GETTING THE BIRD: PALMIOTTI & GRAY TALK HAWKMAN

[MattBrady]

by Chris Partin

Starting this May, there are some new guys working on one of DC’s most popular titles - Hawkman. The duo of Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray (Monolith, 21Down) are teaming up with the art team of Ryan (Arkham Asylum: Living Hell) Sook & Mick (Promethea) Gray – with Greg (Sojourn) Land on covers come on board to put their own creative flavor on the winged warrior.

Newsarama had a chance to talk to Palmiotti and Gray about their upcoming run.

Newsarama: The question that seems to be on everyone's mind when it comes to you two, how did you two get the chance to write Hawkman?

Justin Gray: We sacrificed chickens to RA the Egyptian sun god…

Jimmy Palmiotti: Actually, it was just a phone call and we were on board.

JG: Stephen Wacker had been reading 21Down and called Jimmy to ask if we were interested in collaborating on a pitch for the Hawks. He suggested we try our hand at a three or four issue arc to see how we would handle the character and what type of mood and style we could give the book.

JP: We were totally flattered, and like I had told Geoff Johns a number of times, I was a big fan of his work, especially on Hawkman. I thank god we were offered a title that I actually read. It really is hell working on a character that is unfamiliar.

JG: Yea like Animal Vegetable and Mineral man…what’s his deal?

NRAMA: So how long are you two on board this series?

JP: I think initially, we have the hawks for about a year…maybe. The sales will dictate the relationship we build on the book. We are being realistic and treating every issue with as much tender loving care as we can.

JG: It’s already been great fun working on Hawkman. We’ve got five issues written and we’re plotting out a very large story arc one that will push Hawkman to his limits.

NRAMA: Geoff Johns has really done quiet a bit to bring the popularity of this character and this series up to all new levels. What do you two have in mind in order to keep up with that level?

JG: Following the guys that brought you 25 continuous ass-kicking issues of Hawkman is a big challenge. We know we can’t just walk in and try to imitate what Geoff has done; that wouldn’t be fair to the work he’s put forth or the fans of Hawkman. We can only build on the foundation Geoff created and hopefully add something of our own to the book along the way. We might take risks with the characters and story or open up a different side to them that you didn’t see before, but we’re not going to revamp, retool or give you a new Hawkman. Hawkman’s already been through the mill so many times it would be ludicrous to change anything….right away. Hawkfans…you can exhale now.

JP: I just think a different direction might be more appropriate, yet at the same time, we are going to be digging up some of the Hawks rogue gallery of bad guys here and there. This is going to be a lot of fun.

NRAMA: Is there any sort of pressure from DC or fans in order to keep things at a certain level coming in after Johns?

JP: yes, so much pressure …really. The fans are all diehards on this book and we really want to make them and the DC people happy, but that’s our problem to deal with.

JG: right - there’s no getting around the fact that Geoff and Robinson and Rags and Bair and Peter Tomasi and Stephen Wacker took a great character buried in a continuity quagmire and made him shiny and new. Those are some big shoes to fill by any standards so I’m somewhere between psyched and paranoid about the whole thing. As far as pressure from DC goes Dan Didio did his best Elvis impersonation and smacked me in the back of the head saying, “A little less conversation…a little more action!”

NRAMA: What kind of knowledge of the character and this current series do the two of you have coming into writing this book?

JP: I read Geoff’s run and a bunch of different takes on the character and own some of the old Joe Kubert books. With a character like this we need to acknowledge the history and try to build on it as well as create our own look and feel. Really, you cannot work on a title like this and not add your two cents worth. At this time, we have a lot we want to say about the characters, introduce a new one or two and move the relationships along the natural way they were set up for us.

JG: I’m not going to lie and say I’ve been following the entire history of Hawkman mainly because I was not alive at the time, but I knew the basics of the character and I’d been reading Geoff’s run. I know quite a bit about him now. The archeology and historical aspects of his character appeal to me. Having worked with the Museum of Natural History, The Smithsonian and participated in a dinosaur dig it should be pretty obvious that I have a strong interest in history and archeology.

