JIMENEZ ON THE RETURN OF DONNA TROY

[MattBrady]

Yesterday saw the inking side of the art team of The Return of Donna Troy - George Perez make some news with his five year exclusive contract with DC. Today, we caught up with Donna Troy writer Phil Jimenez to find out more about the upcoming miniseries which promises the return of…well, see the title.

But first, probably a quick look back at “who is Donna Troy?” is in order. It’s a question whose explanation can cause the heads of even the most knowledgeable DC scholars’ heads explode, Scanners style.

Concept-wise, Donna Troy is a bit of a patchwork due to the fact that, as Wonder Girl, she survived Crisis on Infinite Earths, but as a result of Crisis, Wonder Woman’s history was re-jiggered…to say the least. Over the years, as different writers came in to update, patch, and shoehorn some semblance of an origin that worked within DC’s post-Crisis continuity, Donna’s story became more and more convoluted.

Her final version of history, which still has a few bumps, runs along the lines that Donna was created to be a playmate to the young Princess Diana on the island of Themyscrea, home of the Amazons. Thinking her to be the real Diana, Donna was kidnapped by the being called Dark Angel and forced to live hundreds of different life paths with each one ending in tragedy before she was snatched from it, and sent down another. Hey – we didn’t say her story was easy.

In this life, Donna was orphaned at birth, and raised by the Titans of Myth to be one of many sleeper agents who would one day rise with others to save the gods. Returned to earth (and imbued with powers) Donna: became Wonder Girl, joined the Teen Titans, got married, had a kid, embraced her heritage as “Troia,” lost her powers, divorced her husband, became a Darkstar, lived through the death of her ex-husband and child, gave up heroing, had her memories erased by Dark Angel, had her memories restored (from Flash’s memories of her) by Wonder Woman, retook the name Troia, served with the Titans, and was, most recently, killed in Graduation Day, while battling a Superman android. Though dead in this world, it was shown in the end of Graduation Day that Donna had essentially moved to another world, to another battle. Phew.

And that’s the easy version.

And Jimenez is gearing up to bring her back. And he couldn’t be happier with the task at hand.

“I had pitched Dan Didio on being a part of Donna's return ages ago, and was simply lucky enough to be involved with the process,” Jimenez said about his involvement with the project. “I had some ideas on how to handle the material, and DC seemed very amenable to them. As most folks who read my work know, I have a real affinity for Donna, and I think DC wanted to tap into that for a project that would be important to the character, her Titans peers, and the DC Universe in general.”

Jimenez’s statement that he has an affinity for Donna is putting it rather lightly. Some of his earliest work in comics was involved with Donna in the early ‘90s Team Titans series (a future team of Titans were sent to the past to kill the then-pregnant Donna as her child would grow up to be “Lord Chaos” who makes 21st century tyrants look like pussies), Jimenez also incorporated her heavily into his Wonder Woman run, and wrote and illustrated the Wonder Woman: Donna Troy one-shot, which moved her toward her current origin – such as it is.

In comics lingo, Jimenez is a Donnaholic. A hardcore one.

“Donna appeals to me for multiple reasons: 1. in both her pre and post-Crisis origins, Donna is significantly linked to Greek mythology, as both Amazon and child of the Titans of Myth,” the creator said. “That's a huge draw for me - Donna is linked to legends that are thousands of years old. Further, in both the pre-and post-Crisis DCU, she is linked to Wonder Woman by adopted sisterhood. That's really fun - she's Diana's little sister. I was also immediately drawn to Donna for other reasons - she was an even headed, kind character, accomplished as a student and a professional by the time she was 19. She was a super-hero who knew how and when to use her strength - and, most importantly, when not to. And finally, Donna was also ‘perfect,’ or tried to be - wanting nothing more than to be the best she could in all aspects of her life, even covering her weaknesses - she was never a very good team leader, for example - to try and project the most positive image to her friends and loved ones. When I was younger, I understood that compulsion, and I think I really related to it in Donna.”

