PHIL HESTER ON FIREBREATHER'S RETURN AT IMAGE

[MattBrady]

by Benjamin Ong Pang Kean

Phil Hester and Andy Kuhn’s Firebreather is back!

That’s right. The adventures of Duncan Xeres Absalom Wu Fan Cassius Draco Draconus Quetzelcoatl Gondwana Mjarl Khan Belloc-Rosenblatt Jr. (whew!) or in short, Duncan Rosenblatt, will continue and both Hester and Kuhn aim to deliver the high octane action, drama, and humor monthly in an all-new series from Image Comics debuting this May.

Firebreather is a teen drama about a kid who happens to be the offspring of Margaret Rosenblatt, a normal, suburban housewife and the notorious Belloc, a 300-foot tall fire-breathing dragon who holds the title of the undisputed King of the Monsters – think Godzilla with Dr. Doom’s brain.

Apart from being orange, scaly, with a pair of wings on his back, and possessing the powers one would expect in a half-dragon, half-human body, Duncan is a rather typical modern teenager who faces all of the normal traumas and headaches that a normal teenager goes through.

Most recently, he has become a member of The Pact, which consists of a group of relatively new superheroes in the Image universe who also happen to be equally troubled teenagers and young adults such as Invincible, the new ShadowHawk and Noble Causes’ Zephyr.

We chatted up series co-creator and writer Phil Hester.

Newsarama: Firebreather was inspired by the old Stan Lee/Jack Kirby monster comics and it was originally created to be the son of Fin Fang Foom as part of your Young Avengers proposal to Marvel, right?

Phil Hester: I'd say that's where the character began. He was originally the villainous offspring of Fin Fang Foom designed to fight our young hero team called The Crew, but when that project was scrapped we started over from square one. Andy and I both loved the idea of a big, monstrous teenager trying to fit in at a human high school, so we hit upon what I think is the true hook of the book by making him a child of divorce between a human mother and a giant monster.

NRAMA: Did you know why your Young Avengers pitch was rejected?

PH: Because it was pitched by the 1999 versions of Phil Hester and Andy Kuhn. I mean, it's not like we're superstars today or anything, but in 1999 I had very few writing credits under my belt and Andy was known mostly as a "Marvel Adventures" style artist. In short, I think Chris Claremont was intrigued by the core concept, but Marvel itself was leery of handing over a book to two rookies. Who knows? I'm sure it wasn't a big deal up there at the time. I'm certainly glad they passed at this point.

NRAMA: In your opinion, what are the basic ingredients to telling a good story about a teen aged superhero which will appeal to today's readers?

PH: It's fun to watch a young character find their role either in a superhero team, a high school, or the world in general. Adolescence has so much inherent drama. I mean, think back to your own teen years. I'm sure that stuff seems pretty pedestrian in retrospect, but when it was happening to you it felt like the end of the world. It's also intriguing to watch them rebel against accepted norms of behavior like most kids do. Bottom line, it just feels fresher.

NRAMA: Well, for the uninitiated, Firebreather was later launched as part of Image Comics' new superhero line in 2003 that also included Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker's Invincible, Jay Faerber and Jamal Igle's Venture, Keith Giffen's Dominion, and Jim Krueger and Matt Smith's The Clockmaker.

However, unlike Invincible, which is approaching its 50th issue soon, all the other titles did not even go beyond the first few issues. In the case of Firebreather, there have only been the initial four-issue miniseries, a one-shot called The Iron Saint and an appearance in The Pact four-parter. What made you decide to go back to the character and the concept half a decade later? Why do you think the time is right for an ongoing series now?

PH: I'm not sure the time is right at all. All I know is Andy finally has the time to commit to the book on a regular basis, which is the only reason we stopped before. Firebreather, although not a runaway hit, was a book we were asked about at cons ever since the first mini came out, so we knew there was a core group of readers who deserved to see where we intended to take the character. It sure feels good to be back.

NRAMA: What do you and Andy Kuhn have planned for Duncan Rosenblatt this time around?

PH: Duncan has found some semblance of normalcy in Progress, Utah, but he's about to find the tolerance he's earned from his fellow students might not run as deep as he had hoped. Friends will come and go.

NRAMA: So, there won’t be a core cast of supporting characters then?

PH: No, there will be, but I want Duncan's life to accurately reflect any adolescent's. You grow apart from friends throughout high school. Girls you had crushes on find boyfriends. People move or graduate. That sort of thing.

NRAMA: What about growing up issues that he has to deal with? After all, when your mother’s a typical suburban soccer mom and your dad is a 300-foot-tall, city-trampling, battleship-devouring monster…

PH: His mom has to lay down the law about what she perceives as rebellious or irresponsible behavior from Duncan. As far as his dad goes, Belloc is thousands of years old, he has a list of enemies from history that would like nothing better than to take out their revenge on his son. And nothing would make Belloc prouder than seeing his son whoop all those grudge-holders' asses.