NRAMA: In previous interviews the two of you have mentioned that one of you is the idea man and the other helps develop that idea. Is that true here, or have the two of you come into it with ideas pouring from both of you?

JG: That’s not entirely true. The interview you’re referring to involves the creation of the Monolith where the core idea was kicking around in Jimmy’s head for years and he asked me to help him expand on it. We both collaborate on ideas that are drawn from each other or separately depending on the situation. In the case of Hawkman, which is a work for hire gig, we discussed with Steve what he was looking for in a story, what sort of direction he thought the book might take to make it not only remain successful but possibly expand readership. We find it’s important that everyone working on a book is excited about it because that excitement translates into a better read.

JP: We are both like athletes waiting for the gun to sound. We got ideas we want to apply and are both excited to share them with each other and collaborate.

JG: Because we were asked to pitch a stand-alone story arc our focus was on making it compelling and consistent with the quality of the previous 27 issues. That being the case Jimmy and I sat down and said how can we make these four issues interesting to the current fan base and ourselves?

NRAMA: Support has always been an issue when it comes to new creative teams coming in after successful teams have left. What kind of support are you getting from DC?

JP: Our careers at DC have been blessed with having a great crew behind us with our every project. They support us so much that they keep giving us new exciting books to work on…and that’s the real support. When you make your living as a freelancer, that’s what you worry most about and DC has made it easy for us not to sweat those things and get on with our work. It is the perfect atmosphere for us.

For Hawkman, you’ll see press in Wizard, CBG, and the usual on line venues and press releases everywhere they can get them. Interviews like this are also set up by the DC people as well.

JG: I agree with Jimmy DC has been so supportive publicly and privately. It’s a pleasure working with professionals.

NRAMA: What about fans of the series? Have you been bombarded with emails and post on various message boards about the two of you coming on board?

JG: I hear the fans are great. They love the Hawkman and expect only the best for their character. I can respect that. Since the press release I’ve been making it a point to interact with the fans of Hawkman and including them in our joining the book. We’ll be available as much as we can but no one should expect spoilers.

JP: We’re on the online message boards at dccomics.com weekly. We answer the fans, yell with and at them and enjoy the feedback, Good or bad. We are going to make the fans happy…trust me.

NRAMA: Ryan Sook comes on board along with the two of you to provide art for the series. What can you say about Sook and his artistic approach to the series?

JG: When Steve said Ryan was onboard…what your reaction Jimmy?

JP: I think something like…no f#*king way!!!! I love that guy’s work! Are you pulling my leg? Holy sh*t, we won the artist lottery…and stuff like that. I thought he was playing with me.

JG: Ahem! I remember you wanted to skip rope like a little girl you were so happy. I love Ryan’s work too and I think Hawkfans are going to be very surprised and pleased with how he’s drawing Hawkman. I think it was a great idea not to try to imitate Rags’ style by bringing in a similar artist because the focus would be more on comparison than enjoyment.

NRAMA: How has it been for the two of you working with Sook overall and how close are you three working together?

JG: Steve won’t let us near Ryan…there’s a palpable sense of fear and corruption every time we are in his office. We did speak to Ryan recently and I hope Steve let’s us do it again sometime.

JP: Being a fan of Ryan’s work, the first time we actually spoke was on speaker phone and it reminded me of the scenes in Charlie’s angels where Charlie talks to the girls. LOL… Wait, that sounds just awful. I haven’t met Ryan, but he is nailing what we are writing and that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.

[cncoyle]

I might check this out. But more importantly, can they do something about Hawkgirl's outfit? It's just so blah. Now that I think of it, Swift has a blah outfit too. Is Dawnstar the only winged female character that has a catchy outfit?

[LunarDaydreamer]

After the sheer *brilliance* of The Monolith -once of the finest reads in the DCU since the incredible H.E.R.O #11 - there is no way on God's earth i'm passing this up.

For anyone who hasnt picked up the Monolith - then I absolutely implore you to do so. As stunning a first issue as i've ever read.

Enough for me to track down all the issues of 21 Down in fact!

