Buffy!

My first issue of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is out today. Has my most nerd moment ever. Yep. That's sayin something.

And for those afraid of comic stores (and you shouldn't be), you can go here (Atomic Comics)

First Look at Brad on Buffy The Vampire Slayer

First cover.

Issue 32.

Out in February.

Georges Jeanty drawing.

And Joss's reaction is about right.

Eisners

Just saw the Eisner nominations for this year. Especially excited by the love for Matt Wagner (one of my first pals in comics), and for Matt Fraction (who I don't know (tried to find him at the Eisners last year), but is easily one of my current favorites). Go read his X-Men annual. I haven't bought an X-Men annual since it was in a polybag. Easily one of the best stories of the year.

Weekend in Pop Culture

Just back from a beautiful weekend in Charlottesville, so thanks to all who came to the Virginia Festival of the Book and introduced themselves. Was one of my favorite events in a long while.

On the plane, was submerged in pop culture, which really just seemed to be peeking since I was eating it all at once:

• The end of Battlestar Galactica - Loved and felt totally satisfied (even ignoring my minor geek tweaks), and made me wish more shows ended before they overstay.
  
• My MacBook (yes, made the switch 10 months ago), but this was the first time I felt it, when, in the airport, I realized I'd only downloaded half the Battlestar ending on iTunes and had to get the final half before I boarded the plane. Love the internets.
  
• Favorite new show to replace Battlestar: Friday Night Lights. Football, jocks, remake of a movie -- all of these things kept me away from the show, but (and I'm halfway through season 1, so don't ruin it), this is clearly the best written show on TV for me. I love it. I love it. It shouldn't work, but it all does. Amazing that I love this like I love The Wire. (I said it).
  
• Wrote the intro for Absolute Promethia (such goodness)
  
• And just digging the hell out of Kings, by my pal Michael Green. Go support him!
  

Saint Dave

Of all the Watchmen news over the weekend, I think I've been most impressed by all-around amazing guy Dave Gibbons. In addition to being said nice guy and all, he has really stepped as an ambassador to comics. Every interview he does he keeps bringing it back to the comic (instead of just focusing on the movie).

Take a look at it here (Time Magazine).

As polite as he has been about the whole thing, I'm so happy that he said out loud what we all know -- and that's that a movie is not the highest aspiration a comic (or novel) can achieve. A book is a book. If it's a movie, great. But aspire to what's really important.

Bigger Than Watchmen

Here's the true biggest story in comics today. And it'll have far more of a lasting impact on the industry than any new movie: The New York Times Graphic Novel Bestseller List.

Brad Saw Watchmen

Saw Watchmen last night. You have to go see it and decide for yourself. You have to. Don't read reviews. Don't be influenced. Make your own decision (just like when the comic came out).

But let me just say this -- seeing the film is like seeing, twenty years later, the girl/boy from junior high that you had your biggest crush on. It's thrilling. And gets your blood flying -- really flying. But what stands out most is what's different and imperfect and therefore (unfairly or fairly) outstandingly wrong.

What they get perfect is so damn perfect (it's insane how perfect). What they get wrong feels like lemons on your papercuts. But go see. You'll know.

Brad Seeing Watchmen Tonight

Going to see Watchmen tonight. Cone of silence has been on for nearly a year now: no previews, no stills (except for the street scene I saw in Wizard), no casting (except for Kelly from Bad News Bears), no moving images. Caught one tiny look at the Entertainment Weekly Nite Owl cover, but that's IT. And it's taken work. Like avoiding sunlight. So for good or bad, my eyes will be drinking deep tonight. Full report tomorrow.

Also, my pal Bryan Gruley's Starvation Lake launches tomorrow and every new author needs your help, so please do give a look. Got a great review here.

Book Club

Book Club last night was so damn much fun. It came on the heels of a letter from DC Comics saying that they've sold over a million -- one million -- copies of Watchmen since the trailer was released. Brilliant. So to sit there and watch my wife's overeducated book club argue over utilitarianism vs. retributivism (Adrian vs. Rorschach) was just beautiful. They didn't even complain about the giant squid. Best part was certainly picking apart Chapter V and all the symmetry references -- and the moment when they realized that the little kid reading Black Freighter (and seeing it's reflection in his real world) was a meta-signal of why it's important that we're reading Watchmen and seeing the reflection in our world. Heads exploded. Dr. Manhattan was right. Nothing ever ends.

And super best part? They picked my pal Junot Diaz's Oscar Wao for their next book (and actually think it was their idea).

The revolution is on.

Why I Married My Wife

Tonight is the night: when all of my wife's friends come over to our house to have their bookclub and discuss Watchmen. I can't tell you how excited I am. For the past two weeks, I've been watching my wife sit in bed, with Watchmen in her lap. I freeze this image in my mind as it brings me the perfect nerd-gasm. My wife. Reading my favorite book. Is that hot or what?

But what's truly hot is this (spolilers ahead): after I mentioned that a few friends who had seen the movie reported back that we'd love what they get right and kill them for what they get wrong, we started compiling a list of all the things that they CAN'T get wrong. The Watchmen untouchables. And in the midst of this frenzy with my pal Jason, my wife said simply to me:

The only thing that has to happen is Rorschach dies.

blink, blink.

"Marry me!" I screamed again.

In conclusion, I've prepared for tonight's book club. I've prepared better for this than most (okay, all) of my law school classes. I've got a list of great themes, from the ultra-obvious (deconstruction of the superhero), to the dangers of nostalgia and longing for the past, to the value of identity, to the discussion of the triangle with Laurie ultimately choosing Dan (Man beats Superman).

But I want more.

So send them in now. Best concepts and ideas and themes and cool things in Watchmen (and don't tell me that issue five runs backwards in perfect symmetry (scoop of chocolate, scoop of vanilla -- don't waste my time)).

The End is Nigh.

After Watchmen

First and foremost, my wife just finished reading Watchmen. Was miraculous to sit and talk to her about what is...um...what's been arguably the most important book in my life. I could literally talk for hours on it, and even though I usually know to keep it in check, my inner 15 year-old kept leaping out with geek-glee (trandemark!). The amazing part was how much she loved the book -- got the depth and nuances and all the goodies -- but really didn't like the kill-all-NY ending. In post-9/11, it's just not what we read in 1985. And totally fair point by her. (See more on this in tomorrow's blog about what I heard from people who saw the movie).

Second, see below for DC's new "After Watchmen...What's Next" program. Brilliant. Really. And yes, I know everyone tends to put out more books when the Spider-Man or Batman films hit, but this is different (and not just because we're a part of this one). In truth, I thought this was genius and only after, did I realize we were in it. Watchmen isn't just a movie right now. It's a publishing phenomenon. And I know John Cunningham and the DC crew were the key reason for that. They saw the wave and were ahead of it with this one. So for all those people who ask, what should I read next, see below (or better yet, buy them something YOU love (Y, Ex Machina, Scott Pilgrim, etc).

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/020918-Watchmen.html

DC COMICS ANNOUNCES “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” PROGRAM

The excitement surrounding the upcoming WATCHMEN feature film has brought new readers to the graphic novel format. Now that they’ve read WATCHMEN, where do they go next? Help point them in the right direction with DC Comics’ “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” program.

DC Comics has developed a marketing campaign that spotlights several award-winning, best-selling titles from our various imprints. Each book reflects an aspect of WATCHMEN’s broad appeal — including other works by Alan Moore, science fiction tales, post-modern super hero action and sophisticated titles for mature readers — and is a great entry point for both new fans just discovering graphic novels and established readers looking to try something new.

The program is supported by an extensive marketing campaign including five promotionally-priced reprint Specials which are rush solicited below.

The marketing campaign includes:

Five “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” Specials featuring a cover price of just $1.00:

• SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #21 SPECIAL EDITION
• TRANSMETROPOLITAN #1 SPECIAL EDITION
• PLANETARY #1 SPECIAL EDITION
• PREACHER #1 SPECIAL
• IDENTITY CRISIS #1 SPECIAL

Please see below for more information on these Specials.

Print:

• 32-page booklet to be given away at conventions, comics shops and book stores
  
• House ads in the DC Universe, Vertigo and WildStorm titles
  
• Editorial page promotions in Vertigo: On the Ledge, DC Nation and WildStorm Stormfront columns
  
• Trade ads
  

Online:

• E-mail Blasts
  
• National Consumer Online Banner Advertising Campaign
  
• Retailer Tools on DC Comics retailer page on diamondcomics.com
  
• Checklist, Header Card, Shelf Talker and Bag Slick
  
• Bag Stuffer for DC Retailer page for Direct Market retailers
  

Social Networking:

• AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT? MySpace Group
  
• AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT? Facebook Group
  

Conventions:

• Ad pages in Convention Program Guides
  
• 32-page Booklet distribution at DC booth
  
• Bookmark distribution at DC booth
  

DCCOMICS.COM:

• Website at www.readwatchmen.com
  
• Showcase titles on the homepages of DC, WildStorm and Vertigo throughout February, March and April to capture new WATCHMEN readers
  
• Articles on DC, Vertigo and WildStorm homepages
  

Co-op:

• Co-op Movie Slide
  
• Co-op Ad Slick
  

**********

DC COMICS RUSH SOLICITS FIVE “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” SPECIALS

Tying into the new “After Watchmen, What’s Next?” program, DC rush solicits five key titles priced at just $1.00 each!

