MattBrady
03-13-2007, 08:28 AM
<a href="http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/JSA/Class/JSACL-Cv26.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/JSA/Class/JSACL-Cv26_t.jpg" border="0" align="right"></a>After years of working mainly at Marvel, writer Frank Tieri takes a walk on the DC side of comics beginning in May’s <b>JSA Classified #26</b>, the first part of a two-part story featuring Wildcat.
We caught up with the writer to learn more…
<b>Newsarama</b>: Before we start about the details of the story specially, this is your first work for DC, after years of writing for Marvel. Have you seen any kind of reaction from either fans or your fellow creators about it?
<b>Frank Tieri</b>: I have, from both actually, which I admit was sort of unexpected. We’re talking about everything from emails from fans who were worried this meant I was leaving Marvel for good to a fellow creator who saw me up at DC acting like he caught me with my pants down at the local strip joint. I mean, what’s funny is yeah, I know I’m considered a “Marvel guy” but I have written Vampirella and done some work for Top Cow over the years, ya know? But what I’m realizing is that none of that really matters in the scheme of Marvel and DC—this is kind of the comic book industry equivalent of Yankees/ Red Sox.
But just like I think that particular rivalry is good for baseball, I happen to think a healthy competition between “the big two” is good for comics. It just seems like one is always trying to top the other lately—whether by snatching the other guy’s creators or through these big company “events”—and I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. Because really, who really gives a flying ____ which company “wins”? As long as good comics come out of it, the fans win, and that’s all anyone should care about
So yeah, I’m writing for DC now. And I guess everyone has no choice but to get used to it because, let’s put it this way-- you’ll be seeing my name on more than just one DC comic book in the near future
<b>NRAMA</b>: What took so long for the move over? Was there anyone in particular that facilitated getting you in at the company?
<b>FT</b>: Well, really two people actually—Dan Didio and Mike Marts
Dan and I have been talking about me coming over and doing something with them pretty much right after he got there, but for whatever reason something always got in the way. But then my old buddy Mike Marts comes along from Marvel and that really got the ball rolling. A lot has to do with the fact that Mike knows me, knows what I can bring to the table, knows I’m not going to hump him on deadlines, and whatnot. Right off the bat he wanted me to get my foot in the door over there on something quick and that’s where this Wildcat story comes in…
<b>NRAMA</b>: As you've said on the various times we've talked, you kind of classify yourself as a specific type of writer, one who excels at a certain type of story, that is, the darker, more criminal element...was that a factor in you coming to DC, that is, were you offered a certain project (be it JSA, or another) that spoke to your mad skillz?
<b>FT</b>: Wow, look at you, paying attention during our interviews and everything, huh? I’m actually touched.
You really do care.
<b>NRAMA</b>: We try.
<b>FT</b>: Anyway, as you’ve already said, my mad skillz as you put it tend to apply to tough guy characters and villains. This project involves Wildcat, a tough guy character, so maybe the next one will…
Ah crap. Said too much already. Didio’s going to have me killed.
<b>NRAMA</b>: So - more specifically then - how did you end up with this Wildcat story in <b>JSA Classified</b>? Was it something you pitched, or did Marts say that he was looking for a Wildcat story, and asked you to pitch?
<b>FT</b>: Wildcat was one of those characters Dan and I had talked off and on about for a while so when Mike came over and was given <b>JSA Classified</b>, we instantly realized there was a good fit there. He asked me to pitch a two issue arc and so here we are with “The Fight Game”
Isn’t it lovely how things work out sometimes?
<b>NRAMA</b>: Why Wildcat for you? What's the appeal, and more importantly, how does he fit into what you've talked about as your strengths and favorite type of stories?
<b>FT</b>: Why Wildcat? Wildcat’s the baddest mother----er in comics, that’s why. There… I said it. Wolverine, Batman, Punisher… all pussies in comparison. And while some of those characters may be stronger or more skilled or could take Wildcat in a fight, certainly none are tougher—and this from a guy who’s written his fair share of tough guy characters. Ted Grant throws on that crazy-ass cat costume of his and goes out there to fight the good fight in the DCU with no powers or claws or guns or utility belts or whatever—but with his fists.
<a href="http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/JSA/Class/JSACL-Cv27-bw.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/JSA/Class/JSACL-Cv27-bw_t.jpg" border="0" align="left"></a>Think about that. That’s totally nuts. You have to have stones the size of casaba melons to even consider doing what he does. And consider this other little tidbit-- he’s been doing it since the days of ducktails and Ozzie and Harriet.