Having Sook on board is an absolute treat in itself, as it must be for Palmiotti & Grey to be running with the ball after such a fantastic story as Black Reign.

Hoping this finds you all happy & well

[J.C. Bakken]

Joey Q is the Marvel guy and Jimmy P is the DC guy? Funny.
Still, the success seem to be on the P-side.
I might stay on Hawkman. Even after I get issue 25, which due to airline-faults and Diamond-buthcering, I won't get before next thursday!!! DAMN IT ALL!
Still a week away from the Hawkman-thread in Talk@.

[Truthseeker]

These guys never disapoint! Monolith is the most original comic I have read in alot of years. So I am stoked they are thaking on Hawkman!! Any samples of Sook's art yet?

[Caramuru]

DC did well in getting Ryan Sook and Mick Gray on board for the book. Hawkman is a lot about the visual appeal of the character. Can't work with an average artist. And I liked 21 Down and Monolith, so I'm happy with the new crew.

[kcekada]

I wasn't sure I was going to stay on board after Johns & Gang left, but I think the book will be in good hands.

Honestly, it's not like I loved Johns' run on Hawman, though there were some very good issues. I'll really miss the art of Rags & Bair--probably the best illustrated book at DC.

[Patrick_Wedge]

Originally posted by LunarDaydreamer
After the sheer *brilliance* of The Monolith -once of the finest reads in the DCU since the incredible H.E.R.O #11 - there is no way on God's earth i'm passing this up.

For anyone who hasnt picked up the Monolith - then I absolutely implore you to do so. As stunning a first issue as i've ever read.

Agreed. Monolith was a great book (and so was 21 Down and The Resistance). These two should take great care of the book. I am not a big fan of Hawkman, but if you can tell a good story, count me in.

Patrick

[Snakefish]

Sounds interesting.

I just hope they make good on the "pushing Hawkman to his limits" statement.

Not enough of that type of riveting story going on in comics today, IMO.

The art looks great to me as well.

As far as Hawkman's costume goes, I'd like to see a spin-off of the type he wore in issue #s 10-11, the full-bodied "snowsuit" thing that I think Rags M. designed.

[Fazhoul]

I was glad to hear that Ryan Sook was coming board. I've always been a fan of his work and I loved Arkham Asylum. I think that he'll be perfect for the book.

[Caramuru]

Originally posted by Snakefish
As far as Hawkman's costume goes, I'd like to see a spin-off of the type he wore in issue #s 10-11, the full-bodied "snowsuit" thing that I think Rags M. designed.

I thought those looked like the Thanagarian "Hawkworld" costumes.

[Ace]

Originally posted by Snakefish
Sounds interesting.

I just hope they make good on the "pushing Hawkman to his limits" statement.

Not enough of that type of riveting story going on in comics today, IMO.

Completely off topic, but Devin Grayson's doing that sort of thing with Nightwing right now, and it is certainly riveting.

As for Hawkman, I'll likely give it a shot. My natural reaction is to take Johns' departure as a chance to drop a book and some money (and increasingly, space, something that hardly concerned me six years back when I was a 16 year old living with my parents), but I'll at least give it a shot.

[mrhelm]

I read Monolith based mostly on the fact that I loved Palmiotti's run on Deadpool a few years back and Winslade's art is always gorgeous. I loved it.

I'm probably going to pick up Hawkman because these two are writing it. I liked Sook's artwork on several Buffy projects. I don't know if his style quite fits Hawkman, but it's certainly worth a try.

Personally, I'd like to see Steve Lieber's take on the new Hawkman. His art was the only good thing about the previous Hawk series.

-Nick

[Aquaboy]

Originally posted by Caramuru
I thought those looked like the Thanagarian "Hawkworld" costumes.

yep... i enjoyed the incorporation of the Thanagarian police uniform. speaking of costumes, how bout Hawkgirl's recent outfit adaption during Black Reign. She had her battle bra on.

[Bullwinkle]

I really don't get to comment as much as I used to anymore, but let me assure you that Gray & Palmiotti are an unbeatable writing team who always seem to win the "artist lottery"! I'm sold on Hawkman not only by them, but also by Ryan Sook on art - I've loved him since I found his work on The Spectre relaunch a while back. Beautiful stuff!