These titles will arrive in stores weekly beginning March 11, and prominently feature the “After Watchmen, What’s Next?” branding and trade dress. Each is offered to all Diamond retailers at a special “C” discount code of 60% off.

Retailers may order these issues by contacting their Diamond Customer Service Representative or DC Sales Representative, or by email at reorders@diamondcomics.com.

The “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” Specials are:

SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #21 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098009)

Written by Alan Moore

Art by Stephen Bissette & John Totleben

Cover by Tom Yeates

On sale March 11; 32 pg, FC, $1.00 US • MATURE READERS

Final Order Cutoff date: February 19

TRANSMETROPOLITAN #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098010)

Written by Warren Ellis

Art by Darick Robertson & Jerome K. Moore

Cover by Geof Darrow

On sale March 18; 32 pg, FC, $1.00 US • MATURE READERS

Final Order Cutoff date: February 26

PLANETARY #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098011)

Written by Warren Ellis

Art and cover by John Cassaday

On sale March 25; 32 pg, FC, $1.00 US

Final Order Cutoff date: March 5

PREACHER #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098012)

Written by Garth Ennis

Art by Steve Dillon

Cover by Glenn Fabry

On sale April 1; 48 pg, FC, $1.00 US • MATURE READERS

Final Order Cutoff date: March 12

IDENTITY CRISIS #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098013)

Written by Brad Meltzer

Art by Rags Morales & Michael Bair

Cover by Michael Turner

On sale April 8; 48 pg, FC, $1.00 US

Final Order Cutoff date: March 19

The Onion

Back from NY and back to the warm weather. Read a great comic script from a young writer who I’ve been rooting for for awhile now. Just reminds me that the new crop is coming through (which is always so damn beautiful — see Hickman and Fraction for my current faves).

And here’s why The Onion is still the webpage that should never be missed.

Obama Disappointed Cabinet Failed To Understand His Reference To 'Savage Sword Of Conan' #24

Election Comics

I don’t like to use this place to shill. But when it comes to shilling, there’s nothing like shilling for your friends. And so, in honor of our mutual pal The Calculator aka Noah Kuttler aka the guy who posts all this stuff everyday, let me shill for our mutual pal Dan Goldman and his book about the election, which comes out today.

It’s a graphic novel look into the 08 election (titled “08”. Duh.). I’ve known Dan a long time now, so check out his site at: http://dangoldman.net/08/

Gaiman

After our talk at the White House, Neil Gaiman just sent me the first half of his upcoming Batman story, “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?”

For the past few months, I’ve been trying to imagine the other puzzle pieces from the few end pieces that he gave me. Usually, nothing lives up to your imagined perfection (see Phantom Menace, et al).

But this one has such an elegant simplicity to it. Rest assured, it’s in the perfect person’s hands.

Also, as my wife finally started reading Watchmen, I sat next to her in bed, reading issue one over her shoulder. And I giggled that evil giggle when she flipped right past that redhead with the End is Nigh sign.

Wife’s Book Club

My wife’s book club is one of those book clubs that won’t read my books. They won’t say it (okay, they did say it), but it’s true.

But after years, YEARS of trying, they’re reading Watchmen AND Y: The Last Man, next month.

This was so damn hard, and took such subtle chess playing (I’m talking true years), it is clear to me now that nothing less than world domination for the Invisible Army will follow.

Super Heroes...Are REAL!

I knew we were right!

Video link: Meet Razorhawk (Fox News)

Great Lakes Avengers...Assemble!

Dreamers

I love this story — and love Heidi for believing with it. So here’s to all who plan to dream the big dreams in 2009.

You will never walk by Artists Alley the same way again
via THE BEAT
by The Beat on 12/15/08

Must reading: Sunday’s Washington Post Magazine has a comic book cover story — not one of the usual stars of comics, like Frank Miller or Art Spiegelman or Chris Ware...but on Andre Campbell, a legally blind artist who is one of those folks in Artists Alley you passed by countless times:

Having toiled for nearly 20 years, Campbell, 44, had produced — with Eades’s assistance — one comic book and one graphic novel, both self-published, starring Campbell’s Alpha Agents (”Earth’s Mightiest Heroes”). Unlike the professional comic book artists, who had been invited to attend and who had made their names by working on some of the most beloved superhero titles of our time, Eades, 33, and Campbell had paid $150 out of their scarce resources to rent a table. But now they were focused on the significance of this day. For the first time, they had traveled to an out-of-state convention to promote their company, Heritage Comics HSQ (Heart, Soul, Quality). When they found their way to the corner of the convention center set up for small-press artists such as themselves, they settled in for eight hours of talking up characters that no one had yet heard of.

Writer David Rowell walks us through everything in a clear-eyed, but sympathetic manner. As a comics professional, I would have dismissed Campbell by the second paragraph of his story — or other people, like Vell Trueheart , a 60-something comics rookie who can’t afford a scooter because she’s sunk so much money into her comics. They are the peripherals, the hangers on, the dreamers. Rowell takes us inside Campbell’s dream, and you can’t help but dream with him, because all humans must dream, must aspire.

The article begs the question of whether the dream is worth having…or worth spending $3 on. And that is the harsh judgment the passers-by must make, and keep making. The process has no end point. Campbell will keep dreaming — and we will keep walking by.

Edit: There was a chat today, with both Rowell and Gregory, on Washington Post dot com that you might also want to check out

Thanksgiving

WEHT: Bill Messner-Loebs? (Publisher's Weekly)

Years ago, this is the very first cause I blogged about on here. In many ways, it was our first step toward Ordinary People Change The World and the Superman house.

So nice to see the happy ending. And let's be clear, not everything needs to have the happy ending, but so nice to see that Messner-Loebs found one.

Michael Turner

In our community, when someone does a tribute book, it’s usually because the tributee needs help, money, or other vital things like that. For the Michael Turner tribute book, all the money goes to Mike’s favorite charities. And that also should tell you the type of heroes he and Vince and Frank and the Aspen guys are. So when you’re thinking about a good holiday gift this year, think of this one.

Michael Turner Tribute Book Celebrates a Lasting Legacy (Newsarama)

And thanks to Frank and Vince for putting it together.

(Joe Quesada contribution to the Michael Turner Tribute Book)

Grant Morrison And All Star Superman

This is why All Star Superman was the best superhero book of the past few years. And why Grant Morrison is as relevant as ever.

From today at Newsarama

Grant Morrison:

A key text in all of this is Pico’s ‘Oration On The Dignity of Man’ (15c), generally regarded as the ‘manifesto’ of Renaissance thought, in which Giovanni Pico Della Mirandola laid out the fundamentals of what we tend to refer to as ’Humanist’ thinking.

(The ‘Oratorio’ also turns up in my British superhero series Zenith from 1987, which may indicate how long I’ve been working towards a Pico/Superman team-up!)

At its most basic, the ‘Oratorio’ is telling us that human beings have the unique ability, even the responsibility, to live up to their ‘ideals’. It would be unusual for a dog to aspire to be a horse, a bird to bark like a dog, or a horse to want to wear a diving suit and explore the Barrier Reef, but people have a particular gift for and inclination towards imitation, mimicry and self-transformation. We fly by watching birds and then making metal carriers that can outdo birds, we travel underwater by imitating fish, we constantly look to role models and behavioral templates for guidance, even when those role models are fictional TV or, comic, novel or movie heroes, just like the soft, quick, shapeshifty little things we are. We can alter the clothes we wear, the temperature around us, and change even our own bodies, in order to colonize or occupy previously hostile environments. We are, in short, a distinctively malleable and adaptable bunch.

So, Pico is saying, if we live by imitation, does it not make sense that we might choose to imitate the angels, the gods, the very highest form of being that we can imagine ? Instead of indulging the most brutish, vicious, greedy and ignorant aspects of the human experience, we can, with a little applied effort, elevate the better part of our natures and work to express those elements through our behavior. To do so would probably make us all feel a whole lot better too. Doing good deeds and making other people happy makes you feel totally brilliant, let’s face it.

So we can choose to the astronaut or the gangster. The superhero or the super villain. The angel or the devil. It’s entirely up to us, particularly in the privileged West, how we choose to imagine ourselves and conduct our lives.

We live in the stories we tell ourselves. It’s really simple. We can continue to tell ourselves and our children that the species we belong to is a crawling, diseased, viral cancer smear, only fit for extinction, and let’s see where that leads us.

We can continue to project our self-loathing and narcissistic terror of personal mortality onto our culture, our civilization, our planet, until we wreck the promise of the world for future generations in a fit of sheer self-induced panic...

...or we can own up to the scientific fact that we are all physically connected as parts of a single giant organism, imagine better ways to live and grow...and then put them into practice. We can stop pissing about, start building starships, and get on with the business of being adults.

The ’Oratorio’ is nothing less than the Shazam!, the Kimota! for Western Culture and we would do well to remember it in our currently trying times.

Gaiman, Meltzer, Lincoln

Finally uploaded the photo from the White House. Sad part? I’m more excited to hear about Neil’s new Batman story than to pay attention to stealing napkins at the White House.

