THE DOCTOR'S SAMM: TALKING TO SAMM BARNES

[MattBrady]

The first offspring of Supreme Power hits this month, as Doctor Spectrum gets his own six-issue miniseries, courtesy of Samm (Sara) Barnes and Travel Foreman, with covers by Dale Keown.

Spectrum is, by his other name, Corporal Joe Ledger, a career military man who lived and thrived on the darker assignments he was tossed – go in, go to ground, and we’ll come and get you when you’re done with the mission – style assignments. The kind where if he was caught, no one named Joe Ledger was ever ever in the employ of any branch of the US military.

So, it made sense than when a crystal which emanated enormous power was recovered from the spacecraft which brought young Mark Milton (aka Hyperion) to earth, Joe was the man to call to test it out, and see if it could be harnessed as a weapon.

The experiment worked – Ledger was able to coax the crystal into firing power blasts, which pleased his superiors to no end. What didn’t please them was when Ledger fell into a coma for two years after the crystal grafted itself onto the back of his right hand. Ledger awoke two years later and, after some struggle, managed to pull the crystal under his control (he thinks). Since then, he’s been an operative for the US government, still doing their dirty work, however, this time, said dirty work is done on a super-human scale.

While to date, Supreme Power has largely been about Hyperion and his development, Doctor Spectrum, the code name Ledger was given, was the first for development on his own. Series writer Joe Straczynski was obviously too busy to handle another project on top of his other comic and television work, so editor Axel Alonso tapped a producer who’d worked with Straczynski and was very familiar with his work to handle the character – Samm Barnes, also known as Sara.

We caught up with her for a talk about where she came from to arrive in comics, and what she has up her sleeve for Doctor Spectrum.

Newsarama: Let’s start with a little bit about you. What’s your background, creatively, and how did you come to landing your own miniseries?

Samm Barnes: Who am I and where the H-E-double hockey sticks did I get the name Samm?

NRAMA: That’s it.

SB: In a nutshell: I’m a British born Canadian. I grew up in very a tight knit family in Ontario. In my twenties I moved to the West Coast, and I currently live in Vancouver, Canada…I love hockey, coffee, good books, brussel sprouts and long lazy afternoons window shopping… oh, and I’m not particularly fond of long cold winters.

As for the name thing, let’s just say I’ll pretty much answer to anything, Sam, Sammy Samm, Sara even Sarah, but, that is definitely my least favorite. And yes there is a difference.

NRAMA: But why the male nickname when you’re obviously not? There’s got to be a story there…

SB: When I was 13, I decided that I wanted to join the Army. I really don’t remember exactly why. At 13 it probably had more to do with meeting boys than anything else. To make a very long story short, the day before I decided to go to the armories and enroll I had a horrible thought. A fear really, probably as a result of a comment from a friend. She asked if they would let me in mainly because I was a girl? I hadn’t thought of that. My Dad had always said that I could do anything I put my mind to, so the next day I cut off my hair, borrowed my brothers shirt and my fathers school tie snuck, out of the house and I got on the bus. The plan was to pretend to be a boy, train hard, make lots of friends, be the best cadet they’d ever had, and then when they eventually discovered I was really a girl they simply just wouldn’t care anymore. Please, I beg you to remember I was only 13.

On the bus I ran into Brian. He was already in uniform, and we were going to the same place. I introduced myself as Charlie, but Brian didn’t fall for it. He recognized me from school - I hadn’t thought about that either. At that moment I ‘fessed up and I decided to confide in him my mission. At thirteen there is so much drama, everything is a moral imperative. He offered to help. The first piece of advice he gave me was I didn’t look like a Charlie. Exactly what a Charlie looks like I still don’t know…I mean really what does a Samm look like? Anyway, we spent the rest of the trip trying to come up with names. It was only when he introduced me for the first time that I heard my new name was going to be Sam. Years later, still in the military, after consistently being assigned inadvertently into male platoons or assigned to the male sleeping quarters -- before they saw me, of course -- I added the second M. I don’t know what I thought that would do, just assuming that somehow, magically everyone would realize that I was a girl…I don’t know. Anyway the name stuck.

