by Gail Simone
HA! Just when you thought it was safe to go back on the internet…the last chapter of this marathon nightmare of me-related articles. HOORAY! Let the trumpets ring or something!
Two parts to this final piece (and bless you all who made it through all of my nonsense); First, a list of ten comics-related things I’m digging, and second, answers to a huge pile of questions raised by folks here and at other cool message boards. Without further askew…
Ten Things I’m Diggin’
These are random things I’ve been meaning to talk about somewhere, so you’re stuck with it. HA! Don’t even TRY to click to another story about
Civil War: Random Military Term.
In no particular order...
1)
COBB: You know how some of these English guys write about
TOTAL BADASSES as if a pose and cigarette actually conveyed that quality? This is different. Cobb is what comics might’ve become if Superman hadn’t decided to wear a cape. It’s tough, meaty adventure stuff, two-fisted and fun, written by the manly genius Beau Smith and with art by the incredible Eduardo Barreto. We don’t deserve comics this good. For information:
http://www.flyingfistranch.com
2)
PLANET KAREN: A webcomic with everything; heart, brains, humor, drama, and more, created by gifted fangirl Karen Ellis. It’s worth starting at the beginning, but the strip has been even more compelling lately as Karen struggles with a serious health problem. Go read it, you’ll thank me:
http://planetkaren.girl-wonder.org/
3)
WHITE TIGER: God bless ‘em, but even some of the biggest names in comics keep creating the same female archetypes over and over, the lonely, damaged woman who is sexually dysfunctional in some way, with an abusive past. I call them estrogenerics. Fortunately, Tamora Pierce and Timothy Liebe are on to something fresher. I find this book really appealing and I hope you will, too.
Http://marvel.com/universe/White_Tig...la_Del_Toro%29
4)
GON: I think it might be my favorite comic, ever. It’s the manga story of a tough little dinosaur who takes crap from no one, and seems to travel through all time periods and all continents. His adventures have no sound or dialogue, but the stories are full of wonder, violence, and humor. The art and writing is stellar, and it may have the most potentially universal appeal of any comic in memory. Back issues are rough to come by, but I’m told that DC/CMX is going to be printing both old and new adventures very soon. Should absolutely be hailed as a classic.
5)
STORMWATCH: PHD: Let me give you this piece of advice--if the name “Christos Gage” is on the cover of any comic, buy it. Christos is gonna be huge...he delivers a gripping story every time, and this book is drawn beautifully by the brilliant Doug Mankhe, to boot. My favorite of all the Wildstorm relaunch books, and that’s some pretty darn good company. Back issues are still easily available. Cops and superheroes done right.
6)
PRIDE OF BAGHDAD: Every sensible person has bought this already, but Brian K. Vaughan’s masterpiece needs to be shouted about at every possible opportunity. BKV brilliantly keeps the dialogue sparse, so as to keep the allegory potent and keep the readers from becoming metaphor-weary. The art is spectacular, the story works on every possible level. If one has doubts about BKV’s talent or brilliance, this should shut you up promptly.
7)
ODDBALL COMICS: Still one of my favorite websites. The wonderfully talented and skewed Scott Shaw!’s bizarre and hilarious
Oddball Comics convention presentation has become a massive archive of the nuttiest comics ever printed. Ed Wodd would say this stuff is weird. Go, have fun, look at the archives, and be prepared to laugh and be astonished. People who think Grant Morrison is weird, have obviously never heard of
Toni Gay And Butch Dykeman!
www.Oddballcomics.com
8)
EXTERMINATORS: I don’t understand why people aren’t crowing about this sometimes repulsive, sometimes hilarious series. The creators have discovered a new kind of horror, in a way, by picking at the unseen in the natural world, what lies under the counter or in the basement, and the bizarre ways those who have to deal with those beasts have learned to cope. One of the best things Vertigo is publishing. Simon Oliver and Tony Moore make a brilliant team for this funny, exceptional book.