Eisner Acceptance Speech

Finally found it. Thanks to everyone at Comic-Con for tracking it down.

This was easily one of the true highlights of my life, and it wasn't until I watched it myself that I saw what I said. I physically could feel my heart kicking through my chest. Notice the sweat growing on my forehead. (and, how cool does Sam Jackson look.).

YouTube link.

Last Will Comes Out Tomorrow

After a full year (longer?) absence, I finally get back to the real business of comics on Wednesday as DC Comics publishes Last Will & Testament. And yes, I’ve had this story in my head since JLA. If I had two more issues, this is what I would’ve told. The odd part is, I thought someone else in a different book was going to tell the tale (or wrap it up differently), but when they didn’t, well...this was the perfect format. So there’s where the Geo-Force/Deathstroke storyline comes from. As for the rest...there’s lots of good stuff planned this year. Just like JLA 0, hints abound throughout the issue.

And as for Adam Kubert (and did I mention his guest inker Joe Kubert?), just wait till you see his Deathstroke. I miss comics so damn much.

A preview has been posted on Newsarama.

And watch here over the next week. Lots of cool stuff coming.

Nerd Panel!

Finally got it — the Comic-Con panel (one of my favorites I’ve ever been on) with Paul Feig (creator of Freaks & Geeks), David Goyer (Batman Begins), Chip Kidd (The Learners), Whitney Matheson (USA Today's Pop Candy blog), and me -- five people who work in television, film, the graphic arts, journalism, and novels. But all have comics in common.

Hear the discussion on the influence comics play in their work. It's a 21st century Breakfast Club—but with better references. Moderated by audiobook master Scott Brick (The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant). A full fifty minutes of nerd gold.

All here.

Picture's Worth 10,000 Words

More from Comic-Con. My favorite costumes ever. And they were near each other.

Thanks to Iñigo for sending it!

JLA #150

This was the first superhero comic I ever read. And this is the page that started the addiction. So when reader Lynn came up to me at Comic-Con and offered to send me a scan of the pencils...well...Lynn, marry me.

And now, shared with you.

Click on the image to enlarge

Buffy

So who gets to read the first chapter of The Book of Lies first?

Surprise to all the Buffy readers.

That's right, with Buffy being my next comic project after Last Will, the Buffy issue out today (issue #17) has the full Prologue and Chapter 1. And wait till you see what we're doing with Buffy in the paperback.

Thanks to Joss and Scott Allie and Sierra and all the amazing Dark Horse folks for the fun.

And trust me, this is just the first surprise. So many good ones coming.

Best Quote From San Diego

By the way, I totally forgot this until someone just sent it to me.

BY FAR, the best thing said at San Diego, which someone overheard, as a Justice League reader sees my father (who’s also sitting in the DC booth) and starts thanking my dad for: "fathering Brad so he could write all these really great comics."

Whoever you are who said that, I love you.

Comic-Con Recap

As always San Diego is prom for me. Just without the corsage. I spent every free minute (I had a full 16 of them) trying to get Pokémon stuff for my kids. So thanks to the Pokémon woman who scored me the Pokéballs.

Highlight of the DC panels was looking up and seeing my Dad -- yes, Dad -- standing in line to ask a question. I lean over to Grant Morrison and Rucka and whisper, "this may be really bad..." And he proceeds to make me feel 7 years old by asking me: why aren't you telling people about the new novel?

Worst Dad moment. But best Dad moment. And easily best plug for The Book of Lies ever.

For costumes, loved Red Arrow (who told me he made a few modifications to the costume. Of course he did), Perez-era (Identity Crisis) Zatanna, the Oompa Lumpa, and the two guys as Tie-Fighters. But the clear winner was the dude on stilts who dressed as Plastic Man. My hero. (Though still never saw the guy dressed as Black Lightning. Anyone got a photo?)

But the true highlight of the show? Our geek panel with Paul Feig, Chip Kidd, David Goyer, Scott Brick, and the awe-somest Whitney Matheson (the only one I had never met face to face and who has just the best, kindest energy). I loved my panelists. I loved the topic of geek culture. I loved the intelligent questions. I loved everyone who came (even if it was just because they were waiting for the Pushing Daisies panel after us).

After, one woman came up and said it was best panel she saw at Comic-Con. And I know it wasn't because of me -- everyone else was amazing, I was a stuttering goofus -- but I really think that panel was special. They taped it. We need someone to find that tape. It's worth watching.

And then, also loved seeing all my pals. Thanks to so many of you from here who came and said hey. Loved that! And loved even little kid (especially that 8 year old) who came with a crayon homemade comic.

There's the future.

The Day Sam Jackson Gave Brad An Eisner

There are few professional things that have really undone me:

• the time I found out my first novel sold (while I was embarrassingly in a tanning bed)

• talking to my Mom when we hit number 1

• getting that D-minus from Entertainment Weekly for Tenth Justice (okay, that was just sad)





But this...




Samuel Jackson comes out to present the Eisner Award for best single issue story.  I smile to myself, telling my Dad we can't win, but excited that at least in announcing the nominees, Sam Jackson will say my name.




And then he reads the winner.




Add super slow motion effect here where I hear nothing by long inaudible syllables. My brain says, "Did he just say 'Justice League?'"  My father sits there next to me, just as confused. And finally Judd Winick hits me from behind as if to say, "Go schmuck!  He said YOU!"




I will find the video so you can see it. But I. Was. Undone. It was three months to the day that my Mom had passed, and I know that she must've cut lines and pulled strings to make it happen. The swell of emotion was all the cliche things bad Oscar speeches have. But I want to be clear about one thing. I meant when I said that that award was accepted for all the freaks and losers and outcasts and geeks and nerds and weirdos and outcasts -- for anyone who ever felt different or awkward or sat in a corner by themselves. That award was for us. It was for my Mom. And like I always say, it only happened because of you.




Yes. You.




Reading this.




It also happened because of our team. Because of genius Gene Ha. Because of Michael Turner bringing people in. And because of my brother Noah Kuttler, the Calculator, who storyboarded all my insanity so Gene could roll his eyes at me (and who most people don't know, does all the technical stuff when it comes to posting these blogs). Thanks, Noah!




But you have to see the video to see all the emotion I was armed with at that moment.




This was better than the D-minus.




Thanks to all who voted and rooted...

Rest of Comicon reports tomorrow...

San Diego Schedule!

Okay here it is, my schedule for San Diego Comic-Con. And check out the panel on Saturday with Freaks & Geeks creator Paul Feig, Chip Kidd, Whitney from Pop Candy, David Goyer, myself and moderated by audiobook master Scott Brick. (Tell me where there's gonna be more geek love? Tell me. We challenge any other panel to a nerd-off (like that dance in the "Bad" video (extra points if your brain went to the "Fat" video))).

As always, I'll sign anything: books, comics, posters, even bootleg Jack & Bobby dvds.

So please do come by and say hi. Really. That's the single best part of this weekend. You're the only reason I'm here. And when you do come, please remind me of your email or myspace name. I know those (sadly) far better than real names.

So for the schedule, see below...

FRIDAY

• 11:30am - 1:00pm | Signing at the DC booth
  
• 3:00 - 4:00pm | Signing at the Grand Central booth (##1116-1120) (I can't promise, but I bet there'll be free books there)
  
• 4:00 - 5:00pm | Charity signing for The Hero Initiative; located at the Mile High Comics booth, #907
  
• 6:00 - 7:00pm | PANEL – Final Crisis (Room 6A)
  

SATURDAY

• 12:45 - 2:00pm | PANEL – DC: Expanding Your Universe
  
• 2:00 - 3:00pm | PANEL – Comics: Across Every Medium - Room 6A
  
  Paul Feig (creator of Freaks & Geeks), David Goyer (Batman Begins), Chip Kidd (The Learners), Whitney Matheson (USA Today’s Pop Candy blog), and Brad Meltzer (The Book of Lies) are five superstars who make headlines in television, film, the graphic arts, journalism, and novels. But they all have comics in common. This isn’t just a trend. Join them for a discussion on the influence comics play in their work. It’ll be like a 21st century Breakfast Club—but with better references. Moderated by audiobook master Scott Brick (The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant).
  
  
• 3:30 - 5:00pm | Signing at the DC booth
  

Dark Knight

Sitting in the theater right now, waiting for Dark Knight to begin, and spending the time naming all the New Universe titles (got 'em all, even Kickers, Inc.) and the 2099 titles (Doom was the best).

San Diego coming this week. Watchmen coming. Spitfire and the Troubleshooters on my brain. And I'm in a movie called The Dark Knight. Imagine someone came to you when you were 14 and told you all this would happen.

Head. Explodes.

I love being a geek!

I love comics!

Turner's Poster

Of all the things written about Mike Turner's passing, this is the one that got to me. I don't know why. Maybe it's just that I always had my comic posters that moved with me...that became part of my home. Maybe it's just that I remember talking about this one with him.

Thanks to Laura for writing it.

From Myriad Issues

R.I.P. Michael Turner

via Myriad Issues by Laura Hudson on 7/2/08

It's late, I know. Unfortunately, I didn't know the man, but everything I heard about him made me wish I did. During the first year that I lived in the city, I starting working in a comic book store, and the first thing I bought there was a poster-- probably the only poster I've ever bought in my adult life.

