JIMMY, JUSTIN, AND JONAH

[MattBrady]

by Alex Segura

Amidst the hoopla surrounding DC's Infinite Crisis and its various spinoffs, spin overs, and prequels, the publisher launched a new title with a protagonist that is as far from capes and cowls as you can imagine: the wild west stories of mercenary Jonah Hex. Pairing the writing team of Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray with artist Luke Ross, the series will focus on Hex's travels and the troubles that seem to follow him wherever he goes. We spoke with the team shortly after the series was announced, and now that the first issue has hit, we caught up with Jimmy and Justin for more of the lowdown on the scarred and honorable mercenary.

Newsarama: Starting off guys, what was it about Jonah Hex that jumped out at you? Was this a character you were pitching, or was it a situation where Dan DiDio or DC came to you and said "work something up for him"?

Jimmy Palmiotti: Hex was a character I have always loved since I was a kid buying comics, so I would, on a regular basis, check with the folks at DC to see where the character was at and if they would be interested in a pitch for a new series. With us, it was the right time and place and we got a shot at showing them what we could do with the character. We got lucky that Dan Didio was also a big fan of the character and wanted him brought back as well. The icing on the cake was them picking Stephen Wacker as the editor. He understood the character and had a vision of where to take him.

Justin Gray: Jimmy called me at home and said, "Jonah Hex?" I said, "Scarred bounty hunter in the old west, the kinds of brutal, personal, humanistic, violent, bloody, questionable morality tales you can't do in a superhero book? I'm in!"

NRAMA: Was there some trepidation about doing a monthly western comic in such an unstable market? What is it about this book that will help it last?

JP: Man, I don't know if I would like this job if all I would do is jockey for the best selling titles and write those and those only. Justin and I understand that while its fun to have the best-selling and most popular, there is a freedom found in the characters and titles that allow the talent to express themselves in diverse ways and tell different types of stories that could, in no way, be done in the top 20 books. Hawkman is our mainstream book and the amount of continuity and back-story this character brought with him can be, at times, stifling. I thank God for Justin's super library-like brain in making that run work, but when you get a character like Hex, or for that matter Misty Knight and Colleen Wing…well, what came before isn't as important as who the characters are, and that's when you can really dig in and enjoy yourself. It's just different. Don't get me wrong - both are totally fun to do, and we welcome the challenges an established character brings, but the genre books hold something special in my heart as well.

NRAMA: Luke Ross -- what made him the best choice to handle the art chores?

JP: Take one look at his work and you get it. People who never read a western comic are drawn to the art and that's what makes it work for me. Too rough and too dark alienate the audience right away. We needed someone who could draw their asses off and understand that everyone looks different. Ssomething that always helps the storytelling. Add Jason Keith to the mix and I think we have the perfect team on the book. Both these guys are brilliant storytellers.

JG: Both Luke and Jason are tremendously talented and well suited to the genre.

NRAMA: What kind of interpretation were you and the editor looking for when the artist search began?

JP: Someone that could commit to the series, and understood how to draw this genre. I can't tell you how many people told us they want to draw the book, but not horses. How insane is that? You can’t draw Jonah Hex and not draw horses. I’m sorry that horses are hard to draw, but it can’t work without ‘em.

NRAMA: Who is Jonah Hex, for the uninitiated? How will he be portrayed in this current series?

JP: I say pick up issue one, out now, and you will have that answer in 22 glorious pages.

JG: I’ll say a little more than my partner - Jonah Hex is a bounty hunter in the American West during the 1800's. That's all you need to know about him. As to his portrayal, we're writing him as faithfully to his roots as possible while making him accessible to long time fans and people that have never heard of or picked up a Jonah Hex comic.

NRAMA: In the first issue, we see Jonah basically walk into his first case. Will that be the format for the series, or will there be some recurring/supporting cast members as the book goes on?

JP: The one staple to the book is the main character and his life. People come in and out of his life and Hex is not a homebody. He goes where the bounties take him. There will be some people coming back and reoccurring characters, but not many in the first year of the book.

JG: What makes Jonah Hex unique is the ability to tell different kinds of stories from different perspectives. I know there are some people that would like to see this book filled with guest appearances. There are great DCU heroes from the old west, but the idea is to focus on Hex as the driving force behind the book. Too many guest appearances and you start treading into familiar superhero territory and run the risk of turning Hex into the old west version of JSA or Titans. That said there will be random guest appearances like Bat Lash in issue #3.

NRAMA: How does writing a period book like Jonah Hex differ from something that's closer to classic superhero-ing, like Hawkman? Less restrictions with Jonah, more? Can they be compared?

JP: Yes to the last one. Hawkman and Jonah are apples and oranges. With Hex we have American history. With Hawkman we have a history in print. With Hex, we research historic events, language and mannerisms. With Hawkman, we read other comic books. They are both fun to research, but completely different roads to go down.

