BRUBAKER: ON LEAVING CATWOMAN

[MattBrady]

A little earlier than he originally planned, but still, four years after starting, Catwoman writer Ed Brubaker has confirmed for Newsarama that November’s issue #37 will be his final outing with DC’s feline femme fatale.

Two years ago at Comic Con International: San Diego, Brubaker announced he was planning on leaving the series around issue #50, but roughly a year and a half early, here we are.

We caught up with Brubaker to talk about his reasons for leaving, as well as a quick look back on his time spent with the characters.

“Yeah, leaving around #50 was the original plan,” Brubaker said. “There were a couple of things that I wanted to do on the book – ideas that I had for stories, as I got closer to them, I could see that they weren’t going to pan out, or that they weren’t going to work with the character stuff that I was doing. So I had these character’s stories mapped out through what I thought was going to be issue #50, and as I was working on them more and more, I was starting to feel a sort of burnout on the book in a way – I was starting to feel less enthusiastic than I had initially and that I felt towards other books. I didn’t want that to pass along to the readers – I didn’t want to give them less then what they were paying for.”

As Brubaker explained, his Catwoman run represents the longest time he’s spent on any one title or character, and for him, he began to feel that he wasn’t going to be able to put as much into it as he was with his other projects, notable among them The Authority for Wildstorm and Captain America for Marvel, as well as a large handful of creator-owned projects.

“It got to the point where I could feel the difference when I would sit down to work on something like The Authority – the newness of it was actually something that was helping me – just the mere fact that it was something that was new, instead of something that I had been working on for four years. I was feeling a lot of pressure because of it, and I didn’t want to see anything start to suffer.

“I was also thinking that when I started writing Captain America, something had to give. Looking at it, there was no way I was going to let go of Gotham Central – I only write it half the time anyway, and Greg [Rucka] and I created it, and it’s something that’s different and special. I looked at Catwoman and thought I‘d left a stamp on it. I’d accomplished most of what I’d set out to do – I’d established the characters and worked on them. Now I’m at the point that I’d like to see what someone else will do with them, now that they’ve all been redefined to a degree. Now, as I left things, it’s not a situation where you think that if Catwoman shows up as a guest star in some other book, she’s just going to be some silly slut.”

When asked, Brubaker also took the opportunity to nip any rumors about his departure in the bud – the point being, he’s not leaving because of the editorial mandate that Catwoman be home to part of the “War Games” crossover currently running through the Batman titles.

“I’ve worked on crossovers before, and they never made me quit anything, so no, that wasn’t it,” Brubaker said. “Really, it was the stress of my schedule starting to get to me. A couple of years ago, I went through a really bad repetitive strain injury where I had to cut back on my workload because I was spending 12-14 hours a day in front of a computer. My body at that point was telling me not to push myself so hard, and not sit in front of a computer all day. So I struggled through that and went through physical therapy, but I could tell that the stress of my situation was starting to get to me again, and I didn’t even want to have another situation like that, so something in my load had to give.”

Brubaker’s other favorite rumors regarding his departure that will come up: he was instructed by DC to replace Selina Kyle with the next “Catwoman,” who would, completely coincidental to a recent stinker movie, be an African American woman with a penchant for torn leather; and that he pulled a pima donna move, refusing to work with the more realistic art stylings of Paul Gulacy and Jimmy Palmiotti after the book had been home to the Alex Toth-y looks of Darwyn Cooke, Cameron Stewart and Javier Pulido.

“Uh, no, and no,” Brubaker said.

Just because he’s leaving the series however, Brubaker isn’t leaving the characters behind, cold turkey. “Maybe I’ll do more Catwoman at some point in the future, because I love all those characters and I hate the idea of not working on Slam Bradley,” Brubaker said. “Actually, I’m doing a two-issue Gotham Central storyline right now with Jason Alexander, and it has Catwoman and Slam in it. I’m really attached to those characters.”

The root of both Selina Kyle and Slam Bradley’s attraction for Brubaker lies in the character’s respective attitudes toward that world that the writer shares. “I like Selina as a sort of outsider with her own sense of what’s right and wrong, and being the person who’s against the system, although that doesn’t mean she has to be a bad guy all the time,” Brubaker said. “I really liked taking a character like that and fleshing her out and giving her a supporting cast, and making her realize what matters to her.