Something about the image always compelled me. Maybe it was the symbolic value of having a glowing noose of truth thrust towards me. Noose notwithstanding, it seemed more like a challenge than a threat, with Diana walking out of the shadows and holding it like a lantern.

It's been over my bed -- or in some cases my "bed" -- for years now. It followed me through five moves in one eleven month period, and I don't know how many nights of being lame, lying in bed with my feet up against the wall, staring at it. During some of the most ridiculous times in my life, one of the only consistent things was that I fell asleep to this and I woke up to this.

It's one of the few superhero images that has actually made me feel the way I think superheroes are supposed to-- this idea of someone symbolizing something better, and the implicit challenge in that to try and be better ourselves. I think it's beautiful, and it's meant something to me for a while.

I'm sorry he's gone.

San Diego

For those who have emailed, yep, I’ll be in San Diego for Comic-Con. And we got such an fun supercool panel. I heart everyone on it.

Michael Turner, rest in peace

Mike Turner (cover artist on Identity Crisis and JLA) was always smiling. Always. And over the past few weeks – as I wrote to him and knew things were getting worse – I always tried to keep that in my head. He didn’t have a cocky smile (and he’d earned the right to a cocky smile). It was a true smile. A real smile. But writing about smiles doesn’t do him justice, so let me share the one story that does.

It was after we finished Identity Crisis. We knew we would be doing JLA together. That was always in the plans. And then he decided that he was going to start doing covers for Marvel. And so...man, I remember him telling me this story in LA like it was yesterday...he tells me that he’s making this deal with Marvel. And then, the guy who he’s negotiating with from Marvel says (as he should say): The only catch is, if you want this deal with Marvel, you can’t do the JLA covers. You have to be just with us or the deal’s off.

I choke inside because I assume this is where Mike tells me why he can’t do JLA (and listen, I appreciate that that sometimes happens. That’s the business).

And then Mike says to the Marvel guy, “Okay, then I’m out. Deal’s off.”

I can’t believe it. As he tells me the story, it’s clear he means it. He’s fully ready to walk away from his entire deal and the crazy Marvel money.

And then Mike lets loose with this awesome smile – one of the best ever smiles and says, “One second later, they caved. I’m in for JLA.”

I guess that’s where the story was supposed to end, but of course, me being guilt-ridden me, I somehow feel guilty that JLA got in the middle of his negotiation, so I start telling him, “Listen, please...you didn’t have to do that. I’d understand and...”

No, Mike protested. “I made a promise to you.”

And right there...I can picture that moment...I’ll never forget that moment. Right there, Mike wasn’t just some guy who drew the covers and sold some copies. He wasn’t the guy who could do that movie poster feel for your book (look at his first Flash cover), always making every 60 year old character suddenly seem brand new. He wasn’t the guy who made every book we worked on jump off the shelf (think for a moment, he was the only true ‘name’ on Identity Crisis. Why do you think people picked it up from issue one?). And he wasn’t just another superstar.

He was my friend. A good friend. And a friend who would’ve given up something he really wanted. For someone else. In life, those are the friends you treasure.

And I treasure Mike Turner.

I should also say, in all the time he was on JLA -- with all the sickness and all the crap he was going through, he was never late, never complained, never once did anything but be himself and smile.

He has no idea how much I’d taken his lesson to heart – long before today.

So forget the half-mast flag. Wear your smile loud and proud in his honor.

Rest easy, Mike.

More JLA Figures

I'm excited about Flash. And Green Lantern. And a Benes Wonder Woman. But c'mon, we get Geo-Force.

DC COMICS SOLICITATIONS FOR AUGUST 2008 (Newsarama)

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA SERIES 3 ACTION FIGURES
Designed by Ed Benes

It’s here – the third series based on the popular DC Comics series, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA, written by New York Times best-selling author Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Ed Benes! Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash and Geo-Force are the latest JLA heroes to be made into action figures!

Coming Home To Comics

For those who didn’t see it, here’s the news about the new comic, DC Universe 1: Last Will and Testament. It’s been in the works for a while now, and I'm so excited to see the news out there. Feels like coming home for sure. And even including a few new characters I’ve never played with before. Sorry to be cryptic over the past few weeks, but that’s modern comics. As for Adam Kubert, the man is just incredible. Wait till you see the magic. Anyway, the comic will be out the week before the new novel, The Book of Lies. And for more on that...we are days away.

Thanks to all who made me miss it so much.

MELTZER RETURNS TO THE DCU FOR LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT (Newsarama)

Paul Pope

This is why being an artist is cooler than being a writer. For your nephews.

Source: PULPHOLE

BRACES

Tablecloth drawings with my nephew, waiting on spagetti. "Do a cartoon animal we haven't seen before," he says.

"Like what?"

He thinks a minute. "Bugs Bunny as a squirrel teenager who comes from the world of Fat Albert."

"With braces?" I ask.

"With braces."

Posted by pulphope at 4/17/2008 10:48:00 AM

Broken email

Just an apology to all those who have tried emailing me through the site (bradmeltzer.com). We know, we've had a major breakdown in email there, so if you sent me something and you're like, "what a pud -- didn't even reply," bear with us and please resend in a week or so when we finally get our pants back on.

Also, thanks for all those sending love for the Eisner nomination. Neither Gene Ha nor myself had any idea until someone else emailed us and said, "Schmucks, you're nominated." Needless to say, JLA 11 is one of the stories I'm most proud of. But the real love needs to go to Gene (and colorist Art Lyon!), who really are the ones who pulled it off and made a hack like me look far better than I am. If I had enough, I'd love to give that issue away during the book tour to anyone who's never read a comic.

Enjoy the weekend and don't do drugs.

EW's First Comics

This is fun.

Especially seeing how much that first comic so so effected the craft that each person puts out. Read into it all you want. It's true.

BTW, Kirkman's first comic was an Erik Larsen Spider-Man. F***. WE ARE OLD!!!

Comic Books: The One That Hooked Me! (Entertainment Weekly)

Siegel and Action Comics

Forget all those Supreme Court cases, this is the most fascinating case around right now -- especially in light of the new novel. More news to follow soon on this.

Also, picking a new author photo. Will post the 3 worst soon. So many to choose from. Hope you had a great weekend. And sorry I've been away for a bit. Just the crunch of trying to finish the book in time for Book Expo.

The Lightning Saga Hardcover

Just got the hardcover for The Lightning Saga, which I think comes out this week (if I'm gonna whore and plug away, I gotta get better at this). But let me say this: working on that storyline -- especially with Geoff, who I love like a brother -- that was living the dream. All the hours spent playing "wouldn't it be cool if X met Y" when we were eleven were finally put to use. Dawnstar and the Hawks. Vixen and Gorilla City. Jay and Hal. Batman and Karate Kid. Wildfire and Red Tornado. All the character moments that I hope bring out the best in each character. Plus, we got to bring the old "real" Legion back, a detail that makes me as proud as can be (silly but honestly true). And we got to bring yet another character back in that lightning wand (see Geoff's current Action Comics story, which is breathtaking). I love these characters. And I love even more when we acknowledge the old stories that came before. Nothing makes me prouder as a writer.

Top 300 Comics Of 2007

Fascinated by this. And owe a huge thank you to you for JLA. As for more comics, more news soon.

Diamond’s Top 300 Comics of 2007

Y: The Last Issue

Just back from NY, and the best part of the plane ride home? Reading the final, beautiful issue of Y: The Last Man. Brian knows my love for his work, but I'd be a putz if I didn't tell all those who haven't dabbled in the Y world, you really did miss something special. And yes, we always celebrate everything once it's taken from us (usually overstating how great it is as emotions take hold). But Y is worth celebrating. So don't forget to give the swan song some love shack tomorrow.

Happy Happys

Just swelling with some pent up love and thanks for you all. I get mushy this time of year. I'm soft. I'm okay with it. And this morning, I got an email from a younger writer friend who's still trying to break into the novel world. His first novel is being rejected in lots of places. Just like mine. But he's still starting the next one. I can't tell you how much I hope you do the same in your own life. Never never never never let anyone tell you no. It's the only reason I'm so lucky to sit here today typing this instead of still scooping ice cream. So dream big. And love what you love. And thanks for checking in.

Also, early present: got this image from the Italian publisher of an Alan Moore tribute book I contributed to.

Gabriele Dell'Otto did it over Dave Gibbons's pencils.

You can see the credits of the book here: (all profits donated/to be donated to AIMA, Italian Alzheimer org. Just a print run of 1,000 copies for the Italian market.)

And something about the Dell'Otto illo creation here:

JLA Statue

Been waiting for so long to reveal this. I still think the cover to issue 7 is my favorite piece of art Ed did, and now, you get to own it for yourself. I begged them to do this. Of course, I wanted the whole team too, but the financials and tiny details are so hard. Anyway, I think it's a knockout and next to my Dark Knight statue (the first one, duh) and a Charlie Brown one, will be the only one I'll put in my office.

