WORLD BALLOON: MIKE GRELL

**MattBrady** · 03-03-2008, 06:15 AM

In this episode of the Word Balloon podcast, host John Siuntres presents a career spanning conversation with one of the great stars of the Bronze age, who still draws amazing work today, Mike Grell.

Grell's work goes back to the 1970's on titles like the Legion of Super-Heroes and Batman, but you have to include his own creations like The Warlord and his revamp of DC's Green Arrow which began with The Longbow Hunters in 1986, and continued in the Archer's first successful monthly run.

Grell went to Pacific and later First Comics creating works like Starslayer and Jon Sable, Freelance. Grell is midway through a new Sable story, Ashes Of Eden which will eventually be collected as a trade, but is being presented for free at www.comicmix.com. In the interview Grell discusses how his own military intelligence background which informed the 1980's stories of Sable, and his future work with the character.

In looking towards the future, Grell has another story in the works with Mark Ryan called The Pilgrim. The story is a modern supernatural thriller, based in part on factual accounts of the British Government study of the occult to combat the Nazis during World War 2. "Mark crafted the story, and frankly it gives me the willies."

Other future projects for Grell may include a return to his character Travis Morgan, The Warlord."I'm working on a DC proposal for a new Warlord story... we'll see."

His also has two novels in the works, one featuring Sable, the other entitled Savage Empire, which is sword and sandals epic based on an original comic strip idea of Grell's, about an archaeologist who time travels back to Atlantis.

Click here for the episode.

Force Commander · 03-03-2008, 07:59 AM

I'll have to listen to this when I have more time. I really look forward to it. Grell's LSH was a real favorite of mine!

Chris Noeth · 03-03-2008, 08:27 AM

Mike did some incredible Bluewater covers the last months too.

Best,

Chris

coldwarmyth · 03-03-2008, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattBrady

In this episode of the Word Balloon podcast, host John Siuntres presents a career spanning conversation with one of the great stars of the Bronze age, who still draws amazing work today, Mike Grell.

In looking towards the future, Grell has another story in the works with Mark Ryan called The Pilgrim. The story is a modern supernatural thriller, based in part on factual accounts of the British Government study of the occult to combat the Nazis during World War 2. "Mark crafted the story, and frankly it gives me the willies."

Other future projects for Grell may include a return to his character Travis Morgan, The Warlord."I'm working on a DC proposal for a new Warlord story... we'll see."

His also has two novels in the works, one featuring Sable, the other entitled Savage Empire, which is sword and sandals epic based on an original comic strip idea of Grell's, about an archaeologist who time travels back to Atlantis.

Click here for the episode.

I'll have to listen when time permits also, probably after midterms next week, but I'd LOVE to see Mike do more with Warlord. That is some amazing news. Outside of him returning to Green Arrow, Warlord was the character of Mike's that most interests me. And this would bring me back as far as buying monthly issues.

The Pilgrim sounds interesting too, particularly if Mike illustrates it.

Will post again after I listen.

Reminds me, contact Mike about a commission.

swanstand · 03-03-2008, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattBrady

Other future projects for Grell may include a return to his character Travis Morgan, The Warlord."I'm working on a DC proposal for a new Warlord story... we'll see."

I'd be surprised if DC went for this so soon after the Bruce Jones disaster...but if they did give it a green light, that book would be at the top of my pull list (sight unseen even!)

Time to start the prayer circle I guess.

nyhardcore · 03-03-2008, 12:37 PM

Grell's Green Arrow was untouchable. His 80 issue run on the monthly series stands as probably my favorite hero run ever. I'm reminded how good it was every month when I read Winnick's work.

Reaper · 03-03-2008, 01:42 PM

I will buy ANY comic that Mike Grell draws. For me my love of his work started with his run on Green Lantern/Green Arrow in the 70's and I've been a fan ever since.

DC: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE give us more Grell Warlord.

-Tim

RonCat · 03-03-2008, 01:58 PM

Here's hoping Mike Grell reads this...

Mike,
You're responsible for most of the original run of Warlord.

DC said it didn't want to collect your series in trades because they didn't want to confuse readers (durring the newest series). *A realy stupid argument!

I've spoken with the company that made the comics on dvd-rom for Marvel and one of their guys says he knows you.

Maybe you can convince DC to have Warlord collected in this format???

C'mon... This is some of your best stuff and I for one, would love to be able to re-read this series.

Ron

Rons Comic World
Mount Holly, NJ

vfxdammerung · 03-03-2008, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyhardcore

Grell's Green Arrow was untouchable. His 80 issue run on the monthly series stands as probably my favorite hero run ever.

Quoted for the truth. There's never been any single superhero comic book run that's been better than when Grell was pulling double duty (and later with excellent artists as well) on the firs Green Arrow series. The only serious contender would be Bendis and Maleev on Daredevil. But seriously, DC needs to collect the entire first series of Green Arrow on trades, ASAP.

K-DoG7p7 · 03-03-2008, 03:24 PM

I would LOOOOOOOVE to see Grell do a Green Arrow story now, especially now that Ollie has a huge family surrounding him..

Hawkangel · 03-03-2008, 04:36 PM

Does it mention if he's ever gonna do another run on Warlord?

dr.no · 03-03-2008, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkangel

Does it mention if he's ever gonna do another run on Warlord?

Pssst!

Quote:

Other future projects for Grell may include a return to his character Travis Morgan, The Warlord."I'm working on a DC proposal for a new Warlord story... we'll see."

