak has praised the film's adaptation for capturing the storyline's spirit of adventure and camaraderie while honoring its character development.

Other projects

In addition to his primary work in film and comics, Greg Pak has engaged in various multimedia and prose projects that explore creative processes, personal heritage, and educational themes. In 2012, he launched The Pakcast, a series where he shares insights into his ongoing projects and conducts interviews with collaborators, often drawing from his career to discuss techniques and industry experiences. Pak expanded into with ABC Disgusting, an published in 2015 that humorously catalogs gross-out scenarios through a narrative, featuring multiracial characters to promote inclusive representation in young readers' media. His endeavors include 35mm Love Letter, a and instructional guide on analog film that remains in progress as of 2025, incorporating personal and family photographs to illustrate techniques and evoke the tactile joys of the medium. Pak has also taken on roles as a moderator for public discussions, including panels at in October 2025 on topics like "Teaching Hidden Voices with Comics" and "Comics and Advocacy," as well as a theater talkback for the play The Porch on Windy Hill at Urban Stages, where he facilitated conversations on biracial identity with cast members. Among his recent adaptations, the animated series Mech Cadets, based on his comic , premiered in August 2023 following the series' 2018 acclaim, expanding its themes of diverse teamwork and battles to a broader audience.

Personal life

Heritage and identity

Greg Pak is a biracial Korean American, born to a Korean father and a white mother. He has consistently identified as Korean American throughout his adult life, embracing this dual heritage as a core aspect of his public persona. In reflecting on his upbringing as a mixed-race individual in a predominantly white suburb of , , during the 1970s and 1980s, Pak has described a suburban childhood marked by cultural duality, where he navigated identities as both Texan and Asian American. His family played a pivotal role in instilling pride in his heritage, teaching him and his siblings to embrace their background without shame, even as they were among the few mixed Korean families in their community. As an adult, Pak has spoken of the anger he felt toward instances of encountered in his youth, such as anti-Asian slurs, which underscored his sense of otherness but also fueled his sense of resilience. Pak's personal experiences with and cultural duality have informed his for greater diversity in media, where he promotes inclusive representations that reflect multifaceted identities. In public interviews, he has emphasized the importance of avoiding stereotypes, such as the trope, and instead championing multicultural narratives that portray as fully dimensional individuals without needing to justify their ethnicity. This commitment is evident in initiatives like his #AsAmCreatorRollCall campaign, which garnered over 290,000 views and encouraged Asian American creators to share their work, drawing directly from his own journey of navigating biracial identity.

Family and privacy

Greg Pak maintains a private family life, with limited public information available on his or children across interviews, biographies, and his official website. He selectively shares family influences through personal writings and creative projects, emphasizing their role in shaping his artistic pursuits without delving into intimate details. His late mother, Jane Pak, remains a profound ongoing influence, particularly in his photography. Pak frequently incorporates her camera—used by her to capture thousands of family photographs in the and —into his own analog work, crediting her for teaching him the in 1984 and inspiring his return to 35mm photography after her death in 2021. Pak resides in , serving as his base for professional activities in writing, filmmaking, and comics.

Awards and honors

Film awards

Greg Pak's early filmmaking career garnered significant recognition through awards that highlighted his innovative storytelling in independent cinema, particularly within Asian American narratives. His debut , Robot Stories (2003), an exploring human-robot relationships, achieved widespread acclaim, winning 35 awards across international . These honors included Best at the 2003 International , affirming Pak's directorial prowess in blending with emotional depth. Additional accolades for Robot Stories encompassed Best Director and Best Screenplay at the 2004 Rojo Sangre Festival, as well as Best Actress for at the same event, underscoring the film's ensemble impact. Pak's student short documentary Fighting Grandpa (1998), which delves into his Korean grandparents' experiences, earned 20 prizes and screened at over 50 festivals, marking a pivotal early success. Among these, it received the Gold Medal for at the 25th , tying for the top honor and recognizing Pak's intimate portrayal of immigrant resilience. Other notable recognitions included a nomination for the IDA/ Student Documentary Award (Jury Award from the International Documentary Association) and First Place at the 1999 New Haven Documentary Film Festival. Pak also co-wrote the screenplay for the feature MVP (later retitled Joy Road, 2004), which premiered at the 2004 , earning critical attention for its dramatic exploration of ambition and identity in a sports context. Collectively, these awards solidified Pak's reputation in the and early as a vital voice in independent Asian American filmmaking, emphasizing themes of heritage and human connection.

