MIKE GRELL ON JON SABLE'S RETURN

[MattBrady]

by Mark Allen

He’s effectively been in retirement for nearly 15 years when Sable, the second title starring freelance trouble shooter Jon Sable ended. Created by Mike Grell in 1983, Jon Sable first appeared in Jon Sable, Freelance #1 from First Comics.

While his comic series ended, Sable always stayed very close to the heart of his creator – the character flirted with exploitation in other media over the years, and Grell himself penned a 300-plus page Sable novel, Sable in 2000.

In April, Sable returns in Jon Sable: Bloodlines, a six-issue miniseries written and drawn by Grell, featuring the character racing to both prevent and get to the bottom of an assassination plot in New York while facing his own personal demons. The release of the new Sable material by IDW will be complimented by the release of trades collecting the original First issues as well.

We spoke with Grell for a primer on Sable, as well as a look at some of his past exploits.

Newsarama: For those unfamiliar, give us a little background. Breaking it down, who is Jon Sable?

Mike Grell: His business card reads:

JON SABLE, FREELANCE

Freelance bounty hunter, bodyguard, mercenary…… anything. As long as it’s dangerous. He’s the kind of guy men want to be and women want to be with…… unless you know what made him what he is.

Sable’s life was shattered by the slaughter of his family by ivory poachers…… and by his own terrible revenge. But what do you do when vengeance is done?

Deported from his beloved Africa, Sable becomes a hopeless drunk, until his old mentor Sonny Pratt pulls him out of the gutter and tries to set him back on his feet.

What few people know is that his bizarre battlemask hides a gentle side. Under the pen name "B.B. Flemm,” Sable is the author of popular children’s stories about a troop of leprechauns living in Central Park. Guided by his literary agent Eden Kendall, he struggles to put his life back together.

Now living in New York, he meets artist Myke Blackmon, who illustrates his leprechaun stories. Finally, there is someone who can break through the barriers and make him dare to love again.

But his dark past won’t stay buried.

NRAMA: Back when you created Sable, were you trying to accomplish anything in particular with the character, and do you believe you were successful?

MG: Yes. I was trying to break the mold of the standard comic book hero. I was tired of doing superheroes and wanted a character set in the real world, who dealt with the things you hear about news, who had to be responsible for his actions - ever wonder about the folks on the ground when superman throws a villain through a building? - and was personally affected by the violence he inflicted.

NRAMA: That said, Sable seems to have more in common with heroes of action novels. How do you feel Sable is unique as a comics character?

MG: For all of the above reasons, plus the fact that I turned the standard comic book hero upside down - your stock superhero is mild-mannered by day and the dark avenger by night. Sable is practically listed in the Yellow Pages under Blood/Guts. Everyone knows he's Mr. Action Adventure. His deep, dark secret is that he's also a closet nice guy who writes children's books. B. B. Flemm is not a secret identity, it's his nom de plume. He only wears the stupid wig for personal appearances because he doesn't want his knuckle-dragger pals to know he has a soft side.

NRAMA: Speaking of those knuckle-dragger pals – they’re back in the new storyline. What can you say about the new storyline?

MG: In terms of continuity, Blood Trail essentially takes up where my novel left off, but also combines characterization developed in the comics. It's designed to re-introduce the character to an audience that may not have seen the original material, so I'm being very careful to bring people up to speed.

Sable finds himself at a low point in his life. His books are selling poorly, his relationship with Myke Blackmon has fallen apart; he's suffering PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder] flashbacks and he's off the wagon. His old pal Sonny Pratt has taken him in and is trying to help him put his life together when Jacob Inyati, Sable's old friend and former tracker, arrives in New York as newly appointed Ambassador to the U.N. and is met with an assassination attempt. Sable is reluctantly drawn into the hunt for the assassin, but his involvement creates danger for everyone around him.

NRAMA: So this is a throughline continuation of everything that you’ve built upon since 1983?

MG: Pretty much. I've tried to evolve the character over the years, making him accessible to today's audience. This is the "next step". There are layers to any good character that remain just below the surface - like licking a Tootsie Pop: there's going to be a payoff, but you need to be patient.

