Questions for Matt sturges and Bill willingham

[MattSturges]

Wow, so far that's the best thing that I have heard all this week in my life. Thanks for the present Matt, I'd like to add in, I read your CBR interview with Freddie Williams and I really hope that Freddy Freeman can make the team in the near future. I'll buy 2 issues if he makes the team! PS. What would you like as a Hanukkah gift from me to you?

Nightwing826

We'll see about Freddy. As for Hanukkah, I've always been fond of solid gold dreidels.

[MattSturges]

Actually I've been sending this to a lot of creators, knowing most of them probably won't answer, so I'm just copying and pasting this from the email I sent out to some of them. If you know me on ComicBloc (as michealdark), you can also contact me there. Anyways, I have a persuasive speech coming up for my public speaking class, and I'm considering doing it on my views on comics and why I think the art form should be concerned with moving forward rather than sitting where its at now. I thought it would be a good idea, both for comparing opinions and for getting testimonial evidence for the speech, to ask some of my fellow comics creators a question or three about their views on the subject. 1. Do you think that the comics industry is currently in a state of stagnation and if so, where would you like to see it go? 2. There's been a lot done in the past 30 or 40 years to legitimize comics as an art form. But I feel like part of that has died in the last decade or so. What can be done to further improve the image of comics? 3. Do you see the future of comics as staying in the print medium, or becoming a digital one?

michealdark

These are all interesting questions; I just don't have time to give them the answers that they deserve :-(

Here are some uselessly short answers:

1) No. Comics are better than they've ever been. There's an embarrassment of riches on the stands. It's just that the market is changing, and not in a way that favors comics retailers, sadly.

2) I don't think there's much we can do other than keep putting out great comics. And, apparently, having them made into very successful movies.

3) I think only time will tell on this one. Nobody saw the Internet coming twenty years ago. Who knows what things will be like in twenty more?

[MattSturges]

can i charge pro's money when they give me thier autogragh's ? and if so, who should i hit up first ?

zekeman1

You can certainly try. I'd be willing to pay up to $5 per autograph.

[MattSturges]

Matt, In the Blue Beetle story you revealed who the BLue Beetle is...is this actually his identity or are there more twists coming?

tcjohnson

I'm guessing you mean Black Beetle? That guy's full of crap. I wouldn't believe a word he says...OR WOULD I????

[MattSturges]

Two questions: 1. can this thread please be stickied? 2. will we see any more of Mr Terrible at any time soon?

leonmallett

I can't answer #1, but #2 caught me by surprise. Mr. Terrible! Gail created him as a one-panel gag for Villains United, and I threw him in as a one-panel gag in Salvation Run. Hopefully if one of us ever does another big villain event, he'll play a major role!

[MattSturges]

Matt, if the orginal Brainwave fell off a building, would his litle gown/robe/dress outfit puff up like a balloon and float him gracefully back to earth? Also would you look Alan Scott's magic side more? That's the one thing that sets him off from the other GL's. Also, when did you suspect the kid was never actually in the runaway balloon?

Terry Sloane

These are all very important questions.

1. No, but he would force everyone to grab a blanket and catch him in it.

2. You'll have to direct this question to Willingham; he's in charge of Alan Scott. For what it's worth, I always thought he was a ridiculously cool character who should have his own series.

3. Dude, that whole thing was my idea.

[Scott Mateo]

Does JSA ALL-STARS take place before or after Blackest Night?

[leonmallett]

I can't answer #1, but #2 caught me by surprise. Mr. Terrible! Gail created him as a one-panel gag for Villains United, and I threw him in as a one-panel gag in Salvation Run. Hopefully if one of us ever does another big villain event, he'll play a major role!

MattSturges

For me at least, he has one of the coolest names for a villain in recent years. I'd love something to happen with the concept.

New questions:

1. Any idea of how far out (issues? time-wise?) do you foresee the team remaining stable in membership?

2. What has happened to Amazing Man? Will you or Bill Willingham be following up on him?

3. Any plans to touch on the Infinity Inc (vol. 1) legacies not currently in either book (eg Northwind, Brainwave Jr)?

4. Going forwards do you see the two titles following the 'legacies' and 'better heroes' themes, or are they labels which are too contrsictive in some ways?