And you know what? That’s another reason why I like him—he’s old. I mean, actually old old—like not “Heaven’s to Mercatroid-- he’s in his 30’s!” old but “Oh my God, they actually let somebody in comics turn 50” old. This whole notion that comic companies sometimes have that their characters have to be young and “kewl” makes me want to puke in a pair of Depends spandex undergarments. It’s beyond stupid. Clint Eastwood, Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson… I guess those guys weren’t kicking mucho ass and taking multiple names, huh? Sometimes you like to see the old, grizzled vet come along and smack the crap out of some snot nosed punks—and Wildcat’s perfect for that.
<b>NRAMA</b>: This story involves an underground superhuman gambling ring - are we talking about Roulette again, or something new here?
<b>FT</b>: No, this thing is a bit different. That was more of a fight club thing, and this works quite a bit differently. This is really an idea that stems from what I know of the mob and how they operate—and how they would operate if superheroes and villains really existed. In the real world there are illegal gambling parlors that will take bets on just about anything they think they can make money off of—from the coin flip in the Superbowl to the Oscars. So, now, figure we’re in the DCU—there’s got to be a superhuman fight going on somewhere there like every ten minutes. You don’t think some scumbag wouldn’t find a way to make a buck off that?
So, for example…. let’s say a Green Lantern vs. Sinestro fight suddenly breaks out on the Brooklyn Bridge—the board goes up and you place your bets. So now who’s the favorite? Who’s the underdog? What’s the over/ under until someone gets KO’ed? Or what if the Joker escapes from Arkham for the umpteenth time—what’s the odds on him getting caught? Odds on him getting caught by Batman? Odds on him getting caught by someone else like Nightwing, Robin, etc? I think you get the idea
<b>NRAMA</b>: So tease the story a touch - what gets the ball rolling?
<b>FT</b>: Wildcat kicking the living hell out of Sportsmaster, actually.
For this arc, I needed a villain who’s sort of past their prime, someone who maybe used to be a threat back in the day but now gets more routine beatings than Batroc’s red headed step child. And Sportsmaster fit that bill nicely—especially with the whole sports angle, ya know? Wildcat’s basically trying to give Sportsmaster some “tough love” by putting him in retirement for his own good and it’s through this encounter that he uncovers the existence of one of these clubs -- and that’s really when the crap hits it.
And it hits it even more so with Wildcat then with any other hero.
<b>NRAMA</b>: Why? Is there a personal connection?
<b>FT</b>: Remember, Wildcat owes his very existence to gambling when he refused to play ball with mobsters during his fight days. It cost his pal Socker Smith his life, so this particularly strikes a nerve with him. He, maybe more than anybody else, would know how gambling can corrupt—and he desperately doesn’t want it to corrupt the world of superheroes. We actually delve a lot into Wildcat’s past - during his boxing days and even before - through flashbacks with this story—not to give too much away, but we’re going to find a connection to gambling in his past that readers probably never knew he had.
What’s more—and again, not wanting to give too much away here-- we’re going to find that these gambling clubs actually may have a connection to something much bigger occurring in the DCU proper.
And that’s all I can say about that.
<b>NRAMA</b>: As someone who's just coming into DC from Marvel - are there any differences that strike you in the larger sense, between the two universes? What, for you, is the most profound?
<b>FT</b>: You know, time was the differences between the two used to be fairly significant—DC was the place with the nice shiny heroes and Marvel was where all the heroes had problems and that was that. But I find things have changed somewhat in recent times—and like I said earlier, they’re both taking their fair share of chances. So while Marvel brings back Bucky, turns Iron Man into a prick and whacks Captain America, over at DC Wonder Woman’s snapping necks, the JLA is wiping out people’s memories and Jason Todd’s not wormfood anymore.
There’s a lot of crazy stuff happening at both places and I’m just happy I get to be a part of it
<b>NRAMA</b>: And finally, you’ve hinted at more DC work to come—anything you can share?
<b>FT</b>: Sorry, but I’m afraid I just can’t talk about it yet – and I’ll probably already have to be looking over my shoulder for Didio for what I’ve said here. All I guess I can say is it involves some major goings on in the DCU and it’s something that fans of mine can definitely see as being in my wheelhouse. And we’ll leave it at that.
<b>NRAMA</b>: Well, from a different angle then - what about DCU characters you'd like to get your hands on?