NRAMA: Over the years, many of your fans have formed the opinion that this character reflects the creator, to some degree. So, what do Mike Grell and Jon Sable have in common?

MG: Agatha Christie said, "When you read a book, you get 10% plot, 20% characterization and 70% whatever the author knows best." I've been a hunter all my life, been on safari in Africa twice and one spent 18 nights in a tree trying to ambush a cattle-killing leopard. And I do have a certain amount of background in books for kids. Sable uses a broom handle Mauser, not because it's the best gun, but because I think it's cool. Same for the '53 Studebaker.

NRAMA: Delving into the history of Sable a little, let’s hit a couple of old projects, first dealing with one planned in the early to mid-'80s, which never saw the light of day: Jon Sable/Batman. How far did this get up the pipeline and why did it never see the light of day?

MG: The plot was finished and approved, the editors and creative staff were all onboard and the publishers both wanted to do it. Then the lawyers got involved and the deal turned into a morass that sucked the life out of the project. I'd still love to do it, though.

NRAMA: What was the premise behind the story?

MG: The plot was simple, but fun. A man suffering from amnesia comes to Sable wanting him to help discover his identity. It should be a simple matter of running the guy’s fingerprints. But there’s a slight complication...under his suit, he’s wearing a Batman costume! What if he really is?

NRAMA: Continuing with Sable’s life outside the series, there was also the Jon Sable television series, which aired in 1987 on ABC, but didn’t stick around long. Do you believe the character was well-handled by the network?

MG: The show was doomed from the start, because they ignored the essential fact that Sable was the exact opposite of every other comic character. In typical Hollywood fashion, they decided that I had it all wrong. Their brilliantly unique idea was that by day he was the mild-mannered children's author and by night he became the dark avenger, complete with secret identity and the whole works. I told them up front, warned them when they did the pilot and predicted doom from the start. Three episodes into shooting, they decided that I did know what I was talking about and tried to change it, but they never got the chance to see the results. The show was canceled with episode two and only ran for six because they were already in the can and ABC needed to fill the slot.

That said, the creative staff - actors and techs - were wonderful. Lewis Van Bergen did a great job with the material he was given and Renee Russo made her acting debut as Eden Kendall. It's more than worthwhile to watch just to see her blossom right in front of the camera. Despite the material, she absolutely shines. That's called a Star... with a capital "S". I'd love to see her reprise her role in a movie.

NRAMA: As the announcement of the return of the character at IDW has shown, Jon Sable fans haven’t fully left the building. What kind of fan response have you gotten since the announcement of Sable’s return to comics?

MG: It’s been tremendously gratifying to know that so many of the old fans are still out there, waiting for Sable to return.

NRAMA: So how did the deal with IDW come about?

MG: Through months of effort and negotiating by Mike Gold, my old pal and editor on Sable. Basically, the Grimjack deal laid the groundwork for Sable to follow.

NRAMA: On the subject of a Jon Sable movie, has that been pitched, and, if so, what interest has been shown?

MG: There is considerable interest in Sable for a film. At this point, with the book about to debut, we’re examining all opportunities very carefully.

NRAMA: Do you have the time and/or interest to realize another ongoing Sable comic series?

MG: If the numbers are there, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Nothing would give me greater pleasure.

[Christian A. Dumais]

Sable was one of my absolute favorites when I was a teenager, so I'm thrilled to see him back in comic books.

I also have fond memories of the television show (I can still get the theme song stuck in my head) and despite all of its flaws, I'd like to see them again.

[samnoir]

Great to hear Sable is back with Mike Grell at the creative helm!

I remember discovering comic shops and First comics around the same time. I devoured everything they published. Nexus, Badger, Grimjack, Sable, Whisper... that was an incredible line-up of characters and talent. I remember there was a crossover series that was handled quite well given the diverse nature of all the characters. Badger was paired with Sable and proved to be a pretty good foil.

I wonder if Sable is still operating in "real time". He'd be getting up there in years if that were the case.

I remember being hugely dissappointed by the TV series.
________________________________________ __


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[Bakema NL]

Jon Sable was before I had access to American comics, but I do know Mike Grell's work on other things and he's a great artist. I ordered the new series without thinking about it......don't want to miss it.