JLA BUILD-A-SCENE STATUE: PART 1
Based on the art of Ed Benes
Sculpted by Alterton Bizarre

(click on image to enlarge)

Ed Benes' legendary image from the cover of JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #7 stands tall as it becomes a multi-part statue! Sold in three parts, each features two of the world's greatest superheroes and includes a piece of a bonus Red Tornado figure. (To fully assemble Red Tornado, all three Build-a-Scene statues are needed.) All of the pieces slide together to make a complete cover scene in striking 3-D!

• The first part of the statue includes Batman, Wonder Woman, and the base and tornado portion of Red Tornado.
  
• Part two will include Superman, Black Canary, and the torso of Red Tornado.
  
• Part three will include Green Lantern, The Flash, and the head and cape of Red Tornado.
  

The JLA BUILD-A-SCENE STATUE is a limited-edition, hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain statue measuring approximately 8" tall x 14" wide x 10" deep when fully assembled. (Each piece measures approximately 8" tall x 5" wide x 5" deep, except for Red Tornado, which measures approximately 10.375" tall x 8.5" wide x 5.5" deep.) It includes a certificate of authenticity and is packaged in a 4-color box. This limited edition statue is manufactured to order.

Advance-solicited; on sale August 13, 2007 * Statue * $150 US

Minor assembly is required.

Comics for Soldiers

When the war started, I got an email from a soldier on a submarine saying how small their library was there and how much he liked reading The First Counsel. I love that guy. Within a month, we'd gotten a bunch of publishers to donate 40,000 thrillers to the troops (not just mine...we got everyone). The USO helped distribute and fun for all.

All these years later, people aren't nearly sending what they used to. So please take a look at this. Plus, we love Whitney and trust her with anything.

Shipping culture across the globe
via Pop Candy by Whitney Matheson on 12/12/07

I believe no one should be deprived of comics -- when I'm having a rough day, a good book almost always puts a smile on my face.

The non-profit group Heroes4Heroes also appreciates the power of pop culture, and they send comics and other goodies to the troops overseas. Visitors to their website can donate money, send them items, submit a soldier's address and learn more about the organization. The main page includes video from a recent live-art fundraising event, where artists drew amazing portraits of Captain America and other superheroes.

Cheers to the Dallas-based group for "keeping our soldiers culturally tuned in." Next time you head to the comic-book shop, consider picking up two issues of Angel instead of one.

Gene Ha

Dinner with Gene Ha was a like a rock and roll tour bus, but without all the blow and women and well, everything. But we had corn bread! Anyway, love the guy -- and loved every waiter and waitress who stopped at the table as I was oogling his art.

Otherwise, much love to this blog post from (postmodernbarney):

Thursday, December 06, 2007
What Nerds Need To Remember

"Made lots of money" is not the same thing as "was good."

"I liked it more than X" is not the same thing as "it was better than X."

"They" don't owe "the fans" anything.

"The fans" did not save it.

"The people who only like it now that it's popular" are not inferior to "the longterm fans."

"Enjoyable" is not the same as "good."

The creators are not beholden to your "personal canon" or fan-fiction.

"They" are not out to personally ruin your enjoyment.

Someone who likes it for a different reason than you do is not wrong.

Someone who doesn't like it is not wrong.

Sharks! And Big Dinner

Saw a great documentary last night -- Sharkwater, which was done by Rob Stewart. I never thought I'd hug a shark, but you have to love this kid's passion. Plus, there's a great interview moment with one of the renegades of the environmental movement. He's talking about how most people don't care what happens in the world. Most people don't want to make a change. Then he looks right at the camera and says, But you only need a few.

Ohh, I feel like I'm in college again discussing theories of the universe. Anyway, trailer is here

Also, after 25 comics pages, and two covers together, tonight I finally get to meet Gene Ha face-to-face. This is the benefit of living where there's warm weather: people come down to get away from the cold. And go to comic conventions.

Now to figure out if there's more work we can do together...

JLA: Lightning Saga

Just got the proofs for the JLA hardcover of Lightning Saga. It's just packed with comics -- not just the JSA crossover, but issue 11 with Gene Ha, 12 with Benes and Wight, and issue 0 with everyone. Plus Patton Oswalt doing the intro. And the interesting part is the cover. This weekend, I saw two comics on the main octagons in Barnes & Noble: Dark Tower and Shooting War. Comics are competing for that mainstream eye. So expect a Mr. Alex Ross making a great appearance.

And for those who aren't watching, the next step in the story is taking place in Action Comics right now with Geoff writing. Superman and the Legion of Superheroes. Just check it out. Worth every penny.

Heroes Indeed

Most of you know my love of The Hero Initiative, which gives money to comic writers and artists who need it. Bad. We donate ALL the profits from our t-shirt/whatever sales to them. And here's why. Yes, it's a week after Thanksgiving, but that doesn't mean we stop giving thanks.

Giving Thanks, Indeed
Posted by McLauchlin at 11:09:00 AM

I just wrote checks totaling $3000 for a creator who Hero just benefited. He wishes to remain anonymous, but our Disbursement Committee knows who he is. He lives in an area of the country, where the cost of living is moderately cheap, but still…he and his wife just rolled pennies to buy milk, and they luckily had a coupon for a free box of Cheerios. After the milk, they had $3 to their names.

The creator in question had cancer about a decade ago, and his wife was diagnosed with cancer a few years later. When she found she was going to lose her hair in treatment, she had it cut off and donated to the Locks of Love program. That's just the kind of folks they are. Her cancer is still an issue to this day. It took six years for her to get government help, as with no under-18 children living in their home, they had to get below 200% under the federal poverty guidelines before they could qualify.

Probably needless to say, due to health and mobility issues, finding work is difficult for these folks. The funny part is they're STILL plugging away, still writing and even self-publishing comics. Their spirit is indomitable. Some of the checks I wrote were to a landlord for rent and a propane company for heat. I spoke to said recipient today to tell him the checks went out and he remarked that "The prospect of a warm winter with no bills facing disconnect is more than we hoped for."

And it hit me: He had already resigned himself to the fate that the heat was probably going to get turned off for part of this winter. It was just going to happen. Until us. And until you, reading this.

So there. Just a quick reminder that the work we do, yes, is indeed important. Thanks to all who have donated their money, time, effort, and energies.

And happy Thanksgiving weekend, huh?

Jim McLauchlin

Shooting War

Anyone read Shooting War yet? Yes, it's noteworthy because it's a webcomic with loads of press for now being a hardcover graphic novel. And yes, it's from my publisher (who really does believe that these 'funny books' can tackle great stories). But for me, well...artist Dan Goldman is a great guy and from my old 'hood. And beyond that, he's spent the last dozen years busting his ass to bring his vision to life (life being defined as: as many eyeballs as possible). So take a look. And support anyone from your 'hood (except for the dicks who used to make fun of us).

Patton Oswalt

Just got the introduction for the next JLA hardcover, written by Patton Oswalt, who...c'mon...we love. And not just because he wrote a beautiful intro. The guy yells out, "Hal Jordan" in the middle of his act to signify will power. My hero.

And yes, this last hardcover has The Lightning Saga as well as issues 11, 12, and zero.

Green Lantern Film

Been getting lots of email about the Green Lantern movie since all three principals are Jack & Bobby people. So stop panicking. Michael and Marc will no doubt be doing the good stuff with the ring slinging. If you don't believe me, check out their current runs on Batman Confidential and Wolverine. I can't wait for it. Very excited about all.

GREG BERLANTI TO DIRECT GREEN LANTERN FILM

DC Comics’ Flash has apparently gotten some love in regards to making the leap to the big screen, and now, according to Variety, the Flash’s pal, Green Lantern is making the move as well, with Greg (Dirty Sexy Money, Brothers & Sisters) Berlanti named by the trade as the director for the film.

Berlanti will write the script for the film with Marc (Wolverine, Amazing Spider-Man under exclusive contract to Marvel, Brothers & Sisters) Guggenheim and Michael (Heroes) Green. Donald De Line will produce, with Andrew Haas named as executive producer.

For the director, this will be his second film – he directed The Broken Hearts Club in 2000.

As with many DC Comics characters, Green Lantern has had a long slog to get to this point – many attempts on the character have been rumored to be in the works over the past years, including a more comedic take with actor Jack Black in the title role.

No word was given as to which Green Lantern will be featured in the film, but, given the recent revamp and return of Hal Jordan to the role, the test pilot introduced in 1959’s Showcase #22 would be the best bet, beating out Alan Scott, John Stewart and Kyle Rayner.

Berlanti told The Hollywood Reporter: "To me, this was on the last great comic book movie that hasn’t been made. It was a comic book with a real mythology that you would see in a lot of the space operas and the sci-fi books. The best part about it, anybody can be become one of the Green Lanterns because anyone can end up with that ring.”

And the Reporter confirms that the film will be about Jordan, adding that the director originally pitched a series of GL movies to Warner Bros., the first being the origin story, showing how Jordan became a member of the Green Lantern Corps.

Breaking In As A Writer

When Doris Lessing was told she won the Nobel Prize for her novels, her response? "I couldn't care less."

I love her for that. I love anyone that acknowledges how arbitrary and silly and snobby the literature crowd can be. Indeed, my goal has always been to take the barriers down and to let everyone in -- treating everyone -- and all genres (including snob lit, thrillers, and comics) -- equally. And that's why I love this story below.