9)
COMPLETE DICK TRACY DAILIES & SUNDAYS: This big, beefy first collection of these classic strips contains a surprising amount of heat and darkness...it frankly must’ve scared the living hell out of some readers in its day, and it’s still very entertaining to read. The format fits nicely with Fantagraphics’ essential Complete Peanuts collections and is a bargain at under thirty dollars. Lately IDW is publishing a lot of must-have stuff, and this is top of the list for me...it’s like reading a great old comic and watching a bangin’ old black and white mobster movie at the same time. Highly recommended.
www.idwpublishing.com
10)
NIGHTWING: Wolfman’s still got it. I’ve enjoyed the previous runs on this book by other writers very much, but Marv’s grabbed this book by the horns and with serious authority, as the characters co-creator. I know a little about what’s coming up, and I think it’s on its way to being one of DC’s top must-reads. Give it a try, it’s really starting to shoot sparks and it’s only going to get better.
www.Marvwolfman.com
Now, the
answers to everything!
1) How does a writing newbie break into comics without an artist's help?
A: I’m not the best person to ask this question, or, maybe I am, in a way, because I didn’t break in with an artist, either, but through a comics humor column that a lot of editors read. The very talented Ty Templeton says everyone breaks in a different way. All I can suggest is try to find a way to get your work seen, whether it’s a column, a webcomic with stick figures, a minicomic, whatever. Optimally, you want an artist. But life is rarely optimal. Good luck! Also, try sexy, cleavage-showing tops, especially if you’re a dude.
2) Will the Authority be visiting their parents any time soon?
A: That is a little closer to the truth than I can say, Mister Smartypants! And Midnighter’s mom is a real disciplinarian, I’ve heard. Wooden spoons applied daily.
3) I loved the
Rose & Thorn mini-series. Any chance of a follow-up or seeing Thorn in the
Birds of Prey? with art by Adriana Melo?
A: Thank you! Rose
has appeared in Bop, and her other identity may be appearing later this year, in fact, OTHER Mister Smartypants!
4) A two-parter Gail. How many changes in the BoP roster will we see this year? Note that I'm not asking who. And second, if Bendis were to give Catman a Valentine gift this year, what would it be?
A: The
BoP roster is gonna be very fluid, with a core team of favorites appearing fairly regularly, for a while. Some cool surprises coming! And most people don’t know that Bendis has a man-crush on Catman. I can’t guess, but last year he got him a friendship bracelet that said BFF on it and came in a jar of old mayonnaise. I hope to god it was mayonnaise, anyway.
5) Do you get to keep Manhunter or is she going over to
Justice Society as one of the legacy heroes?
If you keep Manhunter, would you also use her biological grandmother, Phantom Old Lady?
Oh, and I dare you to create a nemesis for Manhunter, Womanhunter!
A: Marc Andreyko’s been incredibly great about our using Manhunter, so LORD KNOWS when we’ll let her go! And if it’s sweet, sweet, wrinkly babeflesh you’re after, let me recommend my other book, Welcome To Tranquility, for all the hard-rocking liver spot action you can HANDLE, effendi!
6) Do you know of the former engagement between Dick and Babs and the rumor marriage between Green Arrow and Black Canary, I was wondering if you were involve in this situtation, and if we are going to see it mentioned in BOP ?
A: Yeah, I think the first was my idea, but the story got a bit derailed due to OYL and all…the second is a rumor thingie, and you know how I feel about those.
7)
Welcome To Tranquility has been great fun so far. Has a replacement artist been chosen yet for the outgoing Neil Googe? Also, has Wildstorm given you an issue commitment of any kind? There are so many interesting and quirky characters in this burb that I hope we get to see their stories for years to come.
A: Ooops! Neil’s not outgoing! We’re actually full steam ahead on the second arc, and we’re having a GREAT time! As for Wildstorm, jeez, they’ve been insanely great, and they’ve really thrown some weight behind the book. Truth be known, they were the ones who asked for an ongoing, and thank goodness, because there’s just too much story there for minis. And there’s gonna be zombies.
8) First, I wish you would use your Blog more. Second, what do you think will help attract new readers to comics and who do you believe those readers to be?
A: Thank you, my blog is sorta a VERY LOW PRIORITY right now, when so much other stuff is going on, but kind words are appreciated. I think strong licensed books that are available cheaply and easily can make a big difference. And people love comics almost instinctively, it’s really a matter of getting them where they can be seen, and not pushing the readers away. Also, there should be a limit to how much Bendis is allowed.
9) What are the possibilities of a
Secret Six ongoing? Or, barring that, some kind of Catman solo project?
A: Man, I love those sick bastards. On the other hand, wow, a Catman solo book could kick so much ass. Wouldn’t it be cool if I could announce one of these soon? Wow, how cool would THAT be?
