KEITH CHAMPAGNE ON HIS ATOM & FLASH FILL-INS

[MattBrady]

by Vaneta Rogers

It's hard to keep track of everything Keith Champagne's writing lately. From the action-packed mainstream mini-series Arena to the more tongue-in-cheek and off-the-beaten-path Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters, it's safe to say he's not limiting himself.

Champagne also has two one-issue stories coming up in DC Comics over the next couple months, beginning with this week's issue of The All-New Atom and including February's issue of The Flash, which will fill the gap between departing Flash writer Mark Waid and the next six-issue storyline by Tom Peyer.

Newsarama talked to Champagne about the two issues, found out more about his upcoming Green Lantern Corpse story, and discovered he's writing even more for DC in 2008.

Newsarama: What's up with you and the fill-in issues, Keith? You must be getting really good at these done-in-one stories, huh?

Keith Champagne: Well, it's hard to get branded as a fill-in writer unless I write a bunch of fill-ins, isn't it? It's all about climbing the ladder to the monthly work, showing I can handle whatever is thrown my way.

In all seriousness, though, I had a bit of time between finishing Arena but before the project I'm writing now was ready to go. So luckily, the fine folk at DC kept me busy with a few different things: Atom, Flash, and an issue of Action where I got to use a story I've had in the back of my mind since I was 17.

Done-in-one issues are a good exercise. You've only got a finite amount of pages to tell a complete story. I'm guilty in the past of running out of space and rushing my endings, so these issues have been an opportunity to work on my pacing and make sure the whole story has room to breathe – inside of 22 story pages.

NRAMA: Flash is kind of a hot topic right now, with the creative team change, so let's talk about that issue first. How did you get the gig on The Flash? Was this an idea you pitched, or a one-issue story that DC asked you to put together?

KC: Short story short, both. I spread the word via email that I was going to have a little time to kill and Joan Hilty contacted me a few days later looking for a Flash story. She didn't need a specific story, just whatever I might have in mind. I got up to speed (pun intended) on the current status quo of The Flash and pitched a few different ideas. Joan picked one and it was off to the races.

NRAMA: Married superheroes are also a hot topic right now, and with Wally West not only married but raising two superpowered kids, he's definitely had a big change in status over the last few years. How was it for you writing a married dad superhero? Do you think that's more of a challenge? Or is it something that you found to be refreshing?

KC: Well, being a father is a universal experience, whether you're a married dad superhero or a married dad superhero writer. So Wally's life is something that feels relatable to me, minus the superpowers.

I'll be honest: I wasn't really sold on the twins at first. Mark Waid is pretty much my favorite superhero writer – that guy can write anything well – but, left in my hands, I wasn't sure how I was going to deal with the kids until I got down in the trenches and had to.

Truthfully (another of my New Year's resolutions is not to lie in interviews), I wanted to write Wally, so I planned on grudgingly doing just enough with the twins so we know they're there, but still build the issue around The Flash. Then, something surprised me. I ended up really enjoying Jai and Iris. I found them adding a lot of life to the book, a lot of energy and humor, and they ended up taking a little more of the spotlight than I had originally intended.

NRAMA: Do you think Wally West as the title character in The Flash can support that situation long-term? In other words, can a superhero who is married with kids interest readers enough to continue that way permanently?

KC: I'm not smart enough to answer that question but, luckily, if Linda ever ends up in a coma, Wally can make a deal with Neron or Satanus to get rid of them all and start a new bachelor life.

NRAMA: Alright, let's leave that particular controversy behind and talk about this Flash story you wrote. What's it about?

KC: Here's my high-concept pitch: While Wally is busy taking a couple of job interviews, Linda takes the twins on a field trip to Metropolis. While she hangs around the Daily Planet gossiping with Lois Lane, the twins have a little homework assignment to fulfill. As a test of their powers and development, they're told to go out and steal Superman's cape.

Off his back.

NRAMA: Yikes!

KC: Kind of a basic premise but things quickly get more complicated all around.

NRAMA: So, it's safe to assume Superman's in the issue? And are there any other characters we'll see?