Comics awards

Greg Pak's comics work has earned recognition for its innovative storytelling, particularly in promoting diversity and exploring cultural themes. His series Mech Cadet Yu, published by , won the 2018 Spirit Award at the Ringo Awards, honoring its uplifting narrative about a diverse group of young cadets piloting giant robots to defend Earth. Pak's contributions to graphic novels have also been acknowledged through selections by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Ronin Island, Volume 1, co-created with artist Giannis Milonogiannis, was named to the 2020 Great Graphic Novels for Teens list for its post-apocalyptic tale of unity among survivors from , Korea, and . Similarly, Ronin Island, Volume 2 received the same honor in 2021, praised for deepening themes of heritage and resilience. Earlier works like : Magneto Testament garnered acclaim for their historical depth, winning the 2009 CBR Forums X-Book Award for Best Miniseries due to its poignant depiction of Magneto's Holocaust-era origins. Pak's storyline, a seminal epic, has been widely celebrated for redefining the character's heroism, though it did not receive formal comic industry awards at the time of publication. In 2025, Pak returned to the universe with the one-shot Return to , reuniting with artist Carlo Pagulayan to mark the 20th anniversary of the original saga, but no awards have been announced for this project as of November 2025.

Filmography

Feature films

Greg Pak made his mark as a director with Robot Stories (2003), an independent anthology that he also wrote. The film consists of four interconnected stories exploring human- relationships and the emotional impacts of advancing , including a couple caring for a robotic baby as preparation for human adoption, a mother using a robot to communicate with her comatose son, office workers interacting with robotic colleagues, and an elderly artist confronting obsolescence through . Funded through grants like the Filmmakers' Production Fund and produced on a modest independent budget, the film faced typical challenges of low-budget indie cinema, including limited resources for effects and marketing. Pak self-distributed it theatrically, relying on grassroots support from Asian American film festivals and cultural organizations to reach audiences across the U.S. It screened at over 75 festivals worldwide and garnered 35 awards, highlighting its critical acclaim. Prior to Robot Stories, Pak co-wrote the screenplay for the feature film MVP (a.k.a. Joy Road, 2004), directed by Harry A. Davis. This drama delves into themes of family loyalty, racial injustice, and corruption in the criminal justice system, following a disillusioned Detroit defense attorney who reluctantly defends his sister's boyfriend, the leader of a local gang, only to uncover a broader conspiracy targeting the Black community. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004 under its original title MVP, the film encountered significant distribution hurdles, taking seven years to secure a wide release in 2011 due to challenges in independent film markets. Despite these obstacles, it addressed pressing social issues and received recognition for its portrayal of urban struggles.

Short films

Greg Pak's short films, produced primarily during and after his time at the Graduate Film Program, often explore themes of family, identity, cultural stereotypes, and societal issues through experimental and documentary styles. His early works from the include satirical and narrative shorts that blend humor with social commentary, laying the groundwork for his later projects. One of Pak's seminal early shorts is Mr. Lee (1994), a 6-minute color depicting a Korean American mother discovering an African American man in her daughter's bed, highlighting interracial tensions and family dynamics in immigrant communities. Fighting Grandpa (1998), Pak's NYU documentary, semi-autobiographically examines love and resilience in his extended Korean immigrant family across three generations, questioning the emotional bonds between his grandparents amid their separation during the . The 20-minute film won over 20 awards, including the Gold Medal in the Documentary category at the 25th in 1998 and First Place at the Korean American Film Festival that year, and was an official selection at more than 50 festivals, such as the 1998 , the 1999 San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, and the 2000 Vancouver Asian Film Festival. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Pak created experimental satirical shorts like Asian Pride Porn (2000), a 3-minute spoof infomercial featuring Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang, which mocks sexual stereotypes of Asian Americans through exaggerated "positive" imagery in a mock adult video format. The film screened at numerous festivals and became one of the most downloaded shorts on AtomFilms.com. Cat Fight Tonight (2001), a 4-minute drama, portrays the dissolution of a relationship through a humorous custody battle over a pet cat, earning screenings at events like the 2002 San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival. Mouse (1997), an 11-minute narrative about a man obsessively chasing a mouse in his apartment, won Best Narrative Short at the 2000 San Diego Asian Film Festival. These film school-era pieces, often under 10 minutes, experimented with low-budget techniques and bold themes, influencing Pak's shift toward feature-length storytelling. Later shorts include Mister Green (2010), a 15-minute science fiction parable produced for the ITVS Futurestates series, in which a jaded government undersecretary () undergoes an experimental procedure to combat global warming, personifying environmental change and personal transformation. Starring , the film premiered at and screened at the Asian American International in the "" program, the Philadelphia Asian American (where it won the Emerging Voice Award), and the . Happy Fun Room (2014), another Futurestates entry directed and written by Pak, is a satirical short following Sam (Cindy ), the host of a once-popular children's show, as she navigates collapse and personal turmoil in a post-apocalyptic world where her cautionary messages seem obsolete. The film screened at the 2014 DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival and the 2015 Cinequest Film Festival, blending dark humor with critiques of media and .