10) During Didio's 'Crisis Councelling' sessions, somebody asked where we'd be seeing Huntress as of OYL. His answer was 'Birds of Prey - at first' (or whatever his exact phrasing, it made it seem like she wouldn't be staying with the Birds.) Next, he announced a bunch of Year One stories, including Huntress, saying that these characters would be playing an important role in the DCU sometime soon. Obviously you're not going to tell us exactly, but care to tease what, if anything, is in store for Huntress?
And as a second question... you've shown a remarkable ability for picking female characters out of relative obscurity and showing people why they were loved in the first place. Linda Danvers, please? Pretty please? With a cherry on top? Pleeeeeease?
A: Huntress is…umm…she gets a boyfriend, kinda. And in Birds, she has a new responsibility to be the team leader. It’s fun to see. I’m not in the H:YO loop, although I met the new author, briefly, at SDCC.
As for Linda, love her love her, but not sure she’s available for anything else right now.
11) Aproximatly how long will it take before the Atom has his first run in with another superhero?
A: You mean after the zombies and cowboys? Very early in his second year, both in his own book and elsewhere! We wanted him to establish himself first.
12) Congrats on re-upping with DC. I'm thrilled to know there'll be more Birds of Prey from you. It's become my Wife's favorite book (as well as making Black Canary her favorite character), and you're the main reason for that.
When the day comes that you decide to explore other venues, are there any Marvel characters that pique your interest? I know a certain marvelous blonde powerhouse who desperately needs your kind of guidance, wit, and characterization in her series. I would dance the Dance of Joy to see your name in the credits.
A: Thank you AND your wife! We hear this a lot, and I love it…I think BOP is a great gateway drug. And thank you…I’m honestly not sure what Marvel female you mean. But I love Spidey, Kitty, Rogue…hmmm. Those are the big ones for me. But if I ever get the chance to steal a book from Ed Brubaker, I’m taking it, because he’s getting cocky, AND because I think it’s high time for a gay Eskimo Captain America with a speech impediment and herpes.
13) here have been some kind of experimental books coming out of DC lately, in terms of structure. (Specifially, 52, with its weekly 'real-time' storytelling, and Seven Soldiers, with its many parts coming together to form a sort of panorama.) Do these kinds of books appeal to you? Might we someday see a 'big experiment' book from Gail Simone?
And, a super-short quickie question:
What on earth led you to create the Emoticon? (Whom I love.)
sycophantically yours,
M.
A: Actually, it’s weird that you ask, because there IS a big project I’m hoping to make happen soon. It’s big, weird, and unlike anything in comics I can think of. We’ll see!
And Emoticon, who has become kind of a breakout guy in Tranquility…he came to me actually watching emoticons in chats. Everyone makes fun of them, but I do find them kind of oddly anthropomorphic. And I love the idea of a crook who can’t lie. Sort of like Geoff Johns, except for the ‘can’t lie’ part.
14) Are you doing anything involving Dr.Light II (Kimiyo Hoshi) either in BOP or in something else?
A: Not right away, but I do have some ideas for how to renovate her character a little…
15 ) So...How about a Black Canary mini-series?
Will you be developing the backstory on Gypsy?
also…could we have Zatanna "visit" with the BoP?
A: There are some big Canary plans coming, in fact! Gypsy appears again, but it’s a little bit down the road, and no Z plans yet, though I dearly love her. Not in the way Paul Dini does, but still, it’s a kind of love!
15) with your love of Asian culture would you consider doing some stuff with the Great Ten? i think you'd be great with those unique characters. (esp. with Mother Of Champions...best character concept...ever)
A: I’m not that familiar with the characters, to be frank, so I don’t know much about them, sorry!
16) is there still the Team 7 connection between the Gen 13 gang? Do you have any plans for the Deviants? Will they still have the familial connection between the 2 groups? And what's up with Lynch? Shouldn't he be about 20 years older than he looks in this book (or was that a little stylistic thing with Talent making him look younger than he is due to the Gen-Factor ?)
A: Team 7 stuff is requested constantly…they WILL appear, after a few other super-teams. Can’t answer the other questions, yet, I’m sorry. But I don’t think you’ll be disappointed! \
17) OMG! I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU! ....
ok fanboy G-BoPer moment over, i had to get that out of my system first.