NRAMA: Wait – you did get into the military at 13?

SB: Oh no - after all my plotting and planning, I didn’t fool anyone. But I enlisted anyway. I learned so many valuable life lessons during that time. Discipline, respect, friendship, death, team work, how important femininity is and how to keep hold of it even in a man’s world. I could go on for hours about this time in my life …the character developing years I call them. But I won’t, I’ll spare you….you’re welcome.

NRAMA: Thanks for that. Something that’s had me wondering - in the solicits, and in presentations, you’re referred to as JMS’s “protégé.” What, in your view does that mean? It seems an awkward phrase, especially if you’re trying establish yourself on your own merits…

SB: Thanks for giving me the opportunity to comment on the protégé thing. I appreciate the chance to squash this like the bug it is. I’ve worked in TV and film here in Vancouver for almost ten years, seven of them before even meeting JMS. And I was working on Jeremiah -- shot in Vancouver for Showtime -- as a writer/co-producer. The solicitation using That Word was put out without my knowledge, and when I discovered it I was appalled. I’d try to describe Joe’s reaction, but I don’t know how to read a Richter scale.

In fairness, Marvel immediately pulled it. Someone probably thought it was a good idea, and I understand their marketing rationale: JMS is a known and popular quantity and I am an absolute unknown in the comics arena. Unfortunately the first word that came to mind to build this between me and the comics world was the label protégé, which could not be farther from the truth. I hope this book proves it has strong enough legs to stand on it own two feet and I hope you never see that word and my name used again in the same sentence. ‘Nuff said.

NRAMA: Did you know, or when did you learn that JMS had one hand in the comic book pot as well as his other work?

SB: It was during prep for Jeremiah that I discovered that Joe was also the writer for the Spider-Man comic books. Very cool. I mean, how many comic book writers does one meet in a Vancouver? The answer here is...well, none, actually. Immediately, as you could imagine, I had a zillion questions for him. I have to confess that for the first while I really took the micky out of Joe by referring to his comic books as cartoons.

NRAMA: And his response to that?

SB: Oh, he hated that. It was all in fun of course, but really I was curious about this medium. I started to pay attention to the scripts, looking forward to reading them as Joe finished them up. Between writing my own scripts for Jeremiah, I watched out for the pencils as they arrived via fax from New York, curious to see how the words were translated to images, and how sometimes they differed from what I had in my minds eye, by that I mean how much more imaginative they were. A cast of thousands, and none of the restrictions I found in budget conscious TV. So my introduction to comics was quite gradual.

NRAMA: When did the idea of you writing comics begin?

SB: Every day we would have lunch together at the office and get caught up on the morning’s events. Often the conversation would turn to the comics. It was during one of these lunches that Dr. Strange came up in passing. Joe mentioned that he’d written a down-and-dirty outline for a Strange feature which for studio reasons wasn’t going to go ahead - they wanted a better-known writer.

I didn’t know much about Strange, so I went to a comic store and picked up a couple of the original books. After reading them, I have to confess that I was not over the moon about them. I thought Strange was too Kreskin-esque...you know the guy that bent spoons with his mind and had grey at his temples and that creepy voice. The thing is, he was a great character, but I couldn’t really connect with him on an emotional level. Even after I finally came across his back-story -- an eight page supplement briefly sketching out how he came by these extraordinary powers -- I guess I still didn’t feel anything for him.

Personally, I like to know what makes a person tick. When I was a kid my Dad brought a book home -- I think it was put out by then Time/Life -- 100 Things You Find Around the House and How to Fix Them and I loved it. Yes, I was one of those kids that loved to take things apart. In the weeks thereafter, my friend Tom and I started an unofficial company so that if someone had a toaster or a radio go on the fritz we would gladly pick it up and, with the help of the book completely take it apart. Sometimes we even put them back together again in ways that mostly resembled its original condition. I once even tried to plug one in after a tune-up and literally blew myself across the room. But that’s another story. The point being, I really like finding the core of the character, going inside to find what makes him tick, taking him apart and then putting him back together again.