JG: As Jimmy said, they are completely different books in nearly every respect. Hex is infinitely more difficult to write for a number of reasons. Hex is grounded not only in reality but also American history. Hex is told in single-issue stories for the next six months at least.

NRAMA: That said, tease us a bit. What can the readers look forward to seeing during the first six months of the series?

JP: Basically, we define who Jonah is, what his values are and what the feel of the ongoing series will be like.

JG: Because each issue is self-contained we have to boil the stories down to their purest form. If you're a true western fan of films, both domestic and international you'll see the influences in the storytelling and we will be trying to put a spin on classic themes.

NRAMA: What other projects are you working on? Anything coming up you'd like to talk about?

JP:: We have a new series coming from DC that has Amanda Conner doing the art. And we have an established book that we started a while back that's going to hit this summer. We can’t tell you a thing about either, that's the nature of this business. For Marvel, we have Daughters of the Dragon, a Punisher one-shot that will be announced, and another series with their biggest character. For other publishers, we have Neptune coming from Narwain, and I am finishing off the Painkiller Jane miniseries for Dynamite Entertainment. For more info, check the message boards at Paperfilms.com and the DC message boards as well.

NRAMA: Any last words on Hex? Why should someone on the fence check the book out?

JP: It's a solid western with beautiful art that has gotten rave reviews…does that help? Pick it up and get in on the fun.

[The Marvel]

The first issue was great. I can't wait for the next, and I'll be with this series for the duration.

Go check it out.

[Jason Seaver]

Originally posted by MattBrady
JP:: We have a new series coming from DC that has Amanda Conner doing the art.

!

I say again, !

And, on-topic, that first issue was great stuff.

[batlash]

I've always loved the character of Jonah Hex. I tracked down a goodly number of his early comics years ago (love Tony DeZuniga's art on the series) and even appreciate the Joe R. Lansdale (his ownself) and Tim Truman take on the character. I'm thrilled to see Jonah back and hope enough readers will saddle up to keep this series going for a while.

[erix138]

I enjoyed this first issue - - I hope it has success. What with the "Loveless" Western Comic from Vertigo, looks like DC is seeing whether Western Genre comics can make it in the year 2005?

I would appreciate seeing something in the tale that explains the Jonah Hex name - - it's a pretty goofy name, pairing "Jonah" (as in bad luck) and "Hex" (as in extra bad luck) together.

- - - - - -

http://www.eewcomics.com

[O.J. Flow]

A big thing for me, aside from the stellar production of issue #1, was that they got things rolling with a quality stand-alone story. The more they do that, the longer I'm gonna stick with this title. So far, so good!

[hondo]

Originally posted by erix138
I enjoyed this first issue - - I hope it has success. What with the "Loveless" Western Comic from Vertigo, looks like DC is seeing whether Western Genre comics can make it in the year 2005?

I would appreciate seeing something in the tale that explains the Jonah Hex name - - it's a pretty goofy name, pairing "Jonah" (as in bad luck) and "Hex" (as in extra bad luck) together.

- - - - - -

http://www.eewcomics.com

I never thought about bad luck and worse luck with the names.

The character is classic in a way that few are. Every incarnation, yes even the "Mad Max" future version, has been really cool. That speaks volumes about the character and how classic he is when he holds up well even in bizarre situations like an apocalyptic future.

This series just continues a string of great series and hopefully it will last a long time. I still haven't gotten around to diving into my Showcase b&w reprints but am looking forward to it.

Long Live Hex !

[HG_studios]

Originally posted by O.J. Flow
A big thing for me, aside from the stellar production of issue #1, was that they got things rolling with a quality stand-alone story. The more they do that, the longer I'm gonna stick with this title. So far, so good!

I agree. It's rare to find good self-contained stories out there nowadays and Palmiotti, Gray, Ross, and co. have done an excellent job with Jonah Hex! Keep up the good work guys, looking forward to a lengthy future for Jonah

[BlackDog]

This book was an excellent read, entertaining, beautiful to look at, and very timeless and unique now days.

I recommend it. I could say that issue #1 was flawless and it's a great book for the fans that don't know much about Jonah Hex. And for those that know him well, the book is priceless and a must have imo.

[CitC]

Sgt. Rock and J.Hex were responsible for my jump from Archie and Richie Rich to the DC and Marvel world of comics. Its great to see them both back.

check out my all ages comic site at comicsintheclassroom.net

[kingofcities]

This book was such a blast to read.

Justin and Jimmy, if you're reading, do not ever let Luke Ross go.

Seriously.

EVER.

[grphxkindaguy]

I also really loved issue #1 and the fact that Jonah Hex has returned (to comics)!!!

...that was until I read something on a previous JH thread here on the 'Rama. Several posters stated the first issue of this new volume is VERY similar to the #1 of the original, old 70's Jonah Hex title.

I didn't want to believe it.