*takes a breath*
Ok my questions to you are this, If (god forbid) Manhunter does not get picked up again, PLEASE keep Manhunter on the team (hell keep her on regardless) aside from Marc i am afraid anyone else who get's thier hands on her will mess her up, or she will just be forgotten.
second question is this, i know she isn't a field agent, but any chances of seeing Babs kick a little more ass? (one of my favorite scenes in the book is when she took out that group of thugs in that one building the birds were taking out, gun runners i think) I mean she was trained by Richard Dragon and i think some times people forget that even in a wheel chair Babs can hold her own in a fight for a while.
anyways, yeah just also like to say i love your Gen-13! didn't care much one way or the other for the Original but your's got put on my pull list :-) I miss, Secret six... er five... or... how many are there now...? well you get the idea!
A: First, I love you, too! I love Kate, too, we have a lot in common!
Babs has an asskicking scene you won’t BELIEVE coming up. It makes me smile just to think of it. And thank you for reading. I don’t know what I did to get readers like the people on this thread, but I’m utterly grateful. I want to bake the internet a gargantuan cookie.
18) just wanted to say that I'm a HUGE fan and really enjoy your work. I'm still pretty new to the DCU so I have a few question on Birds of Prey.
1) Will we see Babs' reaction to Batgirl going to "The Dark Side"? After all, she did help train Cassandra and grew pretty close.
2) Please change Misfit's costume. I think it's a HUGE insult to Babs and the Batgirl name. (at least I see it that way) I'm sure we can come up with something better, right?
I love the rotating cast idea. Manhunter on the team was brilliant!! And I certainly would love to see Batwoman sometime REAL soon. Is that a possibility?? Oh! And when will we see Secret Six again?? Loved it! Seeing Deadshot and Cat-Man eating eggs in the morning was just too good!
Thank you for your wonderful books and your time!
A: Thank you! Batgirl’s story still seems to be unfolding, but I’m sure Babs will reflect on it. I don’t get the Misfit outfit being insulting to Batgirl…how do you mean? Secret Six is in #104 and that whole arc! Batwoman is always a possibility. And pssssst! She’s lesbian! Don’t tell anyone!
19) Do you ever plan on writing straight prose fiction like Peter David or Devin Grayson?
A: Oh, sure, eventually. I’m working on a ton of non-comics stuff lately…can’t wait to announce it. But it’s also possible that unlike the two you mention, I would utterly suck at it.
20) 1. What do you think about the possibility of Connor Hawke and Huntress as a couple? Or in the alternative how about Connor showing up in BOP again?
2. If one of the birds was going to "cyber" with the New Blue Beetle who would it be and why?
3. I just saw over at the comic bloc that you will be at NYC Comic Con for DC, are you planning on seeing any shows sites etc?
A: Hmmm. Connor’s great—hope everyone’s reading his series by the brilliant Chuck Dixon. But no plans for a romance between them, sorry! And Babs has needs like anyone else.
And I will hunt down and kill anyone who has a romance between Dinah and Arsenal, just giving everyone fair warning.
Yeah, first trip to NYC! I’m hoping to see Spamalot, maybe. Don’t know what else, yet. Suggestions?
21) If you had to create a team of male operatives ala BOP, who would you use and why?
Also, will you cut my hair at CAPE?
A: Hmm. Nightwing, Creeper, Argus, maybe?
And yikes, no!
22) So you see Black Canary returning to Birds of Prey?
Do you have anything special planned for Free Comic Book day?
A: Sure hope so at some point. She’s my favorite character!
YEP! I’ll be at CAPE, an amazing event put on by Eisner-winning store ZEUS COMICS in Dallas, Texas. If you live anywhere nearby, GO. It’s that fun! Check Capeday.com!
23) Would you have any interest in writing Deadpool again?
A: Oh, yeah. Fabian’s doing a hilarious job with the guy, but someday, even for just a single issue, I’d love to write Wade again. I have stories for him all the time, oddly.
Everyone says you’re not supposed to feel like the characters belong to you, because they belong to the company, but I find I can’t write them any other way, so it’s a wrench to have to say goodbye to even the dumbest characters.
24) Do you ever see yourself writing for Marvel again? Would love to see what you would do with Spider-man on a regular series.
Is it true you make cookiees to give to people at conventions?