I remember when Geoff told me it right after it happened. And I remember saying, "Good for you for taking care of the new guy." I tried very much the same this past summer, and I know my guy will be there soon. So to all the writers out there, I believe.

From Newsarama:

WHO IS STERLING GATES? MEETING THE NEW DC WRITER
by Vaneta Rogers

When the solicitation was first released for this week's Tales of the Sinestro Corps: Superman-Prime #1, the response to the writers listed for the comic was pretty universal. "Who is Sterling Gates?"

The unknown writer was listed as a co-writer on the comic along with Geoff Johns because Gates penned the issue's back-up story, a Tales of the Sinestro Corps installment titled, "Fear is a Baby's Cry!" Everyone knew who Johns was, but nobody had heard the name Sterling Gates before.

Then when we interviewed Johns on Newsarama a few weeks ago about the Sinestro Corps War, the writer kept bringing up this guy Sterling Gates again, even mentioning his work on an upcoming Secret Files issue, which sure enough had Gates listed as a co-writer again. And the questions about the mysterious writer continued.

Now it's time to put the mystery to rest. Newsarama tracked down Gates and found out that his story is one most fans will envy terribly, yet one that anyone who's been to a comic convention can completely identify with. Much like the story told in our recent interview with Matt Yocum, another unknown writer given a chance over at Marvel after literally buying time with Joe Quesada, Gates has a unique story of being "discovered" by a generous comics creator – this one involving a drunk friend, an ice cream sundae and a few awkward encounters with Geoff Johns.

Newsarama: When people saw the solicitation, you know what they said. "Who the hell is Sterling Gates?"

Sterling Gates: [laughs] That was my favorite internet post of all time.

NRAMA: You saw that one too, huh?

SG: I did. I did.

NRAMA: Have you written any comics before? Or are you completely new to the industry?

SG: I did some self-published work in college. Some autobiographical, slice-of-life kind of stuff that I wrote and drew – but this is my first foray into the "big leagues" of comicdom.

NRAMA: But you grew up around comics, right?

SG: Sure. My dad owned a comic book store in Tulsa, Okla., called Sooner Books and Comics, which was this really, really tiny used book store, but we had a big comics section. We owned that for over 10 years, and we finally closed in 1998. And so, yeah, comics were always sort of there and a part of my life from about age 7 onward. They were just around our house everywhere. We had a garage full of comics for as long as I could remember and I would sit and read them for hours, then sneak them under the covers and read them in bed.

And when I got to college, I started working part-time at my local comics store, Speeding Bullet Books and Comics in Norman, Okla.

NRAMA: When you went to college at University of Oklahoma, what was it you wanted to do?

SG: I earned a degree in Fine Arts with a specialization in film and television production. That said, my professors used to get really annoyed because everything I did, I wanted to relate to comics somehow. Like my capstone thesis wasn't about film or television so much as about sequential art theory and relating time theory in comics to our training in film and television. I must've referenced Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics a hundred times in that paper! [laughs]

NRAMA: So you got out of college with this degree, and you ended up in L.A., right?

SG: Well, I worked a little for the Oklahoma Film and Music Commission for about six months and for Speeding Bullet on the weekends, and then one day, some friends and I were talking over dinner, and I said, "So, we've all graduated. What are we going to do with our lives?" And nobody had a good answer. And I said, "Well, I'm going to fly to L.A. next week and get us a lease and we're moving." Then, over Christmas break we said goodbye to everyone we knew, 'cause no one thought they'd see us ever again. Like, I really think everyone thought L.A . was like the 'Welcome to the Jungle' video, and we'd all get off the bus and be robbed and murdered right there on the street. [laughs]

So on New Year's Day 2006, we packed up a U-Haul and we started going west.

NRAMA: But you had no job.

SG: I had nothing. Nothing. I had three months rent, a degree and a prayer. I was going to take over the world!

And then I moved out here and completely shut down for about six weeks. [laughs] Horrible depression. It was just such a culture shock. I just sat on the couch and watched Gilmore Girls reruns for six weeks. And then my friend called and said, "I'm going to go up to San Francisco to WonderCon. Want to come?"

NRAMA: Ah... here comes the story.

SG: You know where this is going. [laughs]

NRAMA: You met somebody in the comics industry that gave you a chance. How did it happen?

SG: On Saturday night at the con, my friend and I went out to dinner, and he tried to sort of hit on our waitress. And she totally rejected him -- rightfully so, I might add. And we went to this bar to console him. We get pretty liquored up, there was a lot of consoling to be done, and go back to the hotel. In the lobby were Geoff Johns and Steve Wacker. They were leaving the hotel as we were coming in. And my friend had a conniption and freaked, freaked out. He's a huge Geoff Johns fan. And he started literally singing praises to him. The Marriott lobby there is this huge echoing structure, so every word he said, I think everyone in every room could hear. It was really, really embarrassing.

I wanted to sober him up, so we walked over to Mel's Diner around the corner. We get there and Geoff and Steve are there, and they recognize us from the hotel from five minutes prior. So that was really awkward.

NRAMA: They were waiting for their table, right?

SG: Yeah. They were waiting outside, and we kind of awkwardly struck up a conversation. And they politely answered our questions and asked us a few back. I told them about how I just moved to L.A., and it turned out that Geoff and I shopped at the same comics shop, DJ's Universal, so we talked about that. We said our "good-byes" and our "nice-to-meet-you's" and then the host sat them, and then came back and sat us at the table literally right next to theirs. A table maybe five inches from their table. And we kind of all looked at each other and I thought, "Can this get more awkward? I doubt it."

But then it did, because Cody, my fantastically drunk friend, every couple seconds, would shield his face from their view with his menu and whisper to me, "Sterling! It's Geoff Johns!!"

NRAMA: They probably thought you were stalkers! [laughs]

SG: Well, yeah! [laughs] I'm surprised they didn't file restraining orders right then and there. And so we went through this whole dinner, and I finally told my friend not to say anything to them and for us to just get out of there because it was so weird. So, the waitress came with our check, and feeling like I should kind of make up for my friend, I got Geoff and Steve's check. I didn't tell them, I just grabbed their check and went out and paid it.

I came back and said, "Guys, it was awesome to meet you. Sorry about my drunk friend. I paid for your dinner. I'll see you at the con tomorrow. Have a great night." And literally, without missing a beat, Geoff looks up from his sundae and says, "Do you want a job?" And Wacker goes, "…What?" And Geoff had Steve give me his card, and told me to email Steve my resume.

NRAMA: That seems like an awfully nice way to respond to an awkward situation! So he knew you were looking for a job?

SG: Yeah, we had kind of loosely chatted about the fact that I'd moved to L.A. and had this degree and didn't have a job yet. I think he kind of, in the back of his head, knew I was looking. But it was pure luck. I emailed in my resume, and I got a call the next week from Blade: The Series. They were hiring for a production assistant for the writers room, and I think Geoff just thought, I'll see if this kid can make the interview. And I went in and interviewed with the entire writing staff, all at once, like a huge roundtable interview.

And I got the job.

NRAMA: You got a job in television because you stalked Geoff Johns at a comics convention. [laughs]

SG: [laughs] Oh, come on. I think stalking is too hard a word. It was just accidentally running into him over and over and over.

NRAMA: It was fate.

SG: Yeah! It was the fickle finger of fate!

NRAMA: So what does a writer's room production assistant do?

SG: Anything anyone asks! I would get the most random requests. My basic duties were making sure everyone had food, and I did script distribution and, you know, stocking basic office things. I drove back and forth to New Line's Television Department all the time. One day I had to find Dodge Chargers on the Internet for Blade to wreck. The next I had to research everything I could about Baron Blood.

NRAMA: For this you went to college, right?

SG: I think everyone, especially in this town, has to start somewhere, and it's always on the bottom rung.

NRAMA: Wait. This all sounds oddly familiar. This story. You know that, right?

SG: Uh... you mean Geoff and [Richard] Donner?

NRAMA: Yeah, because this is Geoff's story you're telling. He took off to L.A. with a group of friends after graduating from college with a film degree. He had no job and too little money. He lucked out getting a job as a P.A. and ended up as Donner's assistant. Then ended up writing comics. Same story. And now you're Geoff's assistant and writing comics. You became Geoff's assistant when Blade ended, right?

SG: Yeah, after Blade was unceremoniously canceled. At the end of the first season, we knew it wasn't coming back. Geoff had written a movie called Naughty or Nice with Matt Senreich from Robot Chicken, and they were interested in producing that film. Once they started moving on it, and once Seth [Green] got involved, things really started to go. Geoff called me on a Sunday and said, "Look, I don't know what you're doing post-Blade, but I need an assistant for this movie. Come on and do that." How do you say no to Geoff Johns? So that's where I am today!

NRAMA: OK, let's fast forward to this comic that just came out this week. How did you go from, "I majored in film and television, I'm working in film and television, so I'm going to pitch to DC." How did that happen?

SG: I really wanted to be a television writer when I moved out. And working in the writer's room on Blade, I was talking a lot about ideas I had, not just for Blade but all sorts of other shows. So Geoff knew I was interested in writing.