I fished out my old JH #1 from my long boxes and read it. Unfortunately, I'd say 70-80% of this comic is mostly the same (some few minor alterations) as the current #1 issue.

Are future issues going to be "remakes" of old JH stories?!?

Gray & Palmiotti, what do you guys have to say for yourselves? Why are these comics basically the same?!?

[violentmarv]

As a western fan I'm thrilled to see DC doing two great new series Jonah Hex and Loveless. Both first issues were great and I just read a preview copy of Loveless #2 and it's pretty damn good and I love the name Jonah Hex!

[victor lanza]

This is a great series. Not just for western fans.

Here's hoping DC releases another volume of Showcase presents Jonah Hex featuring more classic stories from the 1970s!!!

[Erikcrusade]

It's good too hear they'll be establishing their take on the character through stand alone stories in the first six issues. It makes it so much easier to suggest that they pick this up, especially with a character such as this. Absoultely loved the first issue and Luke Ross's pencils are astounding. The character's are drawn so realistically, it's almost like not reading a traditonal comic book. Easily and already one of my new favorite books after just one issue.

[hondo]

Originally posted by victor lanza
This is a great series. Not just for western fans.

Here's hoping DC releases another volume of Showcase presents Jonah Hex featuring more classic stories from the 1970s!!!

I totally agree.

The bit about the current #1 being so similar to the previous # 1 is disturbing tho.

[redragon]

I agree with all the positive comments on the 1st issue. Hopefully it is a sign of things to come.

The b&w reprints also made a nice little stash of Jonah stuff for the month. Be nice if they do a small color format reprint like Sgt Rock and Swamp thing. First time I ever read Jonah was in a "blue ribbon special digest" format, garcia lopez on art, and the character looked and read great. His character is a fairly tight concept, combining alot of stereotypical cowboy imagery from the last 50-60 years.

...yet Ross brings the classic comic book image to life as well as gives his own fresh visualization of Jonah. Loved the ground shot, looking up a Jonah holding the axe.

In a positive sense, some scenes seem to almost come out of a romance novel, or a typical cowboy novel, and then WHAM! psycho-killer with a sense of cowboy justice shows up and the story is off and running. Although the present writers are also helping to give a moody atmosphere to the proceedings & characterization as well.

Be nice if the Starman's cowboy relative makes an appearance. ...nothing blatant, just a subtle inference.

enjoy!

[Bienvenu]

Good story, but was anyone else put off by Jonah being visually based on Clint Eastwood?

I found it to be extremely distracting.

[grphxkindaguy]

Originally posted by hondo
The bit about the current #1 being so similar to the previous # 1 is disturbing tho.

Borrow a friend's copy of the old JH #1, and you can see for yourself.

here are the similarities between the two stories:

1) A desperate father hires Jonah to search for his kidnapped son.

2) instead of dogs, the kids fought each other.

3) the kid Jonah was hunting for also had his hair dyed and had a unique scar on his body. The kid also died from injuries inflicted in a fight.

4) Jonah indirectly kills the guy running the fights (fall off a cliff/thrown to the dogs)

5) Jonah returns body of said boy at the end, but rides away w/o taking the reward.

I'm more disappointed then pissed, about all this...

[hondo]

I have heard that before about it being very similar.

Much as I liked this issue, I feel kind of ripped off.

An explanation would be nice.

[grphxkindaguy]

Originally posted by Bienvenu
Good story, but was anyone else put off by Jonah being visually based on Clint Eastwood?

I found it to be extremely distracting.

Welcome to the 'Rama!

FYI the character of Jonah Hex was originally inspired by the Eastwood "character w/no name" from the classic spaghetti westerns.

Gray & Palmiotti didn't forget where JH came from!

[TheRay]

I really enjoyed issue #1. Solid stand-alone story... and Luke's art was beautiful.

That said, to hear from other posters that the story was taken from an older Jonah Hex story is a slight bit... (and I hate to say it)... dissapointing. Hopefully this was a one-time thing and we'll be treated to more original stories in the months to come.

[Erikcrusade]

Originally posted by TheRay
I really enjoyed issue #1. Solid stand-alone story... and Luke's art was beautiful.

That said, to hear from other posters that the story was taken from an older Jonah Hex story is a slight bit... (and I hate to say it)... dissapointing. Hopefully this was a one-time thing and we'll be treated to more original stories in the months to come.

Having now read the original story, while it is assuredly a nod to the original story, it's told in the creators own way. I'm not sure where all the dissapointment is coming from. I think it's an admission from the creators of their respect for the property.

There's really not many original stories left to tell in the world. I think it's nice that this story is a nod to the original.

[sloria13]

First issue was rock solid!

[holtom2000]

I enjoy the Jonah Hex who is more wordly than those around him.
I thought he was perfect in the JLU episode, letting them know he knows about Time Travel.
Also loved him in the old JLofA issues, and DC Digest!