As Jimenez explained, since her “death,” Donna returned to the Titans of Myth on New Cronus, the Olympus-like planetoid where she was raised. “She's now the Goddess of the Moon -- so I think she's moved into a new state of being,” Jimenez said. “As for what she’d been up do since, we'll certainly see that in the miniseries -- it all ties into the The Rann - Thanagar War and the survival of the gods themselves. She's on a mission she was assigned as a child, but is only now beginning to remember.”

And – adding a little more to the backstory – go back in your mind to the stories about the original Titans of Myth – yup, these are the same ones.

“The Titans of Myth are the forebears of the Olympian Gods in Greek mythology,” Jimenez said. “They're the parents of Zeus and Hera, Poseidon and Hades. They've been active in Donna's life in both the pre and post-Crisis New Teen Titans series; post-Crisis, Donna was raised by the Titans of Myth, named Troy, and given powers and memories and special knowledge by these Titan gods to advance their teachings on Earth and throughout the universe. The Titans of Myth are very primal beings, governing the elements, and prone to repeat their mistakes. They almost can't help it. Are they the bad guys? Could be. If anything, they're just being gods...

“As we learned in the ‘Who is Wonder Girl’ storyline, chronicled by Marv Wolfman and George Perez, Donna was one of 12 or so Titan "seeds"; orphans from across the universe, who were rescued by the Titans of Myth, given powers, and raised to become new gods. Only three are left -- Troy, her brother Athyns, and her sister Sparta, who had once gone insane because she remembered her upbringing while the other children were given false memories by the Titans of Myth to ensure their lives and their sanity.”

Speaking of memories, that’s part of what gets the ball rolling in The Return of Donna Troy - “She's got memories that don't jibe with her current status of the Goddess of the Moon,” Jiminez said.

And as for the involvement of the Teen Titans and Outsiders? “Well, if you're going to do a Donna Troy story, it's got to have Nightwing, Starfire, Arsenal, Beast Boy, Raven, Cyborg, and Wonder Girl in it, right? They're alerted to Donna's story through an ally...”

Jimenez’ coyness about Donna’s reunion with her friends and her involvement continued as he explained her future role in the DCU, especially with the coming Infinite Crisis, confirming only that she’ll be a leader in a very important future battle. “Dan Didio has long said that Donna would be resurrected in an important role,” Jimenez said. “I'm just happy I got the opportunity to help see the character fulfill this unique status. It actually plays out beautifully, using the character's complex history and connection to the Titans, the Outsiders, and Wonder Woman.”

Moving to the art side of the miniseries for a moment, early on, Jimenez joined with most fans in being in awe of the names attached: Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez on pencils (returning to monthly comics for the first time in years), and George Perez on inks.

“I knew I couldn't draw this thing, since I was penciling Otherworld, my Vertigo series, at the time, and Jose had drawn one of the original Titans of Myth stories in the New Teen Titans, one of my favorites. And lord knows, if it's got Donna and the Teen Titans, I always feel like George should be involved somehow. I called him, mentioned Jose's name - and he offered immediately to ink it. I got the art team of a life time, the dream team. I couldn't have asked for better, more gracious, more talented artists, who compliment each other so well. And, more than anything, I want this series to show the comic world how brilliant Jose is as penciler and storyteller. I want his name to be on everyone's lips this summer. He's a genius.”

As for how he’s holding up working with two veterans of the game that he holds in such high esteem, Jimenez gave the typical answer: “It's frightening beyond words. With every page, I’m asking myself, am I writing something they're interested in working on? Does it make sense? Are they happy? Will it be worth their time? Will they learn something and enjoy it? Will they make money? An enormous amount of fear abounds. But their work is breathtaking and I'm utterly, completely appreciative.”

Finally, as for seeing the miniseries as a streamlining of Donna’s continuity or origins, Jimenez isn’t sure any real fix is needed, and that the miniseries is aimed squarely at moving her forward into her destiny among the heroes of the DCU.