One day, we were talking about comics, and I said, "You know, I used to write comics in college." I hadn't told him that ever before, because when you're around Geoff Johns, you don't just blurt out, "Hey! You write comics! I've written some, too!" But he said, "Really? Can I read some?" And I gave a little nervous laugh and said, "Um, sure, you can read my comics…Geoff…Johns…" [laughs]

I had a couple up on the internet and I sent those to him. And he gave them a read and said they were really great. He asked if I wanted to write comics, and I said I would love to write comics. I would kill to write comics! And that was over a year ago, and nothing seemed to come of it. I thought it was just an idle conversation. I figured I'd just still pursue writing TV and feature scripts and that was fine.

But then, once Sinestro Corps really started taking off, I really got inspired by it and wrote up a pitch for five or six different Sinestro Corps members' stories and brought them in to work. And I said, "I know this is really weird, but can you read these?" He read them and said, "These are awesome. Let me send these in to [editor] Eddie Berganza and we'll see if maybe we can get some of these stories told." So, a whirlwind trip later, and my first story hits this week.

NRAMA: Let's talk about the story. It's about Kryb. She was first seen in the pages of the Sinestro Corps Special. Why did you pick her?

SG: Ethan [Van Sciver]'s designs are incredible. He is a genius, especially with his designs for the Sinestro Corps and all the different aliens and creatures. They're incredible. I started looking at that spread in the middle of Sinestro Corps Special #1, and I realized that the one that instantly visually scared the crap out of me was Kryb. Her collection of babies is one of the scariest things I can think of, because where did they all come from? Where do you find that many babies? And so I started thinking about that, and the things that frighten me. One of the most visceral basic threats, I think, and one of our biggest fears is the threat to family. So it clicked. Kryb targets certain, special children across the galaxy and uses them to instill great fear in their parents.

NRAMA: It's a really creepy read. You have a very twisted mind.

SG: Thanks. Wait, is that a compliment? [laughs]

NRAMA: And on your first published work at DC, you got to work with Jerry Ordway! How was that?

SG: Jerry's amazing. I really think he's one of the best pencillers of all time. He's so good. When I found out he was doing my story, I really freaked out. You know that scene at the end of 40 Year Old Virgin where everyone's singing 'Aquarius' and dancing and stuff? That's what I did. [laughs] I was really, really psyched.

NRAMA: Going forward, are you writing more things? Are we going to see your name again?

SG: The next thing, and I think it's hitting stands December 19th, is the Green Lantern/Sinestro Corps Secret Files that Geoff and I are co-writing. For all accounts and purposes, it's a Who's Who of all the Green Lanterns -- even all the dead ones. And we cover all of the Sinestro Corps, too. So it's like 250 guys in a 54-page comic, which is the most bang for your buck you can possibly get.

Also in that Secret Files is a Tales of the Green Lantern Corps story I wrote revealing the origin of the Green Lantern crypt-keeper, Morro. Joe Prado did some wonderful art for it, just did a bang-up job on it.

And I'd also like to take a quick second here and thank Eddie Berganza and Adam Schlagman, who've been working extra hard putting together this Green Lantern Secret Files. Those guys are fantastic, and I really appreciate their efforts to get it made. Oh, and a super special thanks to Eddie Berganza, for giving me a chance to tell Kryb's story. Eddie rules. Period. [laughs]

NRAMA: What does your family think of this?

SG: I called my mom way, way early in the process and told her I was going to be doing some comics stuff. She said, "Oh, that's amazing. Your father would be so proud of you, God rest his soul." But I didn't tell her anything after that because I knew it would be a much bigger impact if one day she opened the door to a Fed Ex box full of comics with my name on them. And so, I've neglected to tell her anything at all about it. So, no one tell her. [laughs] Anyone reading this, please don't tell my mom until after Superman-Prime #1 hits the stands and I have a chance to send it to her.

NRAMA: So she'll see it Thursday?

SG: Yeah, I'm going to overnight it to her, so she'll get it Thursday morning.

NRAMA: With all the experience of being around writers at Blade and working with Geoff, do you think you've grown as a writer?

SG: Absolutely! We had some of the best writers in television on Blade. Dan Truly, David Goyer. Some very, very talented guys to be around and learn from. And Geoff's been very interested in seeing me grow as a writer. I kind of wonder if he sees -- especially given the parallels between how we got our start-- a little of himself in me. Not that I would ever claim to be as good a writer as Geoff! The man's legendary. [laughs] But, I think Geoff really cares about fostering good writers and hopefully, knock on wood, he sees a good one in me and would like to see me continue to grow.

NRAMA: There really are way too many similarities in your stories.

SG: The creepy thing is, I found out about Jerry Ordway, and I went into Geoff's office, and I said, "I got Jerry Ordway on 'Baby's Cry'!!" And he said, "Wow, Jerry Ordway gave me my start in comics, too." Little did anyone know, but the first thing Geoff ever had published was a Jerry Ordway interview he did for Comic Shop News. And he said, "It's kind of come full circle. That's so weird." And he's right, it's bizarre.

But you know, it's also very cool. It's really, as someone who's living this life, it's odd to see parallels between what's happening to me and what happened to someone whose work I really admire and respect. And I think, as both my and Geoff's cases show, you really have to make that decision to take the plunge and follow a dream. It might not always work out exactly how you thought it would, but hey, seeing just how it works out is half the adventure!

Junot Diaz

Been rooting for him since my first publisher Rob Weisbach told me about him years ago. This means even more. You know the highbrow/lowbrow debate gets me more riled than just about anything. As do "literary" snobs who want to use and embrace comics, but refuse to lower themselves to go into a comic shop and buy anything current. So Diaz is officially my new hero.

(full article on Newsarama)

JD: Well, I know I’m going to get slammed for this…you know what? I’m just going to get into it.

I think the problem is that when you see literary people sort of dabbling in comic books, it’s kind of uni-directional. In other words, we literary types can go dabble in comic books, but it doesn’t change the fact that we’re still considered “high literary” writers. We can go through and rummage through this material and talk about supervillains, and we’ll still get nominated for Pulitzers and other awards.

Now…the same thing really ain’t true when you’re a comic book artist. Let’s say you’re a comic book artist, you draw superhero comics. It’s not like your average Superman artist (at least at this moment) going to gain mainstream literary acceptance doing comic books. In other words, I dream of a day when the guy who’s writing the Hulk is up for a Pulitzer, and not just the literary writer who jumps in and writes a novel about the Hulk.

It’s almost as if the literary writers have an American passport, and we can go into the third world of comic books any time we want, and we can come back fine. But comic book writers are like holding passports from North Korea, and when they try to enter the pearly gates of the high literary nation, they’re always stopped and blocked and stripped and denied access.

It’s an interesting thing. I think this kind of mashup between high and low culture is good, but I don’t want anybody to hide the privilege and the power that one has over the other. Michael Chabon writes a book about comic books and everyone’s on his jock, but Michael Chabon is never going to be competing with the poor guy who’s writing Sinestro Corps for an award of high literary merit. And I’m like, “Why not?”

There are superhero comic books – and I know people will laugh at this – there are superhero comic books that are as strong as the literature that’s given awards! There’s just this kind of bias against these people being on the same fuckin’ award table, you know?

State Of The Industry

Heidi is really good at this sort of temperature taking. I'm not sure I agree that only 2 series still exist (Ex Machina is one more that jumps to mind). And I also don't think that you can blow off Wildstorm and the imprints. Especially when some of their titles are exactly what's working. But well worth the insightful read.

Something is coming...

And my belief? It's the next turnover of creators. Always happens. Out with the old, in with the new. The kids have the steering wheel. Watch.

Meeting Your Heroes

I never met Jim Henson. Or Mr. Rogers. Or Will Eisner (who I was asked to do an event with, and I sadly missed the opportunity). But I did finally get to meet Jerry Robinson. He's not a hero because he created the Joker, or named Robin, or any of the creative stuff. He's a hero because he fought for Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster to get credit for creating Superman. And he still fights for Bill Finger as a true co-creator of Batman.

And so...highlights from last night's event:

• Robinson telling the story of reading Dark Knight and seeing Robinson Park -- and not realizing it was named for him.
  
• Any story he told of the old artists and writers cramped in some old room (at DC, he sat next to Kirby, Siegel, Shuster, etc).
  
• Bill Finger's granddaughter showing up at the event
  
• Seeing the original art from many of the WWII Superman covers (including the one with the eagle perched on his arm).
  
• And the oh-so-impossible feeling that I was somehow a tiny part of this twisted, incestuous, obsessive, introverted and spectacular world we call comics.
  

Thanks to those who came. Will try to get the video soon.

Jerry Robinson, Rags & Bair

Tonight is the event I'm doing with Jerry Robinson and I have to say, my spidey-sense is going wild. I honestly haven't been this excited for an event since...I must've been fifteen. This man is a hero. And a pal in comics told me never to meet my heroes. That it always ruins it. But with this, I'm risking it. More back here tomorrow -- and I'm hoping that the video will be available.

Also, I always get asked about Rags and where he's been since Identity Crisis and Wonder Woman. Gossip no further. Rags and Bair are back. Back as a team. Back in comics. Back on Nightwing. They just sent me some early art and it's -- as always -- incredible. So so happy to see this going.