A: I’m really happy where I am right now. The support from DC, Wildstorm, and Dan DiDio has been amazing, and they let me go crazy with books like Secret Six, and All New Atom. I like Marvel and really like Joe Q, but DC has given me a lot more freedom and support, just as I’m sure Ed Brubaker feels about Marvel.
And I have actually made cookies for a con, but it’s been a while.
25) Hey, Gail, it's Jack! Two questions.
One, when are you going to lift that silly restraining order? C'mon already!
Two, congratulations on Entertainment Weekly praising your All-New Atom. It's one of the most entertaining books I pick up every month. Still, its sales are very low, which isn't surprising for a brand new character. Given the critical acclaim, is DC planning on doing anything with Ryan Choi to get him more exposure and, hopefully, more readers? I'd hate to see a good book get the axe, especially after Firestorm's recent cancellation.
A: Hey, Jack! Yeah, that was a very pleasant surprise. I get more letters from other pros about Atom than almost anything I’ve ever done. We have HUGE plans for Ryan in his own book and elsewhere. He’s going to be the key to some really big events AND we have the Hunt For Ray Palmer story coming. I think that’ll give a lot of folks a chance to try the book so it’s not lost in the shuffle of new stuff lately. I think people are going to be surprised how big a piece of the DCU Ryan will become.
26) Just wondering if you were thinking of using Threshold and building off of his "Build my own army of Gen Actives" story line...and if you think 21Down was a book worth fitting in to the current incarnation of Gen13...that is if you've read that particular book.
A: No plans quite yet, sorry! The kids really need to establish themselves before they get too overloaded. Caitlin still has a TON of outfits to rip.
27) The brilliant Corrina asked me to ask you this, but can you give a more detailed explanation about why it was decided that Black Canary left Birds of Prey?
A: Hi, Corrina! I think I talked about this a bit during the bop interview. My understanding is that, partially because of Bop, that the Canary had become more of a viable DCU powerhouse, and that she could know hold her own in some other big projects. It’s sad in one way, great in another, because I love the idea of Dinah taking her rightful place in the DCU.
28) 1) Any chance of Tim Drake in BoP - he seems to have the most in common with Babs out of the Batman-stable of characters (e.g., computer-skilled, no driving force to become a hero)?
2) Quizno's or Subway? (come one, you definitely need a food question)
A: No Tim for a while…but I love the character! And I don’t care for either of those places, but Quizno’s is better, I suppose…
29 ) Who would win if Oracle and The Chief from The Doom Patrol had a race?
A: Oracle by a mile, with Chief way behind and Professor X whining like he always does, the big baby.
29) Any chance that Starfire (if she makes it out of 52) could guest star in Birds of Prey?
Are you going to write Wonder Woman at #11?
A: Yipes, I feel like I’m turning down some good suggestions, but no Kory for a bit, and as far as I’m aware, no Diana writing yet. SOME DAY, dammit!
30) With Jason Bard being reintroduced to readers of late in Detective Comics, is there any plans to see him in BoP again, given his past appearances and history with Babs?
A: That’s a big huge NO!
31) 'm a big fan from long ago and I was wondering if you've ever considered doing another "You'll All Be Sorry"-type column. I know that full-time comic work has really tied you up with actual paid gigs, but YABS was just so much fun to read.
I would definitely read any weekly/monthly column you might put out about the comic industry. And I'm sure I'm not alone.
- little kon-el
A: Hey, Kon! Actually, there may be more Yabs coming, we’re talking about it. Cross your fingers!
32) Gail, when we will see Amanda Waller in Birds of Prey? I think that Oracle and the Wall had such an interesting relation together that should be the fuel for lots of stories. You know you want to do a Suicide Squad/Boirds of Prey crossover with Ostrander! And so do we.
A: Huh. That’s a nice idea, actually!
33) Are there any DCU characters that you'd like to make use of that you haven't got around to yet?
A: Definitely the Marvels, but particularly Mary Marvel. Big Plastic Man fan, love the Blackhawks. And I do hope to do a nice Batman project at some point. And Supergirl, definitely.
34) s there any chance of seeing Shiva again? how soon, or is "your" story of her complete.
how about a whole issue about Sin versus shiva's daughter for king of the playground?
how about a captain atom guest star in BoP or Six?
A: Shiva, definitely. Sin will be with Canary in a different project, and no CA plans yet, sorry!