<b>FT</b>: As for who I’d like to get my hands on over there, Batman’s Rogue’s gallery is probably bar none the best in comics, so I’d love to get my grubby mitts on some of those guys. And then probably some of the usual suspects—Black Adam, Sinestro, Deathstroke, Lex Luthor, etc. You can pretty much figure it out from there…
We caught up with the writer to learn more…
<b>Newsarama</b>: Before we start about the details of the story specially, this is your first work for DC, after years of writing for Marvel. Have you seen any kind of reaction from either fans or your fellow creators about it?
<b>Frank Tieri</b>: I have, from both actually, which I admit was sort of unexpected. We’re talking about everything from emails from fans who were worried this meant I was leaving Marvel for good to a fellow creator who saw me up at DC acting like he caught me with my pants down at the local strip joint. I mean, what’s funny is yeah, I know I’m considered a “Marvel guy” but I have written Vampirella and done some work for Top Cow over the years, ya know? But what I’m realizing is that none of that really matters in the scheme of Marvel and DC—this is kind of the comic book industry equivalent of Yankees/ Red Sox.
But just like I think that particular rivalry is good for baseball, I happen to think a healthy competition between “the big two” is good for comics. It just seems like one is always trying to top the other lately—whether by snatching the other guy’s creators or through these big company “events”—and I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. Because really, who really gives a flying ____ which company “wins”? As long as good comics come out of it, the fans win, and that’s all anyone should care about
So yeah, I’m writing for DC now. And I guess everyone has no choice but to get used to it because, let’s put it this way-- you’ll be seeing my name on more than just one DC comic book in the near future
<b>NRAMA</b>: What took so long for the move over? Was there anyone in particular that facilitated getting you in at the company?
<b>FT</b>: Well, really two people actually—Dan Didio and Mike Marts
Dan and I have been talking about me coming over and doing something with them pretty much right after he got there, but for whatever reason something always got in the way. But then my old buddy Mike Marts comes along from Marvel and that really got the ball rolling. A lot has to do with the fact that Mike knows me, knows what I can bring to the table, knows I’m not going to hump him on deadlines, and whatnot. Right off the bat he wanted me to get my foot in the door over there on something quick and that’s where this Wildcat story comes in…
<b>NRAMA</b>: As you've said on the various times we've talked, you kind of classify yourself as a specific type of writer, one who excels at a certain type of story, that is, the darker, more criminal element...was that a factor in you coming to DC, that is, were you offered a certain project (be it JSA, or another) that spoke to your mad skillz?
<b>FT</b>: Wow, look at you, paying attention during our interviews and everything, huh? I’m actually touched.
You really do care.
<b>NRAMA</b>: We try.
<b>FT</b>: Anyway, as you’ve already said, my mad skillz as you put it tend to apply to tough guy characters and villains. This project involves Wildcat, a tough guy character, so maybe the next one will…
Ah crap. Said too much already. Didio’s going to have me killed.
<b>NRAMA</b>: So - more specifically then - how did you end up with this Wildcat story in <b>JSA Classified</b>? Was it something you pitched, or did Marts say that he was looking for a Wildcat story, and asked you to pitch?
<b>FT</b>: Wildcat was one of those characters Dan and I had talked off and on about for a while so when Mike came over and was given <b>JSA Classified</b>, we instantly realized there was a good fit there. He asked me to pitch a two issue arc and so here we are with “The Fight Game”
Isn’t it lovely how things work out sometimes?
<b>NRAMA</b>: Why Wildcat for you? What's the appeal, and more importantly, how does he fit into what you've talked about as your strengths and favorite type of stories?
<b>FT</b>: Why Wildcat? Wildcat’s the baddest mother----er in comics, that’s why. There… I said it. Wolverine, Batman, Punisher… all pussies in comparison. And while some of those characters may be stronger or more skilled or could take Wildcat in a fight, certainly none are tougher—and this from a guy who’s written his fair share of tough guy characters. Ted Grant throws on that crazy-ass cat costume of his and goes out there to fight the good fight in the DCU with no powers or claws or guns or utility belts or whatever—but with his fists.
<a href="http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/JSA/Class/JSACL-Cv27-bw.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/JSA/Class/JSACL-Cv27-bw_t.jpg" border="0" align="left"></a>Think about that. That’s totally nuts. You have to have stones the size of casaba melons to even consider doing what he does. And consider this other little tidbit-- he’s been doing it since the days of ducktails and Ozzie and Harriet.