“I'm still not sure what kind of fix fans have been waiting for,” Jimenez said. “Donna's history is quite linear, has been explained multiple times, and I'm still not sure what the questions are. I realize it's a complex history -- but in my head, the latest additions were simply that - additions - not alterations, to her post-Crisis history. I was able to nail her history in three panels and a splash page. To me, it's quite simple: A infant girl, saved from a burning building by the Titans of Myth, is raised in their world, given special powers and a unique destiny, and returned to Earth as a teenager to wait for that destiny to be fulfilled. Inspired by the Hippolyta, the Golden-Age Wonder Woman, the teenager becomes Wonder Girl and joins the Teen Titans. Later, she learns of a mystic connection to the modern-day Wonder Woman, and becomes Diana's adopted sister and an Amazon. Voila -- Donna Troy. Troia.

”Again, it's a bit long, but not complicated, and this is the place we start from. This is the history we're using. This story is not about rewriting Donna's history once again. It's about using her history to propel her into a new, vital role in the DC Universe, using her unique history to connect her to a number of characters who play an important part in Infinite Crisis, and to once again remind readers and creators why Donna has such a devoted fan following by showcasing the strength of her character, not the complexity of her past.”

DC Special: The Return of Donna Troy #1 (of 4) is due in stores on May 25th.

[rtvu2]

I can't wait. All these specials branching off from Countdown have been great. Can't wait to see what happens here.

[chap22]

I've said it before, I'll say it again....this art is FREAKIN' GORGEOUS! I'm so excited about this project...a dream team on art, and a talented writer who loves (and more importantly, gets) Donna Troy. I'm very hopeful that this mini takes the awful taste out of my mouth left there by the turd that was Graduation Day (rassum frassum frickin' Superman robot!!! ).

oooo, and it ties in to Rann-Thanagar War too? Kyle & Donna fireworks again? me likey....

[HomerJimmy]

this sounds exciting. i never read darkstars or the earlier titans series but i was introduced to her during the devin grayson titans series and graduation day. hopefully they will give the character a true sense of being. not to mention how can you go wrong with the creative team they assigned to this project.

[EmeraldGuy32]

When did JIMENEZ Switch from an artist to a writer, or am I just flaunting my ignorance again?

[Noreikas]

Jiminez wrote the WONDER WOMAN: DONNA TROY Girlfrenzy one-shot several years ago; he wrote the well-done TEMPEST mini-series; participated in the plotting of a few TEAM TITANS stories; wrote WONDER WOMAN for two years (although he should have had a stronger editor on that title); etc...

He has always written Donna well. This should be a good read.

[WisoDc]

It is such a treat to have the Ex company doing what they all have i common: A Titans story. For a while there, when I saw the art preview thought that it was Jimenez or Perez's art. I had forgotten about JLGL art. But this book looks amazing. And we'll finally get the answers to all those teases in Teen Titans. I always felt that Donna as Troia, had so much power that was limited to forcefield, strenght, flight and memory projection. I hope that what emerges from this mini gives Donna her propper place in the DC U.

[GeorgeG]

Since Kyle is in Rann-Thanagar, perhaps he's the one who alerts the Outsiders.

[I am MODOK]

Guys, I don't want to be the one negative nellie on this thread...but I just don't get Donna Troy. Her origin is so confusing I don't understand what is happening. And even though I've read Titans since "Titans Hunt" back in the day, including New Titans and everything in between, I just don't understand much of her character at all. I've never been able to see why so many fans love her so much.

I don't think I'm sold on this! I agree the creative team looks great, but convince me the character is worth it!

[GOSD]

Phil, George and Jose?

I'm in like Flynn..

[Kevin T. Brown]

Originally posted by EmeraldGuy32
When did JIMENEZ Switch from an artist to a writer, or am I just flaunting my ignorance again?

IIRC, he become more of a writing presence when he started working on Wonder Woman. I'm sure he had other writing credits before then, but none that I can think of offhand.

[BDavis]

Guys, I don't want to be the one negative nellie on this thread...but I just don't get Donna Troy. Her origin is so confusing I don't understand what is happening. And even though I've read Titans since "Titans Hunt" back in the day, including New Titans and everything in between, I just don't understand much of her character at all. I've never been able to see why so many fans love her so much.