35) Secret Six ongoing?
Dick and Babs...explanation and more on the best romance in the DCU that I'd like to see work.
What is the one comic that you haven't worked on that you'd love to?
A: Love the Six, and the demand is clearly there…DC and Dan are very hot on the book. It’s a matter of time, so that the quality stays high and the sickness stays sick!
Marc Andreyko is covering this second thing, and Marv and I will be talking about it as well.
At DC, probably Batman. Elsewhere…hmmm…Spidey, X-men, maybe?
36) Are we going to see the "Something Tall" tribute Babs wanted to build to remember Ted Kord anytime soon?
A: Absolutely!
37) Re: Birds of Prey - any chance at seeing Lt. Jennifer Stuart and her version of the Haunted Tank? And if we're talking obscure DC owned characters (like Lady Cop in the All-New Atom), how about
: Dr. Pat and Lady Luck and Lady Danger?
Any chance at all at you writing at least an arc of Wonder Woman?
Do the events in Atom tie-in at all to what's coming up in Countdown (not knowing what that's really about)?
Will we see the original Phantom Lady in BP? I'd like her to meet the latest version (and one that didn't earn the title like Dee Tyler did).
FInally, I'd love to see another Times Past story with the original Black Canary and perhaps other heroines of the Golden Age.
Thanks for all of the hard work and enthusiasm!!!
A: Thank YOU, sweetie!
Wow, that’s a lot of ladies! Hmmm. I have to say I’m not that familiar with any of them, except the Tank.
Would love to write Diana, the more the better. Atom affecting Countdown? Boy howdy yes!
No Phantom Lady for a little while, but maybe! And if we can get Michael Golden again, I’d do another Golden Age story in a heartbeat. One of my favorite issues ever, just because Mike is so brilliant. I’m told he specifically requested me for a story that is literally a dream project of mine…hope to announce it soon.
38) can we get more man-member jokes for the birds?
A: Absolutely not, the birds love their man-members, but they feel that man-members are a hard thing to discuss, and they don’t want anyone to get the shaft. So, sorry to be a dick about it, but no.
39) Assuming the rumors about Green Arrow and Black Canary getting married are true, is there any concern that she may just become Ollie's wet blanket again?
2) Are there any artists you have not yet worked with but would like too?
3) I noticed that Babs called Barda a tank...have you been playing City of Heroes too much?
4) Have you gone and seen the doctor about that thing or are you still blaming the poor dog?
A: That’s a big assumption!
Yeah, anyone whose last name is “Kubert,” even if the first name is Geraldo. Oeming, Adams (either), Jim Lee, Bryan Hitch, Billy Tucci, lots!
No City of Heroes for ages…it was killing me at deadlines.
The dog DOES fart.
40) Since Batgirl's been asked about...
Will Zinda get a starring role in any stories coming up?
A: Zinda’s got a big part of the upcoming arc, in fact!
41) When you use characters that have been around awhile, like in Birds of Prey, how do you get a feel for how to write them? Do you look through past comics and make notes on their speech patterns, what annoys them, and what makes them happy and sad? Or is it less specific than that?
Similarly, when other writers wants to use a character that you've been working with for awhile, like having Black Canary guest star in their books, do they ever consult with you about the character?
A: It’s all about finding a voice that is both unique and interesting. Many characters were created in a time when herospeak was fairly generic. So the idea is to lay some new, recognizable characteristics on top without destroying what’s come before. It’s tricky, but rewarding. And yeah, some writers don’t ask at all, but others make a point; Andersen Gabrych, Bill Willingham, Sean McKeever, Mark Waid, Kurt Busiek, etc…not coincidentally, those are among my favorite appearances of ‘my’ characters.
I try to ask, but I’ve messed up a couple times. I wrote one of the worst Batgirl appearances ever and it still bugs me.
42) ey Gail let me just say first how much I'm enjoying all your books. I LOVED Barba and Manhunter in BOP and While I don't Laugh for 10 mins straight like the First time i saw it The Mega Rod Jokes still manage to get a chuckle from me every time I remember it.
1. I love how interconnected all the wildstorm books are it's one of the reasons I pick up most of the books. Is there any Chance we'll get to see the gen 13 Kids(and since you've said their coming the BV8 and team 7 guys as well.) interact or pass though Tranquility? I would love a little 2 or 3 parter that took place there while they hide out or something. Tranquility is by far my Fav Wildstorm book to date.