NRAMA: Will we be seeing additions to his rogues gallery?

PH: Oh, yeah. More than our fair share once this Monster Tournament begins in #5.

NRAMA: Any supervillains in the same league as Lex Luthor, The Joker, Green Goblin, etc?

PH: You're aiming too low! We'll see some human supervillains, but Duncan's big threats will be more monstrous or more cosmic in nature.

NRAMA: And what’s a teen superhero story without love and romance? Or is Duncan going to be too busy saving the world to go out on a date with Jenna Shwartzendruber?

PH: No, but she may be too busy for him with her impending graduation and college. This situation is definitely in flux.

NRAMA: Well, since it’s being planned as an ongoing series, what other stories do you have in mind?

PH: We'll see Duncan caught up in a world wide monster battle tournament that reveals that the destiny his father wished for him has levels neither of them had anticipated. We'll be introduced to some unexpected members of his extended family. We'll also take some time out for more down to earth, slice of life stories. I guess my goal is to make this thing equal parts Jack Kirby monster comic, Lee & Ditko Spider-Man, S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders and Los Bros' Love & Rockets.

NRAMA: Will he be interacting with Invincible and other Image characters?

PH: Eventually. There's a core saga we have to cover in the first few arcs, but after that I can't wait to have Duncan mix it up with all kinds of Image characters.

NRAMA: But things are not headed towards Crisis of Infinite Image Universes, right? [laughs]

PH: God, I hope not. Do you know something I don't?

NRAMA: Seriously though, do you see him forming his own superhero team or joining The Pact again some day?

PH: I wouldn't mind seeing him interact with Dynamo 5, or even having some Pact adventure, but to do the Pact you have to get all those creators on the same page at the same time and that's like herding cats. I think simple guest appearances by Shadowhawk, Invincible or Savage Dragon characters and the like are more likely.

NRAMA: Finally, Nickelodeon Movies/Paramount acquired the rights to Firebreather back in 2005. Is there anything new with that?

PH: That option lapsed a while ago, and we're currently talking to a few interested parties about turning the book into a movie or television show

[Gorgeousaur]

Seems pretty cool. Image has been doing pretty well lately with new characters like Invincible and The Astounding Wolfman so I'm gonna check this out.
Edit: After much inner-turmoil I've decided to tell people the obvious... "First Post"

[The_Adventurer]

Mmmmm.... Firebreather. How long has it been? One of the best superhero books ever. Can't wait to have it back in my grubby little mits.

[Ebon]

Very good to hear it's an ongoing series. I have the original Limited, and The Pact issues, so I'm really looking forward to this.

[Robert Kirkman]

I just wanted to pop in and say that Firebreather is an amazing comic series and everyone should run out and order the volume 1 TPB right now. It's good reading.

I think that if Phil and Andy had been as stubborn and foolhardy as Cory Walker and I were in the early days of Invincible, Firebreather would be at issue 50 (or more) by now as well. The series is excellent and worthy of a good long run.

I'll be there for every issue.

-Robert

[Gwarite]

Sweet! Man, I loved the miniseries!

[rwe1138]

Great news. I picked up the trade and the one shot at WWTX last year, and got both signed by Phil & Andy, who couldn't have been any nicer. I very much enjoyed both. Consider this in my pull box.

[badmarru]

The initial mini and one shot were fresh and excellent reads.Hester is a great writer/artist so I'm following this one.And Khun obviously owns these characters.I really hope it meets the same succes as the Kirkman titles since it offers the same kind of vibe.Now we still need more Wretch, Phil

[Rob Levin]

BUY. THIS. BOOK.

You're missing damn good comics if you choose to do otherwise. And I wouldn't recommend making that decision.

[samuraiT]

Originally Posted by Robert Kirkman

I just wanted to pop in and say that Firebreather is an amazing comic series and everyone should run out and order the volume 1 TPB right now. It's good reading.

I think that if Phil and Andy had been as stubborn and foolhardy as Cory Walker and I were in the early days of Invincible, Firebreather would be at issue 50 (or more) by now as well. The series is excellent and worthy of a good long run.

I'll be there for every issue.

-Robert

But... I already have all the issues in singles....

[ChristopherLong]

Andy Kuhn is a huge talent!

(And Phil isn’t too shabby himself.)

[GOSD]

Originally Posted by Robert Kirkman

I just wanted to pop in and say that Firebreather is an amazing comic series and everyone should run out and order the volume 1 TPB right now. It's good reading.

I think that if Phil and Andy had been as stubborn and foolhardy as Cory Walker and I were in the early days of Invincible, Firebreather would be at issue 50 (or more) by now as well. The series is excellent and worthy of a good long run.

I'll be there for every issue.

-Robert

Guest appearances by Invincible will help.

Make it happen, Robert.

I agree with him too. Great series.

[GuitarSmashley]

Been excited for this since I heard it was coming back. Firebreather was my first image book and it certainly opened the gateway for me to get into indie titles. So for that this book will be a monthly grab for me.