Bibliography

Marvel Comics

Greg Pak's contributions to Marvel Comics encompass over 300 issues across numerous series, showcasing his versatility in handling iconic characters from the franchise to Star Wars properties and ensembles. His work often explores themes of identity, exile, and heroism, with a particular emphasis on diverse ensembles and epic-scale conflicts. One of Pak's seminal arcs is , which he wrote for The Incredible Hulk #92-105 from April 2006 to June 2007, illustrated primarily by Carlo Pagulayan. In this storyline, the is exiled to the distant planet Sakaar, where he becomes a gladiator leading a rebellion against an oppressive regime. The saga builds to a climactic uprising, blending and fantasy elements in a self-contained epic that has influenced subsequent narratives and adaptations. This narrative directly led into , a 2007 five-issue co-written by Pak and illustrated by . Published from August to December 2007, it depicts the Hulk's vengeful return to Earth with his Warbound allies to confront the superheroes who banished him, culminating in battles against the Avengers, , and others. The series escalates the personal stakes from , emphasizing themes of betrayal and rage while tying into broader Marvel events. In 2008-2009, Pak penned the five-issue limited series : Magneto Testament, with art by Carmine Di Giandomenico. Released from September 2008 to January 2009 under the imprint, it provides a historical origin for Magneto, chronicling his experiences as a Jewish teenager named Max Eisenhardt during in . The story humanizes the character through survival struggles and family tragedy, avoiding superhero elements to focus on real-world horror. Pak revisited the Hulk legacy in The Totally Awesome Hulk (2015 series), which he wrote from issue #1 in December 2015 through #23 in June 2017, with various artists including Frank Cho and Mahmud Asrar. This run introduces Amadeus Cho as the new Hulk, inheriting the mantle after Bruce Banner's temporary cure, and follows Cho's adventures balancing intellect with gamma-powered strength. Extending into 2018 through tie-ins like Champions, it highlights Cho's youthful perspective and multicultural heroism. Pak's involvement in Marvel's Star Wars line includes the one-shot Star Wars: Age of Republic - in March 2019, illustrated by Harvey Tolibao. Set during the Prequel era, it portrays Master mentoring a young miner on a mining colony, exploring themes of and personal destiny shortly before The Phantom Menace. He also contributed to Star Wars: Age of Rebellion (2019 miniseries), writing issues featuring characters like and , which delve into pivotal moments from the Original era. From 2019 onward, Pak helmed Agents of Atlas (2019 limited series) #1-5, co-written with Jeff Parker and illustrated by Nico Leon, reviving the team as a pan-Asian superhero squad led by Jimmy Woo and including Amadeus Cho, Shang-Chi, and others. The storyline involves global threats and cultural clashes, expanding into ongoing adventures in subsequent titles. His X-Men work spans multiple eras, including X-Treme X-Men (2012-2013 series, issues #1-18), Astonishing X-Men arcs (#44-47, 2011-2012), and contributions to anthology titles like Marvel's Voices: X-Men (2023). Pak's most extensive Star Wars run is on Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020 series, Vol. 3), which he wrote from issue #1 in February 2020 through #50 in September 2024, with primary art by Raffaele Ienco. Set post-The Empire Strikes Back, it examines Vader's internal conflicts, loyalty to the Emperor, and confrontations with figures like Obi-Wan Kenobi's spirit and rogue Inquisitors, blending psychological depth with lightsaber duels. The series, Marvel's longest Darth Vader title, concludes a major phase of the publisher's Star Wars comics. Marking the 20th anniversary of , Pak returned for the one-shot Return to Planet Hulk #1 in October 2025, illustrated by Carlo Pagulayan. This standalone story revisits Sakaar with gamma-irradiated gladiatorial action, featuring the and Warbound allies escaping new threats under a revived Red King regime, bridging legacy elements with fresh conflicts. Pak launched the ongoing series Sam Wilson: in 2024, exploring the new Captain America's adventures and leadership in a divided world.