This pretty much reflects the way I feel. Donna Troy was a cool character pre-Crisis, but her history since is so convuluted that any new writer can pretty much make her anything/anyone he/she wants. (Really nice recap though, Matt).

The art looks fantastic though!

[tralfaz]

killed in Graduation Day, while battling a Superman android.

[drew101]

Originally posted by MattBrady
Jimenez: “Donna's history is quite linear, has been explained multiple times, and I'm still not sure what the questions are. I realize it's a complex history -- but in my head, the latest additions were simply that - additions - not alterations, to her post-Crisis history. I was able to nail her history in three panels and a splash page. To me, it's quite simple: A infant girl, saved from a burning building by the Titans of Myth, is raised in their world, given special powers and a unique destiny, and returned to Earth as a teenager to wait for that destiny to be fulfilled. Inspired by the Hippolyta, the Golden-Age Wonder Woman, the teenager becomes Wonder Girl and joins the Teen Titans. Later, she learns of a mystic connection to the modern-day Wonder Woman, and becomes Diana's adopted sister and an Amazon. Voila -- Donna Troy. Troia.".

Hmmmm... Let me preface this by saying I love Phil and I love Donna, but the above confused me. On one hand he is saying her origin now isn't confusing or contradictory, but then above he only dilineates (for the most part) the Perez/Wolfman "Who is Wonder Girl?" origin. He pretty much ignores the add-ons/changes John Byrne tacked on except to say "a mystic connection to the modern-day Wonder Woman, and becomes Diana's adopted sister"

This "mystic connection" he refers to actually was explained as Donna being essentially a magical clone of Diana. That's a pretty big chunk of her history that Phil is glossing over there. I can see why as it wasn't the most elegant solution to her origin, but shouldn't he explain this part away then?

For instance, Dark Angel. She is supposedly significant and she is the reason Donna is basically reincarnated to live tragic lives. Is this still part of her origin? If so, then why has she reverted back to living among the Titans of Myth as a goddess. Judd Winick in "Graduation Day" had her being re-incarnated again following the plan set in motion by Byrne and Dark Angel. Phil seems to have undone this (again, not a bad idea seeing as how for the most part "Graduation Day" sucked as did Byrne's Dark Angel plotline)

I rather like Phil being true to the Perez/Wolfman re-telling and glossing over the Byrne stuff. Just don't say her origin isn't confusing or convuluted when he himself seems to be ignoring the convoluted bits. I just wish if he didn't like them, he'd explain them away. Is the real, root Donna a creation of the mystic on Themyscira to be young Diana's playmate or is the real, root Donna a creation of the Titans of Myth? Byrne's origin suggests the former, Jimenez/Perez/Wolfman suggest the latter. Maybe I am missing something. Anyone have the answer?

[Allen Jaco]

Argh. Yet another comic to buy...

I *almost* wish I could read a preview and have me say, "nope. Art and/or story doesn't appeal to me."

But with that creative team (I actually liked Phil Jimenez's Wonder Woman, and I don't think anything needs to be said for the art), and the connection to Infinite Crisis, I guess I have to keep waiting for that magical moment where I can actually save some money.

Sigh...

[drew101]

Originally posted by EmeraldGuy32
When did JIMENEZ Switch from an artist to a writer, or am I just flaunting my ignorance again?

I think the Tempest mini was his first writing gig. This was the story that updated Aqualad post-Crisis. But he hasn't switched. He does both. He pencilled the final (and most significant) chapter in the Countdown to Infinite Crisis one-shot. Like it's mentioned in this article, he pencils and writes Otherworld for Vertigo. And I am pretty sure that he will be pencilling the big Infinite Crisis mini-series. Not sure if this is confirmed fact yet, but I think it's the prevailing rumor.

[bob_at_york]

Sounds interesting. Not a fan of the art but I will try the book.