5. Has anyone asked who your favourite JSA-er (either team) is?

6. Any chance of a time travel tale involving the All-Stars and the All-Star Squadron?

7. I am sure I read a rumour of the Shield (or maybe another Red Circle character) popping up in JSA. Now this may have ultimately related to the guest star that Shield has seen in his own title of course, but I was wondering if there are any Red Circle plans within the JSA books?

[MattSturges]

Does JSA ALL-STARS take place before or after Blackest Night?

Scott Mateo

The first few issues do, yes. It's VERY clear where it catches up with continuity. Long story, but it's One of Those Things that happens in comics from time to time.

[Scott Mateo]

The first few issues do, yes. It's VERY clear where it catches up with continuity. Long story, but it's One of Those Things that happens in comics from time to time.

MattSturges

Ok, I was wondering because we see Damage in #1 and 2, but he "died" in BLACKEST NIGHT #4.

BTW, I love the pic of you as Starman!

[MattSturges]

For me at least, he has one of the coolest names for a villain in recent years. I'd love something to happen with the concept. New questions: 1. Any idea of how far out (issues? time-wise?) do you foresee the team remaining stable in membership? 2. What has happened to Amazing Man? Will you or Bill Willingham be following up on him? 3. Any plans to touch on the Infinity Inc (vol. 1) legacies not currently in either book (eg Northwind, Brainwave Jr)? 4. Going forwards do you see the two titles following the 'legacies' and 'better heroes' themes, or are they labels which are too contrsictive in some ways? 5. Has anyone asked who your favourite JSA-er (either team) is? 6. Any chance of a time travel tale involving the All-Stars and the All-Star Squadron? 7. I am sure I read a rumour of the Shield (or maybe another Red Circle character) popping up in JSA. Now this may have ultimately related to the guest star that Shield has seen in his own title of course, but I was wondering if there are any Red Circle plans within the JSA books?

leonmallett

1. We'll be adding and subtracting members here and there due to necessity, but the overall structure of the team should remain stable over time.

2. He's still out there. I have an idea for an Amazing Man story that I plan to pitch when I have time.

3. Keep reading!

4. Those ideas are an integral part of what the JSA has become. The "better heroes" thing is one of the key components of what All-Stars is all about. BTW, All-Stars is not intended to be a DC version of X-Force. Hopefully people will read a few issues before they make up their minds about that.

5. Yes, but I'll say it again: Power Girl has always been my favorite.

6. No plans for that. I don't like time travel stories unless they're done very, very well, and I don't have a very, very good time travel story in me right now.

7. Not at present, though since I'm writing both the Web and All-Stars, I suppose there's certainly a possibility of such a thing.

[MattSturges]

Ok, I was wondering because we see Damage in #1 and 2, but he "died" in BLACKEST NIGHT #4. BTW, I love the pic of you as Starman!

Scott Mateo

Yeah, that was at West Texas Comic-con over the weekend. That cosmic rod was the coolest thing ever, and I really wanted to take it home with me.

[.:Sr Martinz:.]

Matt, nice to meet you!

1- Is Mr Terrific really dead?

2- Is Sasha coming back?

3- What about Stell (john) and steel Ii (Natasha ) on the team?


Thanks a lot

[PyroTwilight]

About King Chimera...

Will we be learning more about King Chimera soon? We know a few things but he still has a lot of mystery on him.

Did any of the characters creation get inspired by Chimera from Team Titans/Bloodlines? (She also had the power to create solid illusions)

Will we find out what the possessed All-American Kid stole from King's locker?

[michealdark]

Is Atlee solely Jimmy and Justin's thing, or could we expect to see her make a cameo in All Stars at some point?

[michealdark]

The first few issues do, yes. It's VERY clear where it catches up with continuity. Long story, but it's One of Those Things that happens in comics from time to time.

MattSturges

Aw, hope there's a mass resurrection then because I'd love to read more Damage stories!