DC Comics

Greg Pak's contributions to DC Comics primarily revolve around his work on Superman and Batman-centric titles during the New 52 era, where he penned epic narratives emphasizing character-driven conflicts and large-scale crossovers. His tenure on Action Comics from 2013 to 2016 marked a significant shift toward portraying a more vulnerable, investigative Superman navigating personal and cosmic threats. In Action Comics #25–50 (November 2013–February 2016), co-written and illustrated with Aaron Kuder, Pak explored Superman's early days in Metropolis, blending street-level heroism with interstellar perils. Key arcs included the "Zero Year" tie-in in issues #25–29, where a young Clark Kent confronts Gotham's chaos alongside Batman; the "Doomed" crossover in #30–36 and Superman: Doomed #2 (2014), pitting Superman against a rampaging Doomsday; and the "Truth" storyline in #41–47, revealing Superman's identity and eroding his powers amid public scrutiny. These issues, collected in volumes such as Action Comics Vol. 5: What Lies Beneath, Vol. 6: Superdoom, Vol. 7: Under the Skin, Vol. 8: Truth, and Vol. 9: Last Rites, highlighted Pak's ability to infuse superhero tales with emotional depth, drawing parallels to his prior Hulk epics in crafting resilient protagonists amid apocalypse-scale events. Additionally, Pak contributed the Doomsday-focused Action Comics #23.2 (September 2013) during Villains Month. Pak's most extensive DC run was on Batman/Superman (2013–2016), where he wrote 26 of the 32 issues (#1–9, 11–27), along with Annuals #1–2 and the 2014 Futures End one-shot, emphasizing the duo's ideological clashes and multiversal threats. Launching in June 2013 with artist Jae Lee, the series debuted with "Crossworlds" (#1–4), introducing the heroes' first New 52 meeting and a journey to Earth-2. Subsequent arcs like "Game Over" (#5–9) involved video game-inspired villains, while "Second Chance" (#10–17, Annual #1) and "Siege" (#18–26) delved into Hana's multiverse machinations and epic battles against threats like Faora. The run culminated in "Truth Hurts" (#27–28, 30–32, Annual #2), tying into broader Superman events with identity crises and betrayals. Pak also handled villain tie-ins such as Batman/Superman #3.1: Zod (October 2013). Beyond these core series, Pak contributed to Justice League tie-ins, including #23.1: Darkseid (November 2013), a Villains Month special exploring the tyrant's schemes. He wrote #17–19 (November 2015–January 2016), focusing on team dynamics and national manhunts amid "The Catalyst" crossover. Other works include New 52: Futures End #0 (May 2014) and contributions to Superman/Wonder Woman Annual #1 (2014). Across approximately 100 issues, Pak's DC output emphasized sprawling crossovers like "Doomed" and "Futures End," blending high-stakes action with character introspection.