2. Why did you decide to get rid of the Mad Hatter? I know there is a new member joining, so was it just to make sure there was room on the team without making them more then 6 members or do You have future plans for him. I really enjoyed him on the team because you turned him from a char who was basically a joke his entire comic life and not only made him funny and interesting but kinda scary as well. I LOVED IT.
3. Any Chance we'll see a Secret Six Ongoing anytime in the future or just more minis? The book was my Fav Countdown mini and I would totally drop a Marvel book if it meant I was getting Monthly Secret Six.
A: Thanks! And 1) ABSOLUTELY! 2) I LOVED writing the Hatter, but he’s a major bat villain and so we were borrowing him. Plus, I know Ragdoll wouldn’t want anyone freakier than himself on the team! 3) Ha! I could DESTROY MARVEL! You HEAR ME, QUESADA? See Six answers previous…discussion about this soon!
43) Hi Gail, Night Swordsman here:
1) Mary Marvel. Can you use her? Would you use her? WILL you use her? And would you write a ongoing of her?
2) Atom and Giganta. Any chance of actually seeing a "real" Hero/Villan romantic relationship? Kinda like a 50's g
God guy/bad girl sorta thing?
3)What is your favorite flavor of slurpee?
4) Can you shoot Yogo again?
5) What is CAPE?
A: 1) Think so, absolutely, would love to, and would love to. 2) Yep! 3) Half coke and half cherry 4) Absolutely! 5) An AWESOME free event sponsored by Zeus comics for Free Comic Book Day. I’ll be there! Capeday.com
44) Can you hint as to who the new member of the Six is going to be?
Is Psycho really dead (please say no, i liked the little b@stard)?
Any future plans for Black Alice?
Since Barda is now in the BOP (new favorite) will we be seeing Mr. Miracle (the original) any time soon?
A: 1) Um…it’s a female and she’s had her own book. 2) He’s too mean to die. 3) One shot coming this month! 4) LOVE Mr. Miracle, but no plans yet!
45) Will we see Ray Palmer in upcoming issues? (Note: I'm avoiding the possibility that he's ALREADY appeared in the book undercover, which is a DISTINCT possibility)
2) Will other characters from Ray's past appear in upcoming issues, like Ted Ralston, Enrichetta Negrini, Norman Brawler, Paul Hoben, Alpheus Hyatt, etc.?
3) Will villains from Ray Palmer's past show up to give Ryan a hard time? (For example, Chronos, the Floronic Man, Sting or even Dr. Shrivel or Miles Adrian (the 2-D Man))
A: 1) Very possible 2) Yep, one’s there already 3) VERY POSSIBLE AND EVEN WORSE.
46) Will there be delays on Welcome to Tranquility because of Neil Googe's recent back injury? Why was the series name changed to Welcome to Tranquility from the original "Tranquility". Will we some of the other Wildstorm characters make appearances in the title?
A: 1) No, don’t think so, we’re still on schedule! 2) I think there was a series the copyright search missed somehow. I’m okay with it, I actually like the new title better. 3) Absolutely, and real soon, too!
47) Does John Ostrander's Suicide Squad project have anny affect on your future Secret Six projects?
A: A while ago you held a contest where the winner would get brutally and painfully killed. In an issue of Birds of Prey. Was the winner ever decided and what issue will it be in?
Nope, first thing I did when I heard about it was email John and insist that he use Deadshot, and he was great about it…wouldn’t be the Squad without him.
And no, I know who will be killed but we haven’t done it yet.
47) will you punch Dan Didio for me? I don't feel like driving to New York to do it.
A: Dan is a really misunderstood guy. I don’t know of anyone who cares about comics and the readership more, it’s just a fact. Nevertheless, I actually HAVE punched him twice, no kidding (in the arm). Once when he took Ed Benes for JLA, and once when he took Joe Bennet for 52. Still, five minutes with the man and you’d really rather hug him than punch him.
48) Why don't you think Dick and Barbara work well together as a couple? And do you think you will ever get your hands on Harley Quinn. I'd love to see what you could do with her on BoP or on the Secret Six.
Thanks for taking our questions,
Luke
A: I do think they’d work together…splitting them up wasn’t my choice at all. And I love Harley, that’s all I can say for now!