“When I got the character, I read everything that had come before in the previous Catwoman monthly, and even though she was a pretty well defined character in a lot of ways, there was so much conflicting stuff within her history. But I felt that, even with all that history there, I didn’t have a total sense of who she was from those comics. I didn’t feel that she was that incredibly defined. I felt that she’d been more defined in the ‘70s and ‘80s in Batman comics than she was in her own comic in a lot of ways…she didn’t have enough things that mattered to her. How can you be a protagonist of a comic unless something matters to you? Even Jonah Hex had things that mattered to him.”

As Brubaker saw it, Selina was being played for type, moving from month to month, stealing this, heisting that, with a quip here, and a flirty or sarcastic comment there. “No disrespect to the people who worked on her before, I feel that was just the direction that the character had been set on, making it a book about someone who was, essentially, a bad guy. If you don’t want to get away from that, or the editors don’t want you to get away from that, then it can quickly turn into what’s she stealing this month?

“When I got the character, I was given the luxury of being told, ‘Do whatever you want.’ I was given pretty much a blank slate and told to make it good. So that was very appealing, to take this character that’d been established since 1940, and have a go at making the definitive, modern Catwoman.”

As for Slam Bradley, the two-fisted detective who made his first appearance in 1937’s Detective Comics #1, he was a character just too hard to resist. Though he’d been in the periphery of the Bat-universe for years, Brubaker brought him back to leading man status, a Robert Mitchum for Selina’s Lauren Bacall, if you will.

“Oh, using Slam – that was pure kismet,” Brubaker said. “Everyone liked Darwin [Cooke]’s art on our first issue so much, that they decided to cancel the book, and restart six months later with a new #1. They told us they wanted a backup story in Detective to set the stage, and the minute I heard, ‘Backup story in Detective,’ I thought we should use Slam Bradley. I called Darwin about it, and before I could say that, he said we needed to use Slam too.

“Once I started writing that character, I was immediately in love with this detective from another time period. I just loved his old fashioned sense of justice and right and wrong that he has. He was a perfect complementary character for Selina – they both have the same point of view on a lot of things. She’s a lot more active, and will do more things that he’ll never do, just because he doesn’t want to steer himself towards trouble, so in a way, she’s like a catalyst to get him into situations that he might otherwise steer clear of.”

Though Selina and Slam will show up in Gotham Central, Slam may be the one solo character Brubaker comes back to first. “I have a Slam story that I wanted to do that I decided not to do in the series,” the writer said. “That was going to be one of the last things I did, but when I started to work it in, it seemed like it was going to be too much about Slam, and not enough about the other characters. It was something that I had pitched a while ago as a Slam Bradley miniseries. It’s something that I hope to get to do someday – something like ‘The Ballad of Slam Bradley’ kind of thing, where it’s Slam going back over his whole life. That’s the only thing I feel that I really have left to do with the character that I didn’t get to.”

The untold Slam Bradley story notwithstanding, looking back on over thirty issues in the can, Brubaker’s very happy with his run with the characters, warts and all. “I know I made a couple of missteps here and there, but I feel that overall, I had a pretty strong run on the book. The stories that I’m most proud of in the book stand up to just about any other comic coming out. I think the story I did with Javier Pulido after Cameron Stewart’s first arc was something unlike anything you’d see in a mainstream comic almost – a character-driven, plotless three-issue storyline that was exploring the characters in the aftermath of something that had happened. I’d never read many superhero comics that dealt with the aftermath, and how these people dealt with all this terrible stuff that happens. Usually, they defeat the bad guy, and they’re back to their status quo the next month. I felt that what Javier and I did was pretty unique and pretty amazing in terms of the characters.

“So yeah – in a way, it’s sad to leave these characters behind, but then, in a way, as I said earlier, now I’m at the point where I’d like to see what someone else can do with them – and read stories someone else can tell with them.”

So what’s coming after Brubaker leaves? Click here.

[Vyper]

They should've just had Brubaker write the script for the Catwoman movie (and not cast Halley Berry), and it would've been great. Sorry to see you go, Ed. Well, I guess I'll just have to console myself with Sleeper Season 2

[matthewstarnes]

What a great writer.
Good luck with your other projects.

[Matches Malone]

NNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! !!

Ah, this sucks.

Thanks for a great run, Ed, but it'll be a durn shame to see you go. I just read the outstanding #32 a few days ago. Great, great stuff. This was the best, BY FAR, that Catwoman's solo series has ever been.

Morse's issues should be fun, but I hope they've got someone a-list lined up afterward. If the book reverts to the T&A fest of Vol. 1, I'm done.