And you know what? That’s another reason why I like him—he’s old. I mean, actually old old—like not “Heaven’s to Mercatroid-- he’s in his 30’s!” old but “Oh my God, they actually let somebody in comics turn 50” old. This whole notion that comic companies sometimes have that their characters have to be young and “kewl” makes me want to puke in a pair of Depends spandex undergarments. It’s beyond stupid. Clint Eastwood, Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson… I guess those guys weren’t kicking mucho ass and taking multiple names, huh? Sometimes you like to see the old, grizzled vet come along and smack the crap out of some snot nosed punks—and Wildcat’s perfect for that.
<b>NRAMA</b>: This story involves an underground superhuman gambling ring - are we talking about Roulette again, or something new here?
<b>FT</b>: No, this thing is a bit different. That was more of a fight club thing, and this works quite a bit differently. This is really an idea that stems from what I know of the mob and how they operate—and how they would operate if superheroes and villains really existed. In the real world there are illegal gambling parlors that will take bets on just about anything they think they can make money off of—from the coin flip in the Superbowl to the Oscars. So, now, figure we’re in the DCU—there’s got to be a superhuman fight going on somewhere there like every ten minutes. You don’t think some scumbag wouldn’t find a way to make a buck off that?
So, for example…. let’s say a Green Lantern vs. Sinestro fight suddenly breaks out on the Brooklyn Bridge—the board goes up and you place your bets. So now who’s the favorite? Who’s the underdog? What’s the over/ under until someone gets KO’ed? Or what if the Joker escapes from Arkham for the umpteenth time—what’s the odds on him getting caught? Odds on him getting caught by Batman? Odds on him getting caught by someone else like Nightwing, Robin, etc? I think you get the idea
<b>NRAMA</b>: So tease the story a touch - what gets the ball rolling?
<b>FT</b>: Wildcat kicking the living hell out of Sportsmaster, actually.
For this arc, I needed a villain who’s sort of past their prime, someone who maybe used to be a threat back in the day but now gets more routine beatings than Batroc’s red headed step child. And Sportsmaster fit that bill nicely—especially with the whole sports angle, ya know? Wildcat’s basically trying to give Sportsmaster some “tough love” by putting him in retirement for his own good and it’s through this encounter that he uncovers the existence of one of these clubs -- and that’s really when the crap hits it.
And it hits it even more so with Wildcat then with any other hero.
<b>NRAMA</b>: Why? Is there a personal connection?
<b>FT</b>: Remember, Wildcat owes his very existence to gambling when he refused to play ball with mobsters during his fight days. It cost his pal Socker Smith his life, so this particularly strikes a nerve with him. He, maybe more than anybody else, would know how gambling can corrupt—and he desperately doesn’t want it to corrupt the world of superheroes. We actually delve a lot into Wildcat’s past - during his boxing days and even before - through flashbacks with this story—not to give too much away, but we’re going to find a connection to gambling in his past that readers probably never knew he had.
What’s more—and again, not wanting to give too much away here-- we’re going to find that these gambling clubs actually may have a connection to something much bigger occurring in the DCU proper.
And that’s all I can say about that.
<b>NRAMA</b>: As someone who's just coming into DC from Marvel - are there any differences that strike you in the larger sense, between the two universes? What, for you, is the most profound?
<b>FT</b>: You know, time was the differences between the two used to be fairly significant—DC was the place with the nice shiny heroes and Marvel was where all the heroes had problems and that was that. But I find things have changed somewhat in recent times—and like I said earlier, they’re both taking their fair share of chances. So while Marvel brings back Bucky, turns Iron Man into a prick and whacks Captain America, over at DC Wonder Woman’s snapping necks, the JLA is wiping out people’s memories and Jason Todd’s not wormfood anymore.
There’s a lot of crazy stuff happening at both places and I’m just happy I get to be a part of it
<b>NRAMA</b>: And finally, you’ve hinted at more DC work to come—anything you can share?
<b>FT</b>: Sorry, but I’m afraid I just can’t talk about it yet – and I’ll probably already have to be looking over my shoulder for Didio for what I’ve said here. All I guess I can say is it involves some major goings on in the DCU and it’s something that fans of mine can definitely see as being in my wheelhouse. And we’ll leave it at that.
<b>NRAMA</b>: Well, from a different angle then - what about DCU characters you'd like to get your hands on?
<b>FT</b>: As for who I’d like to get my hands on over there, Batman’s Rogue’s gallery is probably bar none the best in comics, so I’d love to get my grubby mitts on some of those guys. And then probably some of the usual suspects—Black Adam, Sinestro, Deathstroke, Lex Luthor, etc. You can pretty much figure it out from there…