NRAMA: So you wanted, for the lack of a better phrase, to take Dr. Strange apart and put him back together again?

SB: Right. Once I got to know Strange a little better, then Joe and I really had some fun. We started to expand the story he’d originally developed into something more substantial. The story originally began with Strange graduating medical school, which is the obvious place to start, but I thought, shouldn’t we go earlier to see who this person is? If he goes to Tibet later, why not send him there while he’s still a graduate student, let him meet some of the people there, and give him a stronger reason for going back later...especially if he made a promise to return as a doctor and failed that promise, lured by money in New York.

Since Jeremiah had wrapped for another year and we had huge gaps of time between post sessions without much else to do, we continued to expand it to the point where it became a book. And that in a nut shell is how Strange came into being.

So to answer the question which came first…it was definitely Strange.

NRAMA: And Doctor Spectrum?

SB: Now that Joe is back in L.A. we stayed in touch by email. I write a section and send it to Joe -- usually the first or second half, depending on where we left off the previous issue -- and he writes the other half and sends it back my way. It was like our lunch time sessions just over the internet instead of a huge oak table. And less soy sauce to clean up afterward. Have you ever seen the man eat? And people ask me how I learned to write horror.

Sorry, I digress...back to Spectrum.

NRAMA: Sure – well, bluntly, why say yes? Working where you work, with whom you work with, you probably had other projects with which to take up your time. Why devote the energies to Doctor Spectrum?

SB: One day after turning in the first Strange issue, Axel, the Executive Editor at Marvel called me. Based on what he’d seen, he had thought of me for a new project and asked if I was interested. The book that was being offered was Doctor Spectrum, based on the Supreme Power character of the same name. I have to confess I did not say yes right away, I needed to see if I could find a really good story to tell.

NRAMA: So tell me about Joe Ledger. Who did he show himself to be when you started…well, taking him apart?

SB: I knew of the character because during season two, Joe had begun work on Supreme Power. Again I’d had the chance to read the scripts before they went out. I loved the core book though I remember not liking Joe Ledger’s character very much at all. He was just a asshole with too much ego. I went away to Vancouver Island and re-read the books. Well, after taking some time to get to know Ledger I realized he really was just like me, a reflection of all the people we’d met and the choices we’d made. And having been in the military, I knew what it was like to live in that world. I guess because I learned something from the experience, I didn’t necessarily like him anymore than I did, but, I understood him now. When I thought about it like that, I found an interesting story to tell. I came up with a story line and described it to JMS, who was surprised to hear about it. I’d naturally assumed he had mentioned it to someone, since he’s the custodian of all things Supreme, but it had come directly from Axel based on what he’d seen of my work, and that was a real compliment. JMS agreed that the story worked in his universe, so I pitched it to Axel and Joe Quesada. Wouldn’t you know, they liked it, and now I’m halfway through writing issue three.

NRAMA: So let’s get into the guy a little. First off, what exactly does the crystal do for Joe?

SB: That’s what he’s still figuring out, because it certainly has its own agenda. In terms of the story, JMS had left a wonderful window of opportunity: the period of time between the crystal attaching itself to Joe’s hand, and his awakening from the coma two years later. It had not been explored just hinted at. I collected all of the facts found in JMS’s book then wove a story around them to make a picture.

The mini-series is in six parts, covering three threads. The first is Joe Ledger in the present, unconscious and in hospital, the center of controversy as to what to do with Joe and the crystal. A second thread is the dreamscape, where Joe comes face to face with the crystal even as it is sizing Joe Leger up. The third thread is set in the past, consisting of the memories that the crystal taps into, key moments in Joe’s life that shaped him.

NRAMA: Speaking of his relationship with the crystal - it causes him pain to use it, right?

SB: Don’t be silly...it’s a crystal, not a wedding ring!

NRAMA: Ba-dum-bump! She’ll be all week folks, don’t forget to tip your waitress!

SB: All kidding aside, while the crystal doesn’t cause him physical pain, it does put Joe in the middle of a battle, the battle for his life and control of his own mind.

There are elements of this tug of tug of war that I hope can later be used as a bridge between Mark and Zarda. But that is down the road and in JMS’s hands.