[Quay Lewd]

In the past year, Ed has become my favorite writer working in comics today (sorry Mr. Moore). During that time I tracked down most of his CATWOMAN run and then started picking it up monthly (along with GOTHAM CENTRAL, SLEEPER...hell, I even read COMPLETE LOWLIFE this year). Can't say I'm too sad to see him leave the title - it's for all the right reasons and he will be taking on CAP, which I think will be a real challenge to reinvigorate.

As for the AUTHORITY, I'm not so sure that concept hasn't run it's course - but he's one of the few that might be able to bring me back to the title.

Marvel, if you're listening, here's your follow-up to Bendis on DAREDEVIL...

And to paraphrase Jack Palance: "Ed...you're...my #1 guyyyyy"

[Tinnitus Tim]

I have a lot of respect for Brubaker's craft.
He seems to approach it with dedication and respect.
Most of the series I tried I liked a lot.
You can sense the work put in titles like Gotham Central and Sleeper.

[siskods9]

Originally posted by Vyper
They should've just had Brubaker write the script for the Catwoman movie (and not cast Halley Berry), and it would've been great. Sorry to see you go, Ed. Well, I guess I'll just have to console myself with Sleeper Season 2

He should hae wrote it but im glad Hallie was Catwoman. Not too many Black superheroes.

[Vyper]

Originally posted by siskods9
He should hae wrote it but im glad Hallie was Catwoman. Not too many Black superheroes.

My objection to Halle Berry has nothing to do with her ethnicity - I just think she's a horrible and extremely overrated actress.

Incidentally, I would love to see a Black Panther movie finally get made.

[toto]

As a longtime fan of Selina Kyle, I can honestly say that NO ONE has written her better (okay, maybe Mr. Loeb's year one stories come a close second). Mr. Brubaker has turned the east side of Gotham into a delicious film noir complete with hard boiled detectives and tough glamorous dames.

As sad as I am that he's leaving, he's leaving on a high note and I can appreciate that. I guess I'll just have to console myself with Gotham Central, Sleeper, and (the forthcoming) Authority and Captain America.

Thank you Mr. Brubaker

[Kerouac]

The ironic part of this is that he's dropping Catwoman to devote more time to Captain America (at least partially). If the position was reversed and he was working mostly for Marvel and leaving one their titles to do one for DC, Marvel would have just yanked all his work away from him (like they did with Bruce Jones). DC, on the other hand, is apparently cool with it. It's nice to see that one of the Big Two still acts professional.

Matt

[Frans Blix]

Huh.

I was planning to drop the book with War Games (though not because of War Games), but I'm tempted to go ahead and finish out Ed's run. It was a whole lot of fun through the Road Trip story, but it seem like after that the series wasn't as strong.

[BillReed]

It was a very good run. Really, anyone that can make a Catwoman comic not suck must be a genius.

But I don't mind him leaving. As long as we get more Gotham Central. And I will probably be checking out Cap, too.

[TopJack]

This is a sad, sad day.

This is without a doubt the BEST Bat book not to mention one of if not DC's top books in quality.

Brubaker created a world so special and made Selina one of my favorite characters in comics. His supporting crew of Slam, holly, Karon and Leslie were the most real and vital supporting characters in comics today.

Fans of Miller's "Daredevil" would be wise to track down these issues, which are, IMO, the best superhero/crime comics since those.

Best of luck, Ed. Your run was amazing.

DC. Chose a replacement carefully and wisely. Do not hand us the shallow, vapid Selina of yore.

We've experienced the best. Now it's your duty to hold up that standard.

[ColourMan]

You know, I wish I could say I am sad about this, but I'm not. I'm a huge Catwoman fan, so I've collected every issue of this series, and the first series, but it's only been since issue #31 that I've actually enjoyed Ed's Catwoman.

I hope the new permanent writer is Jeph Loeb...he's a comics god, and his take on Selina in Hush, The Long Halloween, and Dark Victory were great. I'm looking forward to the Catwoman: When in Rome series, as well.

Heck, I'd even settle for Geoff Johns as writer. Perhaps the artist could be Pete Woods. Then I'd be really happy!

[Kevenn]

This is disappointing. Ed Brubaker's run on Catwoman has been the best writing the character has ever seen. We've gotten into Selina's head and really seen what makes her tick and what she's made of. I will be sad to see him go. I hope the next permanent writer on the title can live up to what Brubaker has eft behind.

[samnoir]

Here's hoping that Brubaker's higher profile on The Authority and Captain America will give Sleeper and Gotham Central a boost.

I'm probably singing to the choir already when I say that those are two of the best comics out in the mainstream right now.