[chap22]

Originally posted by I am MODOK
Guys, I don't want to be the one negative nellie on this thread...but I just don't get Donna Troy. Her origin is so confusing I don't understand what is happening. And even though I've read Titans since "Titans Hunt" back in the day, including New Titans and everything in between, I just don't understand much of her character at all. I've never been able to see why so many fans love her so much.

I don't think I'm sold on this! I agree the creative team looks great, but convince me the character is worth it!

I can see why you wouldn't understand her origin. Hell, i'm a HUGE Donna fan, and I get a bit wonky on it from time to time. But i can tell you why fans of hers love her, and why she's worth it. Because when you throw out her confusing origin (which really is only necessary to tell an "origin story" anyway, why does everybody care so muchabout that?), what you're left with is a character who's a truly likeable person. Donna is strong, smart, sweet, friendly, a good listener; she was the rock, or the backbone, that the Titans in all their incarnations relied on when their personal lives got a bit too angsty to bear alone. Basically, she's the type of person that every single one of us looks for in a friend, but apparently very few of us are interested in reading about. Maybe I'm just the exception in that I don't want ALL my heroes to be overwhelmed by personal problems; sure, she should have some occasionally (after all, nobody's life is perfect), but having problems doesn't mean you have to also "have problems". Does that make any sense?

Anyway, ask cncoyle if I'm not making sense...his passion for Donna exceeds even mine and he can probably explain this better.

[Sequel]

Originally posted by drew101
I think the Tempest mini was his first writing gig. This was the story that updated Aqualad post-Crisis. But he hasn't switched. He does both. He pencilled the final (and most significant) chapter in the Countdown to Infinite Crisis one-shot. Like it's mentioned in this article, he pencils and writes Otherworld for Vertigo. And I am pretty sure that he will be pencilling the big Infinite Crisis mini-series. Not sure if this is confirmed fact yet, but I think it's the prevailing rumor.

I remember he co-wrote Team Titans in the early '90's which was his first writing gig. He said in an interview later DC offered him the gig, but as he had never written for a pro comic before, he wanted help, so he brought in a friend to help (guy's last name was Jensen, I think).

[VinnyPic]

Originally posted by GeorgeG
Since Kyle is in Rann-Thanagar, perhaps he's the one who alerts the Outsiders.

Good catch!

Hadnt thought of that.

[AdamYJ]

Originally posted by I am MODOK
Guys, I don't want to be the one negative nellie on this thread...but I just don't get Donna Troy. Her origin is so confusing I don't understand what is happening. And even though I've read Titans since "Titans Hunt" back in the day, including New Titans and everything in between, I just don't understand much of her character at all. I've never been able to see why so many fans love her so much.

I don't think I'm sold on this! I agree the creative team looks great, but convince me the character is worth it!

I don't really get Donna either. It has nothing to do with her origin. I've just never really been able to relate to the character in any way. Considering she's near perfect, an established professional very early in her adult life and someone who married a 40-something college professor at the age of 19, I'd say there is very little I have in common with Ms Troy.

Her backstory's easy to figure out if you just prune away the unnecessary stuff. For the last 8 years or so, all you really needed to know is: she's Wonder Woman's younger sister.

[Sequel]

Originally posted by chap22
I can see why you wouldn't understand her origin. Hell, i'm a HUGE Donna fan, and I get a bit wonky on it from time to time. But i can tell you why fans of hers love her, and why she's worth it. Because when you throw out her confusing origin (which really is only necessary to tell an "origin story" anyway, why does everybody care so muchabout that?), what you're left with is a character who's a truly likeable person. Donna is strong, smart, sweet, friendly, a good listener; she was the rock, or the backbone, that the Titans in all their incarnations relied on when their personal lives got a bit too angsty to bear alone. Basically, she's the type of person that every single one of us looks for in a friend, but apparently very few of us are interested in reading about. Maybe I'm just the exception in that I don't want ALL my heroes to be overwhelmed by personal problems; sure, she should have some occasionally (after all, nobody's life is perfect), but having problems doesn't mean you have to also "have problems". Does that make any sense?