Before the experiment with the crystal, Joe was and still is an operative for the government, he doesn’t play well with others, and he prefers to be alone. He is his job. And he is very good at it. He is sent into covert situations and gets the job done that bureaucracy, red tape and the sensibility of the American voter would never allow.

While the crystal is sentient, and has its own agenda, I think that this story has to be as much about Joe ledger as it is about the crystal. Because as always, for me, it comes down to the character. Because really, what else is there?

NRAMA: Flipping that last one into something personal – what else is there for you? Is this - and Strange the extent of your comic work, or do you have more in the hopper?

SB: I do have some things I’m currently working on; a wonderful story set in Indonesia during World War II, a pilot for a T.V. drama and a novel that I just started last week.

As for more comic work, sure I’d love to, I mean I am really enjoying the process. I learn something new and get stronger with every issue. So, the answer is—I hope so.

[algertman]

HEY! It's a lady.

[Bigglesworth]

I don't have my Supreme Power issues handy, but didn't JMS name one of the supporting characters Barnes? ... I kinda recall coming across that name while reading

[CapPixel]

Originally posted by algertman
HEY! It's a lady.

...

[tridon]

JMS is just surrounded by the talented ladies, isn't he? This book is looking great and it's really going to be nice to read a comic by a Canadian that's not Todd McFarlane.

[SeamusMcClernan]

Can someone PLEASE help me???

Is Doc Spectrum a Corporal or a Collonel???

In fact, if you go back a couple of issues (to his battle with Hyperion) he's referred to as being one on the first page and the other on the last page.
Man, this dude get promoted and demoted ALOT!

[foolwriter]

cool... as a half-and-half fan of Jeremiah (I loved JMS's episodes, and Sara's were nearly as good, despite relative disparities in experience)... I'm really looking forward to this series. Currently loving Supereme Power (even got me to pick up the Squadron Supreme tp) and thinking it'll be interesting to take a sidetrip on one of the characters...

[GeorgeG]

Samm's ....a girl????

[algertman]

Originally posted by CapPixel
...

RICK JAMES JUST DIED!

[kingofcities]

This book can't get here fast enough. It sounds like Barnes has a real grasp on what this character is all about. I especially like the way she broke down the series into the three parts. I think the most interesting part of SP for me has been the mystery of what the hell is happening to Doc Spectrum when the crystal takes over and he runs on auto-pilot. Can't wait to see that explored in the mini.

When can we see some art samples?

[xdemon]

Originally posted by GeorgeG
Samm's ....a girl????

And she kind of looks like Rogue!


She has such a fun, wonderful personality. This has really ramped up my interest in the book.

[samnoir]

It's funny that everyone is reacting to the fact that Samm is female.

There are females writers working in comics such as Devin Grayson, Gail Simone, Louise Simonson and Fiona Avery.

My first thought was... She's CANADIAN! While there are quite a bit of Canadian artists and cartoonists (writer/artists) working in mainstream comics, I can't really think of very many Canadian writers who have worked for Marvel or DC.

________________________________________

SON OF ORIGINS Vintage Marvel 70's Trade for sale on eBay.

THE AVENGERGS GRAPHIC NOVELS by GRANT MORRISON for sale on eBay. STEED and MRS PEEL! RARE OUT OF PRINT!

[GeorgeG]

I think we're all having a little fun here. Don't take things so seriously.

[Studio D Comics]

SB: It was during prep for Jeremiah that I discovered that Joe was also the writer for the Spider-Man comic books. Very cool. I mean, how many comic book writers does one meet in a Vancouver? The answer here is...well, none, actually.

That's weird, cause Vancouver seems to have SO MANY comic book artists, you'd think there'd be more than a few writers there too...



later
don

[Moonbeam]

Well I always knew she was a chick. Hmmm ... esp? Or was it mentioned somewhere? Or was it just that PROTEGE word that made me assume it was one of JMS' lady friends?

OK so ... I'm usually so enthusiastic after reading these interviews ... but this one didn't get me that excited about the series. Can't put my finger on it. I think it's a lack of interest in the character more than the creator. I will probably still pick it up, because Supreme Power is one of my favorite comics now, so I'll give this writer a chance (in a case of "riding Joe's shirttails," unfortunately).