Event Details

Jerry Robinson & Brad Meltzer: Discussing the Past and Future of Comics

Where: The Jewish Museum Of Florida
301 Washington Avenue• Miami Beach • Florida 33139 (Google Map link)

When: Tuesday, October 16 at 7:30 PM

Meet Brad and Jerry Robinson Tomorrow Night

Last reminder (at least until tomorrow) -- and yes, of course, I'll sign anything you wanna bring.

Jerry Robinson & Brad Meltzer: Discussing the Past and Future of Comics

Where: The Jewish Museum Of Florida
301 Washington Avenue• Miami Beach • Florida 33139 (Google Map link)

When: Tuesday, October 16 at 7:30 PM

Also, let me plug one of my favorite interviewers -- and nicest guys around: Jim Hall, who does Cult Pop. You can even see me yapping away at www.cult-pop.com. Go. See. Fun.

Simone Bianchi Interview

The best part of this is that the ONLY artist DC didn't let me approach for JLA 0 was Simone Bianchi. At that point, I'd just seen his 7 Soldiers stuff and said, "He's the next big gun. We have to get him." And that day, I heard he left for Marvel. I still give Loeb crap for stealing him away.

One day...

Full interview with him here.

Jerry Robinson & Brad Meltzer: Discussing the Past and Future of Comics

Where: The Jewish Museum Of Florida (301 Washington Avenue• Miami Beach • Florida 33139)

When: Tuesday, October 16 at 7:30 PM

This is going to be a lot of fun and I look forward to seeing all those that can attend. For those of you who don't know about Jerry Robinson, see below.

Jerry Robinson was a pioneer in comic art and began his cartooning career in 1939 illustrating the Batman comic books for which he create "The Joker," comics' first supervillain, and named Batman's partner "Robin," even designing his costume. He curated the exhibit, Zap! Pow! Bam! The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books 1938-1950 which opens at the Museum on October 16.

Michael Moorcock On Watchmen

Yes, it's a blog link to a blog, but I love this one. And what I love is Moorcock admitting that he was a snob about comics -- how he saw them as lowbrow dreck.

Thanks to the Smoky Man for the link.

Hickman Is Back

The next generation of creators is arriving. Hickman is one of the few I'm most excited to watch. Nightly News was a clear favorite of mine, so I can't wait to see the new book. And very glad it's going in a totally new direction. He's brave. Brave!

HICKMAN'S PAX ROMANA DEBUTS IN NOVEMBER FROM IMAGE

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Press Release

Jonathan Hickman, the innovative creator behind the critically acclaimed NIGHTLY NEWS, brings his unique sensibility to science fiction this November in PAX ROMANA, a four-issue, full-color miniseries.

"PAX ROMANA is probably not the book people expected next from me," says writer/artist Jonathan Hickman. "In many ways, it’s a better end product than The NIGHTLY NEWS, and I think people will be pleasantly surprised at the evolution of both my storytelling and art. And sure, there is the obvious difference: THE NIGHTLY NEWS was, more or less, grounded in a reality and PAX ROMANA is historical science fiction, but you’re also going to find the same amount of research, hard work and passion – just in a better package. I’m extremely proud of it.”

While THE NIGHTLY NEWS was a gripping, media-centric thriller with an edgy political slant, Hickman is best known for utilizing an art style consisting of double page spreads which married traditional comic art with elements of graphic design. With PAX ROMANA, Jonathan will again be pushing the boundaries of storytelling while telling the tale of 5,000 men sent on an impossible mission to change the past and save the future.

Image Comics Executive Director Eric Stephenson says, "Like The Luna Brothers before him, Jonathan Hickman submitted THE NIGHTLY NEWS to Image through the mail, and his distinctive voice and unique approach to storytelling was a true revelation. As impressive as as that first series was, though, PAX ROMANA is even better; Jonathan's really raising the bar with his new work and his creative vision has only become bolder."
PAX ROMANA #1 (SEP071955), a 32-page full color four-issue mini-series with a cover price of $3.50, will be available for order in the September issue of Previews and will go on sale November 28th.

Presents!

Still weaning off vacation, but came back to two of the nicest gifts around:

First, Alex Ross kindly sent the original pencil sketch (from our conversation) that became the cover for JLA 12 (Thanks, Alex -- truly first class);

And second, Eddie Berganza and DC Comics sent a framed JLA certificate with my name on it (and thanks to editors Adam Schlagman and Jeanine Schaefer who clearly had a hand in it). As I told them, I know the League isn't real. But c'mon...you know it is.

Still wiping the tears from my eyes.

Now...onto the novel...

Goodbye JLA

That's it...13 issues...well over 300 pages...11 members...and yes, despite Grundy, Amazo, Professor Ivo, Felix Faust, Dr. Impossible, Parasite, Electrocutioner, Plastique, Cavalier, Starro and others, plus the return of the "true" Legion of Super-Heroes, and Wally West, there wasn't enough action, fistfights or villains.

And so, let me answer the most asked questions:

Any regrets?

I wish I would've had Cyborg join. (Wanted to do it, but once 11 and 12 were planned out, just didn't have the room to make it happen).

What was the story with the older versions of Degaton, Despero, and Ultra Humanite?

As you can tell, The Lightning Saga is a smaller story within a bigger story (and it was our story -- Geoff and mine -- not a story that DC pushed on us). Geoff and I talked about whether to leave the villains in or pull them out entirely. Admittedly, this got a bit crunched for space (which is what happens when you have two writers and four different artists working simultaneously to make sure it all comes out on time), but this has clearly not been forgotten and was never meant to be a silly tease. Look at who the third team was. Time travel is a game of dominos.

What about Vixen's powers/Geo-Force/Deathstroke/etc?

Let me say this about all the so-called open threads: for each one, I asked DC: Do you want me to close this? Or would you rather build on it, in which case, I'll keep it open? The ones that are open, they said they wanted open. So check out JSA, and Geoff's Legion story, and the Green Arrow/Black Canary wedding special and, of course, JLA. Is that a ploy to get your money? Only if it doesn't involve great story. So, yes, the last thing I want is to be party to some fake "event" tie-in that simply has red skies in the background. But I feel these stories are in incredible hands, from Reddy to Vixen to Black Lightning to the rest. Even more important, this comic isn't a miniseries that was just for me. It's the Justice League of America, and it's ongoing, and at its best, its consequences should spill over into every part of the DCU.

When are you coming back to comics?

Buffy is next. But right now (and actually for the past year), it's been new novel full-time.

Anything you would change?

Every single story I write, the moment it comes out, I find new flaws/mistakes/words that I can't believe I didn't catch the first fifty times we went over it. But as a whole, each writer should only ever write the story that they have to tell. And these were the stories I had to tell: not about the giant menace (and believe me, I love giant menace stories), but about what makes the hero within. Issue zero, The Tornado's Path, The Lightning Saga, Walls, and Monitor Duty all deal with that same issue head-on. I don't love these heroes for their super-powers. I love them for their greatness within (which is just another way to say their humanity). I love that every day, even though they can die, they keep fighting forward. I love that Red Tornado would risk everything to be closer to his wife. I love that the Legion and JLA and JSA will risk it all to save their universe. I love that Red Arrow doesn't give up even when he should. And I love that the League will exist long after we're all gone. That is what greatness means: to keep going...to never let anyone stop you from what you love doing...even when the most impossible odds stand in your way.

I believe there is greatness in all of us. And especially in the smallest of us. Every single story I write is about that. Every story -- from JLA, to my novels, to Jack & Bobby -- is about fighting the fight for what you love (whether it's your wife, your universe, your family, yourself, or your team). And the best fights are the ones where you're fighting for who you are. The odds never matter. What matters is who we are underneath. What matters is that we're true to what we love. And what matters is never ever ever changing to be anything but who you are. And that's what I -- again -- learned from the Justice League.

See you on monitor duty. And can't wait to see Dwayne's run. It's gonna be beautiful, and best of all, it's just beginning.

Leaving JLA

Today is my last issue of JLA. I miss it like you wouldn't believe. But I'm leaving the big post/goodbye for tomorrow, just so you have a chance to read it first.

Thanks so much for reading it. Really.

More tomorrow...

JLA & Eternal Sunshine

Last JLA is this week, so looking forward to and so saddened at the same time. Like last issue, this is also a sort of risky experiment (and yes, no fistfights, again), but one that also ties back to issue zero (not the future stuff, the opening sequence). One day of Monitor Duty to show what the League is really made of. It's got extra pages, Eric Wight doing his magic and Ed Benes doing his as well. Plus Alex Ross and the final Turner cover.

Also, this trailer is so fun. If it were anyone else, I'd say the movie might suck. But Eternal Sunshine is a personal favorite, so let's have some faith. The best stories are indeed the ones we tell each other.

Bill Mantlo

If you read comics in the 70s and 80s, odds are you read Bill Mantlo.

So if you're looking for a good way to spend your money, lay off that book that you buy but don't really care about, and buy this instead, which is going to help with Mantlo's medical bills.

Thanks to reader "rockingo" for pointing it out.

Also, the JLA preview for the final issue is on Newsarama.