KC: Well, Superman and Lois are both in the book. There's also a supervillain to deal with. And a robotic Yeti. Plus, Iris finds a new use for her powers.

It's a jam-packed 22 pages! While I had the chance, I was going to bring back Barry Allen, too, but I couldn't fit it all into one issue.

NRAMA: It sounds like Flash has enough excitement with a couple mischievous kids to deal with. You mentioned being a "superhero writer dad." As a father, did you feel like you could identify with the Flash as he struggles with the issues of fatherhood?

KC: Absolutely! Like I said before, being a father is a universal experience. It's one thing to write about having kids. It's another to have kids (or in my case, kid) and use that life experience to enrich the writing. There's a lot of me in Wally's inner monologue in this issue, and hopefully the truth of my feelings about my son will translate into a richer story, especially for other parents out there who might find something they've also experienced and can relate to.

Not that the story is one giant Dr. Spock book; just that my son is a part of everything I do. Even if I'm not home, he's always on my mind, and the same goes for Wally and his kids.

NRAMA: How's it been working with the artist on this issue?

KC: The penciller is Koi Turnbull. I'm not sure who is inking. I've yet to see more than the first few pages of art, I'm expecting a PDF to proof this week, but I'm sure Koi brought all the dynamic energy he seems to bring to everything he draws.

In a bit of trivia, I think I inked Koi's first work, a What If? issue for Marvel about ten years ago. Based on the first few pages I saw, he's come a long way since then.

NRAMA: OK, let's shift gears to talk about your issue of The All-New Atom. How did this gig come about and how did you come up with the idea?

KC: Well, for me it was primarily a chance to work with Mike Siglain again after doing Arena together. And the Atom is one of those characters that I just think is really cool, full of ridiculous potential. To me, the Atom is the guy who has a fistfight with the Ebola Virus. He saves us from all kinds of threats that are so small, we don't even know we're in danger.

Anyway, when Mike took over editing the book, he mentioned to me in San Diego that he might need some material to smooth out the schedule. I was camping out in his office one afternoon a month or so later, threw an idea at him, and he said, "Go! Do that!"

So I did.

NRAMA: Tell us about the story.

KC: Well, The Atom springs into action to rescue a group of college students, and along with Panda, gets trapped underground when an old mine outside of Ivy that they're exploring caves in. This being Ivy Town, there's more to things than meets the eye.

NRAMA: Man, that Ivy Town is totally whacked out. I wouldn't want to live there. Would you?

KC: Nope. No way in hell.

NRAMA: [laughs] This comic has been pretty whacky overall. How was it approaching the title after it's been established as such a wild ride? Was this a little different for you?

KC: Not so much. My everyday life resembles a typical day in Ivy Town, so it was mostly a case of write what you know.

I kind of adjusted the tone of my issue a bit to suit my own individual tastes. I'm hoping it has a creepier vibe, strange in a surreal way but not as schticky as the book sometimes gets, yet still in keeping with the overall flavor of what's been established. Ryan and Panda play off each other pretty well; they're fun to write.

NRAMA: You get to work with Jerry Ordway on this issue. How's that been?

KC: I can't say enough good things about Jerry Ordway, and I'm not just saying that to sell a comic. He really makes it look effortless but, through emailing, I got little glimpses into his working process and how he struggles just like everybody else to solve storytelling problems and bring the book to life on the page. What he drew is so far beyond what I visualized, yet he's human, too. I found that reassuring in a strange way.

Plus, I inked half the issue so I'll get back a few pages of original Ordway art. What a racket! Sure, they've got my inks on them but it's still Jerry, dammit!

I've had ridiculous amounts of luck with the artists I've gotten to work with. Jerry's one of the guys whose work I admire the most. He also seems like just as nice a guy as he is talented an artist. As far as I'm concerned, if I only got to work with Jerry Ordway for the rest of my career, I'd be lucky. I wouldn't wish that on him, though. He should be writing stuff for himself to draw!

NRAMA: Anything else you have coming up that you want to plug real quick?