It's too bad that the lack of spandex seems to have a hard time catching on with the audience. Maybe it's the lack of a visual hook? Even Spider Jerusalem had his glasses and tattoos. Constantine has his trenchcoat, cigarette and even his hair is distinct, you will always recognize John Constantine unique ruffled retro-Sting look. Can you say the same thing about Holden Carver? (yes, I know he's an UNDERCOVER agent)

Anyone else thing Ed Brubaker would be the perfect Hellblazer writer?
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[Quay Lewd]

Originally posted by samnoir
...Maybe it's the lack of a visual hook? Even Spider Jerusalem had his glasses and tattoos. Constantine has his trenchcoat, cigarette and even his hair is distinct, you will always recognize John Constantine unique ruffled retro-Sting look. Can you say the same thing about Holden Carver? (yes, I know he's an UNDERCOVER agent)

Yep. Carver looks just like one of those classic G.I. Joe's with the little scar on his cheek and the plastic hair!

I'd give Bru a shot on Hellblazer. I'm still enjoying Carey's run, tho.

[The Shadow]

"I was starting to feel a sort of burnout on the book in a way – I was starting to feel less enthusiastic than I had initially and that I felt towards other books. I didn’t want that to pass along to the readers – I didn’t want to give them less then what they were paying for.”

That is the best reason to leave any book!

It was a hell of a run and quite enjoyable. I hope the next writer keeps going with the similar concept and ideas... the crime noir feel really suits Catwoman

[willyd]

gotta ask, since there are a bunch of catwoman fans on this board...flipped through a recent issue (last month's? this month's?) of catwoman, and was somewhat surprised to find a bit of casual sex...with Batman?? how long has that been going on? i think they kissed once or twice in the Lee-Loeb run on Batman...but sleeping together? seems like this would be bigger news...

[ColourMan]

No, no more crime noir! That was the biggest turn off with this series. Catwoman should be a sleek, stylish, action-adventure series like the Alias or Angel tv shows. Hopefully the new writer goes in this direction (and also requests a costume redesign! Enough with the ugly goggles! blech!).

[ColourMan]

Originally posted by The Shadow
That is the best reason to leave any book!

It was a hell of a run and quite enjoyable. I hope the next writer keeps going with the similar concept and ideas... the crime noir feel really suits Catwoman

Well, Selina and Bruce used to date, so they've slept together before. As for #32, well, there's no denying that Selina and Bruce have been growing closer and closer ever since Hush. They *do* love each other, after all. Making love was the next logical step in their relationship.

Hopefully the new writer establishes a permanent relationship between Selina and Bruce. They don't have to fight crime together, but outside of the costumes they can date.

[TopJack]

Originally posted by ColourMan
No, no more crime noir! That was the biggest turn off with this series. Catwoman should be a sleek, stylish, action-adventure series like the Alias or Angel tv shows. Hopefully the new writer goes in this direction (and also requests a costume redesign! Enough with the ugly goggles! blech!).

Oh yeah. That would be just great.

Who needs sophistication, intelligent writing and style when you can have some derivative "Charlie's Angels" clone?

Go buy old "Danger Girl" comics if you want that.

Ed's "Catwoman" is a sophisticated tale of taste and style.

[Caramuru]

Originally posted by Matches Malone
NNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! !!

Ah, this sucks.

Thanks for a great run, Ed, but it'll be a durn shame to see you go. I just read the outstanding #32 a few days ago. Great, great stuff. This was the best, BY FAR, that Catwoman's solo series has ever been.

Morse's issues should be fun, but I hope they've got someone a-list lined up afterward. If the book reverts to the T&A fest of Vol. 1, I'm done.

My first reaction exactly. I think Catwoman is maybe the best-written mainstream/superhero character out there.

[ColourMan]

Originally posted by TopJack
Oh yeah. That would be just great.

Who needs sophistication, intelligent writing and style when you can have some derivative "Charlie's Angels" clone?

Go buy old "Danger Girl" comics if you want that.

Ed's "Catwoman" is a sophisticated tale of taste and style.

Obviously you've never seen Alias or Angel. They are they epitome of style and taste.

As for Charlie's Angels...I don't know what more you could ask for. Hot, sexy chicks who are super intelligent, smart, and solve crimes. It's absolutely perfect.

[Matches Malone]

Originally posted by ColourMan
As for Charlie's Angels...I don't know what more you could ask for. Hot, sexy chicks who are super intelligent, smart, and solve crimes. It's absolutely perfect.

Nah, they already tried that with Catwoman, all the way through Balent's run. Most of it was really mediocre.

Thing is, Catwoman's not an action hero. She ought to be a little darker and edgier - it adds to her allure.