[Phil Hester]

So nice to see people into this book. I hope we live up to your expectations. We're all in!

[Odjn Ouen]

HIGH FIVE!!!!

[The6th]

Originally Posted by Robert Kirkman

I just wanted to pop in and say that Firebreather is an amazing comic series and everyone should run out and order the volume 1 TPB right now. It's good reading.

I think that if Phil and Andy had been as stubborn and foolhardy as Cory Walker and I were in the early days of Invincible, Firebreather would be at issue 50 (or more) by now as well. The series is excellent and worthy of a good long run.

I'll be there for every issue.

-Robert

How do you argue with that???

I now I won't. So Firebreather #1 and TPB it is!

Anything else you'd like me to do Robert???

[XtonyXstarkX]

Never read the Firebrether mini, but I will go order it today.

Loved this character in The Pact. I am on board with this on-going for sure.

[dchart1]

Originally Posted by Phil Hester

So nice to see people into this book. I hope we live up to your expectations. We're all in!

Better late than never Phil. Keep the good work coming!

[Action Ace]

I'm thrilled Firebreather has returned.

[idkidd]

I just wanted to pop in and say that Firebreather is an amazing comic series and everyone should run out and order the volume 1 TPB right now. It's good reading.

I really think there's been a missed opportunity by not taking advantage of the success of Invincible and attempting to use it to grow the fanbase of Firebreather (or the even more natural Tech Jacket). As a lead up to the ongoing Firebreather, it would have been great to see a backup FB strip in Invincible or even some regular guest appearances.

Phil and Andy -- have you considered making the previous FB issues available on Wowio.com? I've really enjoyed that site over the last few months since I discovered it. I've been exposed to some really good series I'd either never heard of or overlooked in the past (Pantheon and Dreamland Chronicles are my favs). I know I'd download them for sure -- and I've even already read the original issues!

Good luck on the launch!

[Phil Hester]

Luke- I'll look into the Wowio thing.

Robert, Ryan and company make a great book in Invincible and I wouldn't want to hinder the flow of their story. Any crossover would have to be an organic thing that made sense to both books. We're in this for the long haul, so I think that crossover will come.

[Cray_ws]

Glad to see this book return, I was beginning to wonder why Hester and Kuhn gave up after the initial run. Kirkman's INVINCIBLE has shown that there is bigger market for teen angst superhero comics than just SPIDER-MAN (which technically isn't a teenager, unless they magically de-aged him) and TEEN TITANS.

I think FIREBREATHER Is going to do real well because Hester and Kuhn have more experience under their belts. My only concern from reading this article is that I fear Hester is going to speed the story along to catch up to Invincible. I would much rather they play out his teen years over the course of the next 60 issues (5 years). They need to milk the high school drama before they thrust Duncan into college life. The "world wide monster battle tournament" thing could get redundant of Duncan doesn't have a social (drama) outside of the destiny his father desired for him. My worries might be over-analytical from this article. I guess I'm excited of the possibilities for this series and don't want it to falter.

Kirkman if you're reading this INVINCIBLE is a joy to read, ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN is getting there but I'm not quite comfortable with the art. While I'm a fan of clean animated style, I think Howard's style is too boxy and lacks consistent proportions. I would like to see a more conservative style like Cory Walker. Before I forget... how about a TECH JACKET revival?

[redskindavyd]

Looking forward to it, I loved all his past issues (the mini, the one-shot, & the Pact). Welcome back FireBreather

[Phil Hester]

Originally Posted by Cray_ws

Glad to see this book return, I was beginning to wonder why Hester and Kuhn gave up after the initial run. Kirkman's INVINCIBLE has shown that there is bigger market for teen angst superhero comics than just SPIDER-MAN (which technically isn't a teenager, unless they magically de-aged him) and TEEN TITANS.

I think FIREBREATHER Is going to do real well because Hester and Kuhn have more experience under their belts. My only concern from reading this article is that I fear Hester is going to speed the story along to catch up to Invincible. I would much rather they play out his teen years over the course of the next 60 issues (5 years). They need to milk the high school drama before they thrust Duncan into college life. The "world wide monster battle tournament" thing could get redundant of Duncan doesn't have a social (drama) outside of the destiny his father desired for him. My worries might be over-analytical from this article. I guess I'm excited of the possibilities for this series and don't want it to falter.

Cray-

We made a decision early in the creation of the book that we wouldn't have any artist on the title but Andy. Better paying gigs came along and Andy has responsibilities, so he had to bow out. Things are easier for him now, so this is his only gig.

Worry not. We're not rushing things. Duncan has a couple years of high school left and in comic book time that's an eternity. The first twelve issues will comprise a big arc that sort of defines Duncan's relationship with his dad once and for all. There are plenty of places to go after that. Glad you're so enthused about the book's potential.

[rwe1138]

Phil,

What are the chances of Brit dropping by to tangle with Belloc? That would be sweet.