This was a mighty interesting interview btw. Kudos for John 'boywonder'Siuntress.

biffordmichael · 03-03-2008, 07:28 PM

I'd kill for a few Showcase Presents: Warlord volumes...those were great. One of the first artists I could easily ID (as a lad) was Grell. His Green Arrow/Black Canary and Green Lantern/Green Arrow work as well as his AMAZING Legion Of Super-Heroes stuff were my early faves. I even had a bright yellow long sleeve Green Lantern/Green Arrow t-shirt he drew that I proudly wore dispite NOBODY in my class knowing who the hell the characters wore!

It was Grell who I followed out of mainstream waters for the first time when he did series at Pacific and First (Starslayer and THE OH SO AMAZING Jon Sable, Freelance) He's been a part of my comic reading since I started and I'd love to see him back in at DC/Marvel (doing more than cool incentive covers)

Biff

nighwing2001 · 03-03-2008, 11:52 PM

I just hope that whatever happens with a new Warlord book that they can somehow explain what the hell that was we previously saw.

The6th · 03-04-2008, 01:23 AM

Man, this one looks great!!! Can't wait to hear it.

Mike Grell's work on Green Arrow is one of my favorite periods for the character.

Also, to John, if he's out there going through the 'Rama, I just wanted to congratulate you and tell you what a great show you have!! I'm a big fan as well as one of millions who really envy you for having the chance to have this great conversations with some of comics' finest creators.

wordballoon · 03-04-2008, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The6th

Man, this one looks great!!! Can't wait to hear it.

Mike Grell's work on Green Arrow is one of my favorite periods for the character.

Also, to John, if he's out there going through the 'Rama, I just wanted to congratulate you and tell you what a great show you have!! I'm a big fan as well as one of millions who really envy you for having the chance to have this great conversations with some of comics' finest creators.

thanks, just livin the dream....

SledgeHammer · 03-04-2008, 06:08 AM

Yep, Grell wrote the best Green Arrow run ever, it truly was magnificent stuff. And to think he also did the brilliant Warlord, and Jon Sable: Freelance. Plus a stellar run on Legion Of Super-Heroes and a bunch of other interesting runs and titles along the way, including some cool indie stuff. Damn, he's been away from the game for far too long, and it truly saddens me to see hacks like Bruce Jones (whose Warlord was not just an embarrassment, but an insult!) on contract at DC, while guys like Grell are left out to pasture.

I would so love to see Grell back on Green Arrow, or writing more Warlord, or hell, pretty much writing anything at DC, and if they're smart enough to give him the chance to do so then they've got my money guaranteed. Here's hoping.

Plantagenet · 03-04-2008, 06:24 AM

DC, please release TPBs of his Green Arrow run!

Batitude · 03-04-2008, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K-DoG7p7

I would LOOOOOOOVE to see Grell do a Green Arrow story now, especially now that Ollie has a huge family surrounding him..

I loved mike's run for the time and still really appreciate it now but it was very much a product of the time. Were he to take Arrow over again I couldn't see DC allowing him to extract the characters from the DCU again.

I actually just re-read his entire run and it was really amazing to me how MUCH he had Ollie kill! I guess I was desensitized when reading it month to month.As Ollie has suposedly regretted doing it I don't see him going back. Loved having him in my town though!

Of course if the rumored Green Lantern/Green Arrow series comes to light I wouldn't mind seeing Mike draw it (Only choice ahead of him would be Neal Adams)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plantagenet

DC, please release TPBs of his Green Arrow run!

AGREED!!! Long Overdue! It is perfect for TP as it has a begining middle and end. They could fit in in 8-10 volumes! And an Absolute Edition of Longbow Hunters!!!

swanstand · 03-04-2008, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonCat

Here's hoping Mike Grell reads this...

Mike,
You're responsible for most of the original run of Warlord.

DC said it didn't want to collect your series in trades because they didn't want to confuse readers (durring the newest series). *A realy stupid argument!

I've spoken with the company that made the comics on dvd-rom for Marvel and one of their guys says he knows you.

Maybe you can convince DC to have Warlord collected in this format???

C'mon... This is some of your best stuff and I for one, would love to be able to re-read this series.

Ron

Rons Comic World
Mount Holly, NJ

My wife's favourite comic (and to be honest only one of a few she ever followed) was Grell's run on Warlord. She would TOTALLY buy this.

swanstand · 03-04-2008, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyhardcore

Grell's Green Arrow was untouchable. His 80 issue run on the monthly series stands as probably my favorite hero run ever. I'm reminded how good it was every month when I read Winnick's work.

That's why I had to stop reading the book. What Winick has done doesn't come near to what Grell accomplished and I couldn't stop thinking why eat chuck when I could re-eat a filet mignon...

...OK maybe that anaolgy doesn't work, but you get the idea.

swanstand · 03-04-2008, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Batitude

AGREED!!! Long Overdue! It is perfect for TP as it has a begining middle and end. They could fit in in 8-10 volumes! And an Absolute Edition of Longbow Hunters!!!

In my lifetime I hope.

Zorro99 · 03-05-2008, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reaper

I will buy ANY comic that Mike Grell draws. For me my love of his work started with his run on Green Lantern/Green Arrow in the 70's and I've been a fan ever since.

DC: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE give us more Grell Warlord.

-Tim

I hear y'a. I was first introduced to both characters through Mike Grell. His work was awesome, and still is. He and Denny O'Neil made a great team.