KC: If you wouldn't mind, please keep an eye out for the Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters, returning to comic shops everywhere in the month of January. I'm really excited for the world to see the great artwork of Tom Nguyen. I know he's been frustrated for a long time at being more or less 'typecast' as an inker (something I can definitely relate to), and the full interiors that he's doing are definitely going to open people's eyes.

For my DC work, I'm currently writing a prestige-format series but it's probably too early to reveal exactly what it is right now. If anyone wants to play detective or speculate, on my desk for reference is Batman: Year One, The Man Who Laughs, and The Killing Joke.

My old chum [Peter] Tomasi and I are co-writing a non-continuity, creator-owned superhero title, also for DC, with art by Peter Snejberg. It's monthly, so we've got a lot of lead time built into the schedule to give Mr. Snejberg a chance to stay ahead on deadlines. It's probably safe to look for it in the second half of ‘08 and I expect it to be a mighty good comic.

NRAMA: With Green Lantern such a hot topic right now, we have to ask – you invented the concept of The Corpse, the covert team of Green Lanterns, when you wrote an arc in Green Lantern Corps. The reaction to that was pretty positive, and fans have been asking about when we'll see them next. They've been confirmed as still existing in last week's Secret Files issue, so do you have any idea where we might see them show up? And will you be involved?

KC: Those are all questions you should direct to [Green Lantern editor] Eddie Berganza. From my understanding, it's a matter of finding a place for the story to fit in the Green Lantern schedule. My other New Year's resolution is to get it out there in '08.

I've written five of the six issues for the Corpse follow up and there's a storyline reason why we haven't seen the group since their GLC introduction. They're literally locked up tight until this series sees the light of day. Lucky for Sinestro, they would have kicked his ass or died trying.

NRAMA: Last question, then, what do you hope readers take away from these issues and why should they give them a chance?

KC: I hope they take away some well-crafted stories starring a couple of DC's best characters. Give 'em a chance, you'll walk away happy.

[ykw2006]

Man does great work with his little quick-hit single issues and short-defined-run arcs; here's hoping we get a chance to see him stake out a regular book and grow that much more as a writer (is that another resolution?) in '08.

Oh, and continue to ink whatever books Palmiotti isn't doing.

[K-DoG7p7]

more Corpse ? more Corpse ? anyone got Eddie Berganza's phone number?

[vbartilucci]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

KC: Well, The Atom springs into action to rescue a group of college students, and along with Panda, gets trapped underground when an old mine outside of Ivy that they're exploring caves in. This being Ivy Town, there's more to things than meets the eye.

Um, need I mention that Ray Palmer got his start as the Atom when he gets trapped with a bunch of students in a cave they're exploring? Connection?

[Thephanboy]

man im so glad and look forward to readin his flash issue. im just not into mark waid current run right now. not sure what it is but it just doesnt feel right like his first run on the book. hope the next writer breaths some life into it.

[caats19]

that flash issues actually sounds entertaining. i still hate the family thing tho

[berkovw]

I've been out it the past couple of weeks, so maybe I missed it, but it's news to me that Mark Waid is leaving Flash. When was this announced? I tried to search for "Mark Waid" on Newsarama, but kept getting a fatal error message.

[dadthedude]

Gotta tell you that this was a disappointing interview, Ms. Rogers. Lois and Clark have a super-powered foster child of their own (Chris), and you don't think to ask Keith if maybe, just maybe, Linda and Lois were perhaps trading war stories about what it was like? After all, how many other pre-teen super powered kids with non-super powered parents are there in the DCU?

[God-Man]

KC: Here's my high-concept pitch: While Wally is busy taking a couple of job interviews, Linda takes the twins on a field trip to Metropolis. While she hangs around the Daily Planet gossiping with Lois Lane, the twins have a little homework assignment to fulfill. As a test of their powers and development, they're told to go out and steal Superman's cape.

Sold! I'm buying this.

[alaska1125]

Originally Posted by berkovw

I've been out it the past couple of weeks, so maybe I missed it, but it's news to me that Mark Waid is leaving Flash. When was this announced? I tried to search for "Mark Waid" on Newsarama, but kept getting a fatal error message.