Anyway, ask cncoyle if I'm not making sense...his passion for Donna exceeds even mine and he can probably explain this better.

Actually, to chip in, Donna's resiliency and inner strength are a big part of the appeal. She was almost den mother to the Titans, yet never came off as overly bossy or a meddler. Lot of people would love to have a friend like that. Plus the Greek and Roman myths are fertile ground for ideas, and can be a lot of fun.

But yeah, the back story is a but much, and I think it's best not to dwell on it to much. For what it's worth, I'd bet Geoff Johns fixes in it in a couple years, as he did with Hawkman and Hal Jordan.

[cncoyle]

Originally posted by drew101
Is the real, root Donna a creation of the mystic on Themyscira to be young Diana's playmate or is the real, root Donna a creation of the Titans of Myth? Byrne's origin suggests the former, Jimenez/Perez/Wolfman suggest the latter. Maybe I am missing something. Anyone have the answer?

I think I do--Jimenez is saying it's BOTH.

• Donna Troy started off as Diana's magical clone (dammit, Byrne, WHY?!?)
• Donna is kidnapped by Dark Angel, who believes she's kidnapped Diana, to torment Hippolyta
• Dark Angel then sends Donna through multiple lifetimes, constantly suffering (somehow the crazy b!tch can do all this but can't check back on Hippolyta to see her suffering--nice catch, Byrne )
• The Donna Troy we all know and love today (Graduation Day NEVER happened! frickin' Superman robot ) is the latest of the multiple lives Dark Angel forced Donna through

So, the story of Donna's life begins with what we read in the classic "Who Is Donna Troy?" by Wolfman & Perez.

At least, that's how I'm reading PJ's interview.

[cncoyle]

One of the coolest things about Donna Troy, in my ever-so-humble opinion, is that she's the accessible version of Wonder Woman. While Diana is the perfect woman that lives above "Man's World" as a princess, an ambassador, a Justice League superhero--heck, a goddess, she's always seemed distant to the actual world she's trying to save. Don't get me wrong--I'm a big Diana fan, but she's nigh-consistently portrayed this way. (Messner-Loebs' run with her working at a taco stand notwithstanding.)

Donna, on the other hand, is the cool girl that everybody likes. She found a life in "Man's World", not above it. She got a day job as a fashion photographer, got her own apartment, fell in love with an everyday Wolfman-esque guy and started a family.

In my opinion, Donna Troy was also the heart and soul of the Teen Titans. Every team has that member (Martian Manhunter - JLA, Jay Garrick - JSA, Impulse - Young Justice, Kid Flash - current Teen Titans, Katana - old-school Outsiders, etc.) Unfortunately, some writers couldn't portray Donna as more than a mother figure to the other heroes, but she was so much more. She was actually their best friend. Check out some of the Wolfman Titans issues after Dick Grayson became Nightwing and Jason Todd was Robin. She was a best friend & confidante to Nightwing while being a big sister to Jason Todd. She was always the one offering support where it was needed, be it emotional strength or physical strength.

It's just sad that few writers beyond Wolfman or Jimenez "get" her potential.

Oh, and count me in as supporting a return to the Kyle & Donna relationship. They're both good people that deserve each other! (They're also both artsy-fartsy types, so it's a good fit.)

[Rod1Million]

Donna Troy is a character that has had the same problems as Hawkman, Green Lantern, and Power Girl ... she is a character that has needed streamlining in order to make her more accessable...when a character has a few different looks/ identities/ and origins, it makes can alienate an audience, so I am glad that Troia is basically being relaunced. However I think that the biggest problem with Troia is not the fault of John Byrne's origin( which was convoluted), but due to George Perez's relaunch of Wonder Woman! Having Wonder Woman retconned so that she appears for the first time after Crisis was a terrible move. It not only did it erase her time with the JLA, but it screwed up her relationship with Donna Troy... this caused more problems than it was worth. I think that if there is any thing to fix during the Infinite Crisis, it is the mess that is Wonder Woman and Troia's continuity....