Other publishers

Greg Pak has contributed extensively to independent and licensed comic book publishers beyond Marvel and DC, showcasing his versatility in creator-owned stories, adaptations of popular franchises, and original series that blend genres like science fiction, fantasy, and adventure. His work at these publishers often explores themes of identity, family, and resilience, drawing from diverse cultural influences. At BOOM! Studios, Pak co-created and wrote Mech Cadet Yu (2016–2018), a 15-issue series illustrated by Takeshi Miyazawa, following a young janitor unexpectedly bonded to a giant robot in a world threatened by alien invaders. He also penned Ronin Island (2019–2020), a 12-issue creator-owned series co-created with artist Giannis Milonogiannis, set in a post-apocalyptic feudal Japan where survivors rebuild society amid monstrous threats. Additionally, Pak wrote the Firefly ongoing series (2019–2022), expanding the universe of the cult TV show with 36 issues focused on the crew's heists and moral dilemmas, illustrated by artists including Dan Mora. At —though some projects like Kingsway West (2016) were published by —he has limited direct credits, but his broader independent ethos is evident in fantasy-Western tales exploring immigrant experiences in magical frontiers. For , Pak wrote (2006–2007), a 12-issue series reimagining the sci-fi epic's survival narrative post-series finale. He also helmed (2017–2019), a five-issue comic bridging the films with action-driven backstory. He wrote (2018–2019), a 12-issue limited series titled The Odd Job that pits the spy against a global conspiracy. In October 2025, Pak debuted #1, the launch of a new ongoing series illustrated by Eder Messias, reviving the horror-hunting Winchester brothers in fresh supernatural threats. At , Pak's 2016 creator-owned miniseries Kingsway West, illustrated by Mirko Colak, follows a Chinese gunslinger seeking his wife in a monster-infested alternate Old West, spanning five issues that critique racism through fantastical elements. In October 2025, he launched : The Fallbacks #1, a new series set in the , illustrated by Wilton Santos and Edvan Alves, centering on unlikely heroes in a high-stakes adventure drawn from Jaleigh Johnson's novel Bound for Ruin. Pak also wrote the Lilo & Stitch series for Dynamite Entertainment (2024), an 8-issue storyline emphasizing themes of family and alien mischief in new global escapades, illustrated by Giulia Giacomino. A follow-up Stitch solo series launched in 2025, but without Pak's involvement. Across these publishers, Pak has authored over 100 issues of independent and licensed comics, contributing to a diverse portfolio that highlights his skill in adapting beloved IPs while fostering original narratives.