[SpyGuy]

Originally posted by MattBrady
NRAMA: Do you have the time and/or interest to realize another ongoing Sable comic series?

MG: If the numbers are there, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Nothing would give me greater pleasure.

Somebody -- anybody -- PLEASE make this happen. We need more JON SABLE!

The preview pages for BLOODLINES look sweet as all get out, and Grell certainly hasn't lost any steps over the years. Apart from my own selfish interest in seeing this series do well, I hope people do manage to check it out to see one of comics' all-time best character-dramas. If you're not already a JON SABLE fan, don't worry, you will be.

And damn, if it isn't great to see Sonny Pratt again...now where's Maggie the Cat?

[Fazhoul]

I loved the original Sable series and was excited when this new one was announced. I put the book on my pull list and ordered the trade of the original series without any qualms about spending even MORE money on comics. Between this and Grim Jack this has been a good year for some of those old First Comics titles that I liked so much. Now, if they would just bring back Nexus and Badger on a regular basis it would be a great year.

[FIG]

No question, I'm buying this.

[Spenser for Hir]

I can't wait for this. Jon Sable is one of my all time favorite characters. It is great to have him back with Mike Grell at the helm.

[Master Samos]

John Sable was/is one of my favorite comics. It was definately ahead of it's time. A friend of mine loaned me the first three issues back in Junior High and I was instantly hooked. I became a big Mike Grell fan and even followed him over to Green Arrow (a big DC fan I'm not) for a great run on that series as well. I actually met Mike at the Baltimore Comic Convention last year where everyone was asking about Sable. A really nice guy. Had him sign my issue #1. I remember the TV series vaguely, but it had come and gone so quickly, I didn't have time to get attached. Looking forward to the new series. Now here's hoping DC will reprint all of his Warlords.

[Darkseid147]

Originally posted by SpyGuy
Somebody -- anybody -- PLEASE make this happen. We need more JON SABLE!

The preview pages for BLOODLINES look sweet as all get out, and Grell certainly hasn't lost any steps over the years. Apart from my own selfish interest in seeing this series do well, I hope people do manage to check it out to see one of comics' all-time best character-dramas. If you're not already a JON SABLE fan, don't worry, you will be.

And damn, if it isn't great to see Sonny Pratt again...now where's Maggie the Cat?

Let me start this off by saying that I loved Grell's Warlord, Sable, and Green Arrow. But to quote Mr Wolf..."Let's not start sucking each others dicks just yet Gentlemen". I can only hope that Mr. Grell can return with the same love for this character that he has had in the past, but I am starting to get a little tired of 70's and 80' Icon comic creators returning, and it being a dissapointment. The anticipation of certain individuals to titles that they were once famous for, has been less then inspiring lately. Again, I do hope Mr. Grell is at his best, especially with this character, but I will wait till it comes out to praise him, before a single word has been read.

[Ruffy6080]

Jon Sable's back! I am so HAPPY to hear that he is coming back to the monthlies...starting with the mini-series (the six issue run). I would love to have it back on the MONTHLY basis. Mike Grell's a swell one! I know him in my fresh college years (in early 80's) and his comic books were GREAT to read and his art were AWESOME! I remembered that I ordered almost 25 books every month for my subscribers at college and everyone always talk and talk about Mike Grell books! So my college years were way gone in the past and I would like to order 25 but I can manage to do for a couple to give you my support!! My friends are away far far away from me and lost in touch with them.

Give Mike Grell's book, Jon Sable a SECOND CHANCE or a third one, huh. You would love them... buy two or three or even more, keep one for yourself for collection, one for reading and give one to your best friend (s).

Welcome BACK, Mike Grell. We are here for you!

Kevin

[shadowpdf]

This is great news and highly anticipated. And about time! I've been wearing out rereading my old copies. Mentioning the TV series brings back good memories, too. Wish I had gotten the show tapes when I had the chance.

_____________________
Steve Kaye
Portland, Oregon

[mike616]

Anything by Grell is cool with me.