Holy cow! This is news to me as well. What happened???

[God-Man]

Originally Posted by berkovw

I've been out it the past couple of weeks, so maybe I missed it, but it's news to me that Mark Waid is leaving Flash. When was this announced? I tried to search for "Mark Waid" on Newsarama, but kept getting a fatal error message.

http://comicbookresources.com/news/n...m.cgi?id=12652

[rwe1138]

I was gonna wait on picking up Flash until Tom Peyer's run started, but I think I'll get Keith's issue as well. Nothing like some good Champagne to tide one over.

[Lanternut]

I really enjoy Keith's work and his run GLC is still my favorite!

[ElijahSnowFan]

i would pick up a series written by Keith Champagne -- as always, with the caveat being that i don't despise the character/characters -- because i do think he is a talented writer.

he really needs a book -- i think he could do well with any number of characters, and i wish him luck.

[Kevenn]

I always enjoy the All-New Atom. I'm looking forward to this next new issue.

[Mundungus]

Champagne is definitely one of those writers you want to keep an eye on. His Corpse storyline fired on all cylinders and was a blast to read, and even though I haven't been involved with some of his recent work (just a lack of interest in Countdown stuff), I've been hearing positive things.

So I'll do it my best to check this stuff out.

[whitemarkd]

Always happy to see Jerry Ordway get some love - the man is a god. (Though luckily for him, not a New God!)

[caats19]

i'm weary though cuz WW3 wuz utter crap

[Gordon Lee]

It's sad he's only doing a few fill-in's - he needs a regular assignment!

[BelaKarloff]

If DC can't find regular work for him, Marvel shoudl snatch Champagne away. Pretty much evertyhing he's written so far has been great. He's gonna be a superstar I think.

[transmetro]

Originally Posted by berkovw

I've been out it the past couple of weeks, so maybe I missed it, but it's news to me that Mark Waid is leaving Flash. When was this announced? I tried to search for "Mark Waid" on Newsarama, but kept getting a fatal error message.

Best news I've heard all year. Seriously, his current Flash arc is absolutely terrible. I love what he's doing with brave and the bold, but his Flash sucks.

[Caronte]

How's it to be a fill-in write???

I believe that having a "due date" in the sense that you are given certain amount of pages and that's where your story ends gives you an edge. I like his fill-in stories and will possibly buy the Flash one.

But more as a question to anyone here: Do you make great short stories to get noticed and finally get your own "long term story" book, or do you keep doing short stories because you're good with them?

The job with which you feel better doing, and what people want to pay you to do are almost always 2 different things. But then, when do you get to do what you like and evolve as a writer?

Tricky but worth the trip if you're good.

[Kolimar]

Good to see him doing well. I always look forward to reading his stories. Good luck, Keith.

[FireLight]

One-n-dones are not bad things. It was only 30 years ago when any 'extended' storyline only lasted three issues or so (well before decompression was ever uttered).

I think the best use currently of this is All Star Superman - where you have all one-n-dones within a larger tapestry ... serialized sub-plots and character development ... but all the front-n-center conflicts resolved in one issue. That is worth gold to me - because it means EACH issue is worth the price of admission (not a first of six chapters were we only meet the protagonist on the last page).

Keith would be great on a book like TAN Atom where each issue is one-n-done as exploration of Ivy Town and the freakyness that ensues.

As for his writing itself - I liked Arena and thought it was good popcorn comicery - and I loved the GL Corpse. The WWIII - like Arena - was editorially mandated to some degree and was not necessarily his best stuff -but before that he had a Legion of Superheroes fill-in (before the current Waid reboot) that I liked a lot, too.

And Flash would deal with NERON if there was to be any dealing done on wives and children - oh - wait - he did that already.

[Kolimar]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

NRAMA: Do you think Wally West as the title character in The Flash can support that situation long-term? In other words, can a superhero who is married with kids interest readers enough to continue that way permanently?

KC: I'm not smart enough to answer that question but, luckily, if Linda ever ends up in a coma, Wally can make a deal with Neron or Satanus to get rid of them all and start a new bachelor life.

Heheheh