Good luck Samm -- I look forward to reading your stuff!

(And um ... I hope you've figured out that they're NOT "cartoons." )

[Victoronehalf]

Originally posted by Moonbeam

(And um ... I hope you've figured out that they're NOT "cartoons." )

Yeah! Superhero books should be taken seriously!

Nice interview. Ms. Barnes seems to have a shovelfulls of personality.

[Dave Accampo]

I know a lot of people don't like it when new writers seem to not know every detail about comics and their history, but I ain't one of them.

As an adult, I'd MUCH rather read comics by people who have studied fiction and written professionally. They don't need to be huge fans of the characters, and sometimes it makes for better stories. They're sometimes able to look at the characters honestly and with a fresh perspective. Barnes' concept of "taking a character apart and putting him/her back together" is a good approach, and it shows me she really knows what she's doing when it comes to the craft of fiction.

I'll look forward to seeing the final product.

[OM]

....As of this moment, no more attractive female writers are allowed in comics. Now I have to decide whether to drool over Coleen Doran or Samm Barnes, and I'm too monogamistic to bounce back between the two for very long :-( :-( :-(

[Hdefined]

Recipe for killing the hype and interest in a currently-hyped series: release multiple spin-off miniseries. Look what happened to Ghost Rider in the 90's.

[Patrick Sauriol]

Originally posted by Studio D Comics
That's weird, cause Vancouver seems to have SO MANY comic book artists, you'd think there'd be more than a few writers there too...

There are some of us around here. We just live under the rocks and scuttle back into the shadows when the sun decides to occasionally come out.

It's the way of things Canadian, dontcha know.

[dollman]

Originally posted by samnoir
It's funny that everyone is reacting to the fact that Samm is female.

There are females writers working in comics such as Devin Grayson, Gail Simone, Louise Simonson and Fiona Avery.

My first thought was... She's CANADIAN! While there are quite a bit of Canadian artists and cartoonists (writer/artists) working in mainstream comics, I can't really think of very many Canadian writers who have worked for Marvel or DC.

________________________________________

[

Well Byrne and MacFarlene did write their scripts, but they're not writers in the strictest sense. There are a couple of Canadian "writers-only", but can't quite think of their names right now.

[Moonbeam]

howdoyado?

Heh heh ...

[neondisease]

The fact that Newsarama put up her photo with the interview, when that is *never* done with other interview subjects, has just killed what little credibility Newsarama may have had left.

This fact, and the reaction already being displayed in the forums, shows that the fanboys still seem to wonder why there are so many well-deserved 'stereotypes' attributed to themselves.

[bebopeva88]

You mean stereotypes like the wannabe elitist who tries to be cool by slamming fanboys on a fanboy site? You need to get a sense of humor when it comes to what some people post...oh and BTW, I wouldn't be surprised if Samm requested a photo so people will actually KNOW she's a woman. Wouldn't you get tired of the misconception over fans thinking you were a guy when you're not? Besides, I wouldn't mind it if Newsarama actually included more photos of creators in comics-it's nice to actually see who produces these things we read constantly. Newsarama hasn't shown much preview stuuf related to the Dr. Spectrum mini, so why not toss in a pic if they don't have anything else to show?

As for the mini, I love Supreme Power, and although I was skeptical of this mini when first announced, the more I read about it the more excited I get for it. I'll definately try the first few issues.

[Hdefined]

Originally posted by neondisease
The fact that Newsarama put up her photo with the interview, when that is *never* done with other interview subjects, has just killed what little credibility Newsarama may have had left.

This fact, and the reaction already being displayed in the forums, shows that the fanboys still seem to wonder why there are so many well-deserved 'stereotypes' attributed to themselves.

It's also supported by the undeserved hype regarding Gail Simone. Probably the only reason Devin Grayson doesn't receive as much praise (anymore, although she initially did) is that her writing is incredibly mediocre (Batman: 12 cent Adventure was a waste of 12 cents), and she's overweight.