[skeletorjr]

Originally posted by Darkseid147
Let me start this off by saying that I loved Grell's Warlord, Sable, and Green Arrow. But to quote Mr Wolf..."Let's not start sucking each others dicks just yet Gentlemen". I can only hope that Mr. Grell can return with the same love for this character that he has had in the past, but I am starting to get a little tired of 70's and 80' Icon comic creators returning, and it being a dissapointment. The anticipation of certain individuals to titles that they were once famous for, has been less then inspiring lately. Again, I do hope Mr. Grell is at his best, especially with this character, but I will wait till it comes out to praise him, before a single word has been read.

Wow, but you're a class act.


That being said, I loved the Sable novel and cannot wait to pick this up. So glad you're back, Mr. Grell, doing what you do best (unless there are other things you do even better that we know nothing about!)

[mreman]

Originally posted by SpyGuy
And damn, if it isn't great to see Sonny Pratt again...now where's Maggie the Cat?

Mike Grell's two issue Maggie The Cat series from Image is being auction on Ebay HERE

[Reaper]

I've always enjoyed Mike's work, going all the way back to his Legion of Superheroes days, followed by his run on Green Lantern/Green Arrow. And his Warlord was, of course, great. That said, I have always felt that Jon Sable was his magnum opus and I look forward to this new mini with great anticipation. Here's hoping that it becomes an ongoing!

-Tim

[d'Jon'Z]

I love Mike Grell's art and his Sable. However, IDW prices are WAY to high.

$3.99/issue is too much. I'm trimming my monthly list already, DC is pushing out some great new minis I want, now Sable!!

Something has to go so it's going to be Sable. I'd look to the trade, but IDW again prices their stuff a lot higher than others for the same page counts and features.

Bummer. Nothing against Sable or Mike though

[Marcello S. Nicola]

Originally posted by samnoir
Great to hear Sable is back with Mike Grell at the creative helm!

(...)
I wonder if Sable is still operating in "real time". He'd be getting up there in years if that were the case.(...)

When Sable appeared as a "guest" in Grell´s
SHAMAN TEARS (1995, I think), I asked Mike Gold
the same question. He´d be like 60 by then (he
was in the 1972 olipic games). Gold answer showed
it would be impossible to keep the same realistic
treatment about that aspect.

[Darkseid147]

Originally posted by skeletorjr
Wow, but you're a class act.


That being said, I loved the Sable novel and cannot wait to pick this up. So glad you're back, Mr. Grell, doing what you do best (unless there are other things you do even better that we know nothing about!)

Would seem someone is a little lost on this quote.

[Kolimar]

I've loved Mike Grell ever since the Longbow Hunters came out but I have to say that Jon Sable never quite clicked with me. Still, I wish you luck with the project, Mike.

For those who might be interested in knowing a bit more about Mike and his stuff...

http://www.mikegrell.com/

[Tim Bradstreet]

Congrats to Mike.
Looking forward to this as I too am a huge fan of the original series.
All too ironic to hear this now in light of the fact that I just dumped half of the original Sable First Comics run into the dumpster YESTERDAY, ruined by flooding here in SD. I'ts like throwing your children away.

I also am a huge fan of Grell's runs on Legion, Green Lantern/Green Arrow, Warlord, etc . . . I'm not sure what he's been up to in the last few years but It's great to see him back on board with Sable.
I'll be picking this one up.

Now we just gotta get him to do Warlord again. When he left, that series went straight down the tubes.

- TB

[ME5]

Hello.

To Tim Bradstreet: Sorry to hear about you having to dump those early Sable issues... However, you can get the first six issues back in a signed and numbered hardcover version! It was solicited in the latest Previews! I know I already ordered it...

I love Grell art, and thought Sable to be an excellent comic. So, I ordered the HC, and will check out the new series. Sigh, of course, I TRULY wish DC would find a way to get Mr. Grell to do a Legion series/mini-series/one-shot! Oi, what I wouldn't give to see Grell doing Timber Wolf, again...sigh...

[Tim Bradstreet]

Oh Yeah!
Grell's Timberwolf was SO awesome. In many ways, he was Wolverine BEFORE Wolverine. Yeah, Grell doing the Legion again would be sweeter than sweet. Next time I see him, the pressure begins.

- TB