References

  1. https://gregpak.com/about/
  2. https://www.npr.org/2012/07/13/156570618/you-wouldn-t-like-him-when-he-s-angry
  3. https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/10/us/rhodes-scholars-selected-for-1991.html
  4. https://www.tfiny.org/filmmakers/detail/greg_pak
  5. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0657062/
  6. https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/grek-pak-planet-hulk-new-sequel-series
  7. https://www.marvel.com/comics/guides/2276/greg-pak
  8. https://www.dynamite.com/disney/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513033922501011
  9. https://www.comicsbeat.com/interview-at_wonderon-19-greg-pak-explores-class-divisions-and-family-dynamics-in-ronin-island-and-mech-cadet-yu/
  10. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-1291-greg-pak-i-belong-to-you-motherland/id73801068?i=1000565760911
  11. https://goldsea.com/Personalities/Pakgreg/pakgreg3.html
  12. https://www.halfkorean.com/?page_id=6377
  13. https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/books/2013/10/14/is-it-a-book-is-it-a-tv-show-its-a-superhero-boom/
  14. https://strangehorizons.com/wordpress/non-fiction/articles/interview-greg-pak/
  15. https://gregpak.com/category/films/fighting-grandpa/
  16. http://goldsea.com/Personalities/Pakgreg/pakgreg.html
  17. https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/marvels-voices-greg-pak-and-asian-american-storytellers-are-expanding-the-marvel-universe
  18. https://comicbookroundup.com/comic-books/reviews/marvel-comics/warlock-%282004%29/1
  19. https://www.comicbookherald.com/planet-hulk-reading-order-and-greg-pak-hulk-comics-guide/
  20. https://www.marvel.com/comics/events/212/planet_hulk
  21. https://gregpak.com/category/comics/x-treme-x-men/
  22. https://gregpak.com/category/comics/action-comics/
  23. https://www.marvel.com/comics/creators/536/greg_pak
  24. https://gregpak.com/planet-hulk-and-thor-ragarok/
  25. https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/10/31/planet-hulk-comic-writer-loves-thor-ragnarok
  26. https://gregpak.com/greg-pak-launches-the-pakcast-first-episode-features-kim-ima-proprietor-of-the-treats-truck-stop/
  27. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/greg-paks-pakcast/id533007650
  28. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/greg-pak-gets-gross-his-latest-childrens-book-abc-disgusting-n381886
  29. https://comicsalliance.com/greg-pak-abc-disgusting/
  30. https://gregpak.com/category/books/35mm-love-letter/
  31. https://www.thepopverse.com/greg-pak-memoir-photography-35mm-love-letter
  32. https://crowdfundr.com/campaigns/35mm-love-letter/pay
  33. https://gregpak.com/2025-10-09-10-12-greg-paks-new-york-comic-con-schedule/
  34. https://www.urbanstages.org/porch
  35. https://gregpak.com/2025-10-08-greg-pak-moderates-talkback-session-after-the-porch-on-windy-hill-performance/
  36. https://gregpak.com/category/films/mech-cadets/
  37. https://www.boom-studios.com/archives/mech-cadets-a-global-hit-on-netflix/
  38. https://mixedasianmedia.com/hapa-mag-issue-003/interview-greg-pak
  39. https://chasemagnett.wordpress.com/2015/11/21/greg-pak-on-the-anger-and-identity-politics-of-superman/
  40. https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/hero-complex-blog/story/2008-12-13/greg-pak-on-writing-beyond-stereotypes
  41. https://gregpak.com/my-return-to-analog-film-photography/
  42. https://gregpak.com/jane-pak-beloved-mother-1940-2021/
  43. https://gregpak.com/robotstories/awards.html
  44. https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/rhode-island-international-film-festival-announces-winners-79514/
  45. https://www.koreanculture.org/education-literature/2019/9/20/new-leaders-program-a-conversation-with-greg-pak-of-marvel-comics-nbsp
  46. https://variety.com/1998/film/news/academy-presents-student-film-awards-1117471819/
  47. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0195704/awards/
  48. https://gregpak.com/fighting-grandpa-awards-nominations/
  49. https://www.npr.org/2004/03/03/1744267/robot-stories-director-greg-pak
  50. https://ringoawards.com/2018-ringo-awards/
  51. https://www.ala.org/yalsa/2020-great-graphic-novels-teens
  52. https://www.ala.org/yalsa/2021-great-graphic-novels-teens
  53. https://gregpak.com/magneto-testament-nabs-best-miniseries-of-2009-from-cbr-forums-x-book-awards/
  54. https://www.marvel.com/comics/guides/2276/greg_pak
  55. https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/132787/return_to_planet_hulk_2025_1
  56. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0301777/
  57. https://gregpak.com/robotstories/synopsis.html
  58. https://www.austinchronicle.com/screens/money-changes-everything-11718911/
  59. https://gregpak.com/category/films/robot-stories/
  60. http://strangehorizons.com/wordpress/non-fiction/articles/interview-greg-pak/
  61. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0342717/
  62. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uDnnZV6nzg
  63. https://www.phillytrib.com/entertainment/joy-road-takes-trip-down-a-path-of-injustice/article_81ab0ec6-1420-5e0b-9fc4-348647c0ee81.html
  64. https://gregpak.com/category/films/
  65. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3669634/
  66. https://gregpak.com/category/films/mr-lee/
  67. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0195704/
  68. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0291025/
  69. https://gregpak.com/category/films/asian-pride-porn/
  70. http://www.immedium.com/authors/pak_greg.html
  71. https://www.filmfestivals.com/blog/avivapress/an_interview_with_award_winning_filmmaker_greg_pak
  72. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0311543/
  73. https://itvs.org/films/mister-green/
  74. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1553059/
  75. https://gregpak.com/category/films/mister-green/
  76. https://www.pbs.org/video/future-states-happy-fun-room/
  77. https://gregpak.com/category/films/happy-fun-room/
  78. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3831328/
  79. https://gregpak.com/
  80. https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=11055431
  81. https://www.marvel.com/comics/series/2400/world_war_hulk_2007
  82. https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/21976/x-men-magneto-testament-2008-1
  83. https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/77001/agents_of_atlas_2019_1
  84. https://www.marvel.com/comics/series/38341/sam_wilson_captain_america_2024
  85. https://www.dc.com/talent/greg-pak
  86. https://www.amazon.com/Superman-Action-Comics-Vol-Truth/dp/1401262635
  87. https://www.dc.com/graphic-novels/action-comics-2011/action-comics-vol-5-what-lies-beneath
  88. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27876503-batman-superman-volume-5
  89. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29602614-teen-titans-2014-2016-18
  90. https://gregpak.com/category/comics/
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