In regard to Gray & Palmiotti's previous work, I strongly recommend picking up the trade/s of 21 Down - not only is it one of the best series I've ever read, but if we get enough support then maybe we'll finally see the Volume 2 series that was originally expected to follow it up. The first Volume (issues 1-12) will leave you hungry for more (which I hope will come), but if you never try it then you'll never know AND none of us will get to see the rest of the series ....

While you're at it, check out The Resistance too! You guys probably have it in quarter-bins over there, which is an absolute steal - Americans have it way too easy to get the good stuff when other people fail to catch on. Read it and see what you think! Eight issues should only cost you about $2 ....

- Chris

P.S. Hi to J & J if you're lurking out there! I still need to track down a copy of Monlith #1, but I'll be getting it soon .... Cheers, fellas!

[hondo]

I absolutely love Hawkman and am thrilled to my toes what they have done with him.

I have not followed Palmiotti and Grey but cannot believe the overwhelming praise I am hearing here so I have to read their other stuff.

I thought Momolith really looked lame and easily passed up The Resistance and 21 Down as I am already behind on too much stuff but have to see what's so great now.

As far as Ryan Sook, I love this guy ! He was the major point in my purchasing The Spectre a couple of years ago. He will be great on this book.

Can't wait !!!

[Steve J.]

Originally posted by mrhelm

Personally, I'd like to see Steve Lieber's take on the new Hawkman. His art was the only good thing about the previous Hawk series.

-Nick

On the other hand, I spoke with Lieber at the 2001 Pittsburgh Con, and he said then that he wasn't happy with his Hawkman pencils. I seem to recall him saying that he wasn't the right artist for that title.

[Von Raven]

The Monolith was suprisingly good, deep stuff!

So, I'll definetly give the new team a chance!

[Fazhoul]

That preview art from Sook & gray looks very nice indeed.

[grphxkindaguy]

Originally posted by Ace
Completely off topic, but Devin Grayson's doing that sort of thing with Nightwing right now, and it is certainly riveting.

I disagree, it's been done before, and BETTER.

Its a blatant rip-off of the DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN saga by Frank Miller.

(Back when Frank actually wrote good material!)

[JimHughs4]

Originally posted by grphxkindaguy
I disagree, it's been done before, and BETTER.

Its a blatant rip-off of the DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN saga by Frank Miller.

(Back when Frank actually wrote good material!)

Actually, I'm quite enjoying Nightwing right now. I appreciate that we're actually seeing why superheros keep their identities secret. Nightwing's supporting cast is now paying the price for unknowingly harboring a superhero. I wouldn't call it a rip-off as much as "inspired by".

And some of us feel that Miller never stopped writing good material. Even if you don't like DK2, 300 was some pretty awesome work.

[blackandwhite]

yeah jimm,justin and sook. great creative team. make mine hawkman

[Steve Lieber]

Originally posted by Steve J.
On the other hand, I spoke with Lieber at the 2001 Pittsburgh Con, and he said then that he wasn't happy with his Hawkman pencils. I seem to recall him saying that he wasn't the right artist for that title.

It's true, but on reflection, I think it's because I sucked back then. In fact, it's probably fair to say that the only title I would have been right for would be something about a brain-dead artist with a palsy and cataracts. No working artist was ever as shitty as I was back then. I sometimes feel like I should track down every man, woman, and child who ever bought anything I drew and offer to redraw the entire comic for them, in person, while they wait. I could travel the country, sleeping in church driveways and public parks. Live by my wits, bumming change and swiping pies from window ledges.

Re: Hawkman, I'd love to take another crack at the character someday, particularly if I could ink it myself.

SL
--
http://www.stevelieber.com
http://mercurystudio.blogspot.com

[hondo]

Steve,

Your Hawkman very much reminded me of Kubert's. That's some high praise indeed ! I didn't even come close to thinking that about your Hawkwork. Have you improved ? Sure, but that work was not nearly so bad as you probably feel.

I, and many others, would love to see you on Hawkman again.