49) 1) I know Cass Cain has been mentioned, but is there any chance of a story that could be written involving Cass and the League Of Assassins taking on the Bat-Ladies: Babs, Helena, Kate & Bette.
2) Will there be any solo stories of any of the main characters in Birds? Maybe a day in the life sort of thing.
3) Will any other of Bab's Suicide Squad "friends" be seen in Birds?
A: No big Cass stories for a bit, and we’ve done a few ‘day in the life’ things, but we’re booked solid with big stories for a while. And the Squad’s part of Babs’ life is going to be covered soon. Thanks for axing!
50) know you had pitches rejected in the past. Was there any one in particular you really wished you had a chance to work on?
A: Yeah, I had a huge pitch about the time between the pulps and the first dc heroes. I love it and hope it’ll get approved at some point.
51) Were the Zoo Crew jelly jar glasses in BoP #100 your idea or the artist's?
A: That was a weird one…they wanted a sort of historic retrospective story for Dinah, to sort of re-introduce Canary, which I didn't think I'd be too great at writing as I'm a little too close to the character, so they gave it to another wriiter. Fortunately, they gave it to a GREAT writer, Tony Bedard, who managed to make something really good out of it. I had nothing to do with the story except for the moving day theme, and the Zoo Crew glasses. I hadn’t even read it til it came out in print, so Tony Bedard and editor Mike Carlin get credit for the whole thing.
Except for the glasses.
52) Penning four ongoing titles is a big commitment - is that your limit or could you be persuaded to take on another? And which current title being published would you choose?
In your opinion which current DC hero who has never starred in their own ongoing title deserves a chance to do just that...?
A: It’s a lot and I do get behind, but I work a ton. I’m doing several cool side things, as well. I find I can do five books a month for a short while, but not if I have other side projects. I’m not fast, but I work really hard. And I’d probably most like to write Supergirl or Wonder Woman. And…hmmm. Wonder Girl, maybe.
53) What are Savant and Creote up to?
Are the birds gonna take on any more low-to-no powered jobs in fictional european countries like they used to in the early days of the series?
Any chance the Ravens survived Knockout?
Does Bane still carry a torch for Dinah?
When's Catwoman coming back?
Or Dina the US Marshal? Now SHE kicked butt!
A: 1) We find out soon! 2) No fictional countries, but we DO go to Russia and Lebanon! 3) One did! 4) Yep. Can you blame him? 5) Shhhh! 6) You got me!
54) n regards to Birds of Prey, I'm a trades reader so a little behind. The question I wanted to ask was whether or not Babs will be staying in the wheelchair in the long term?
As one of the foremost disabled characters in comics (behind professor X) Babs is a fantastic character who still kicks ass in a believable way. I was a little dismayed to see the toe wiggle at the end of The Battle Within, and I'm hoping we don't see modern-day Babs leaping about as Batgirl again (I have no problems with Year One or Confidential or anything like that, though I'd love to see an Oracle: Year One tale)
Thanks, and keep up the great work.
Jo
PS: any thoughts to doing a series set in England? One where we aren't all portrayed as Cockneys, that is
A: Babs is staying in the chair, but her mobility and range of movement HAS improved. And England’s a great idea…soon, maybe!
55) Could you please go against Mr. Didio's horrible edict about Dick&Babs and make them a couple again?
Since that's unlikely, I'll just say how very much I enjoy your writing. BOP, Tranquility, SS are all a treat. It's always a good day when your books arrive in my pull list. Thanks ever so much, and please take good care of Babs. and Dick. Whoa, that subliminal thing didn't work too well . . .
A: That story is coming soon, and THANK YOU for the kind words.
OH MY GOD, we’re DONE!
Thank you to Matt Brady for his patience, thanks to Nicola Scott for pitching in on the interview, and mainly, THANK YOU TO YOU GUYS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
I never thought I’d have this job. But in particular, who could have known I would get this kind of support and kindness from readers? Not me. I can’t tell you how many times you guys have made my day with some clever review or funny comment.
Just thanks so much, sorry for the rambling nature of this series, and very best wishes always!
Much love,
Gail
Previously:
The Simone Files I: Birds of Prey
The Simone Files II: The All-New Atom
The Simone Files III: Welcome to Tranquility
The Simone Files IV: Gen13
The Simone Files V: Nicola Scott