CHRISTOS GAGE ON WILDCATS: WORLDS END

**MattBrady** · 04-24-2008, 09:28 AM

by Chris Arrant

There's a new WildStorm on the horizon. From all the hints and revelations from WildStorm's recent events and the currently running Number of the Beast miniseries, a change is in store that will leave the figures in the WildStorm Universe reeling from its effect. Earlier, WS Senior Editor Ben Abernathy revealed to Newsarama in an exclusive interview the launch of three new series spinning out of the events of Number of the Beast, and today we talk with the writer of one of them: WildCats: Worlds End writer Christos Gage.

Christos Gage has quickly risen through the ranks of comics, becoming one of the hottest writers out there who's not under an exclusive. He's writing for DC, he's writing for Marvel and he's one of the key creators in the recent months in the WildStorm universe. In 2006, he debuted the twelve-issue series Stormwatch: Post Human Division, and later he wrote an acclaimed issue of Midnighter and did the WildCats: Armageddon one shot. Just recently he put The Authority at odds with Stormwatch PHD in Authority: Prime, bringing a return of the monstrous Henry Bendix.

And today, we talk to him about the new Wildcats series he's launching with artist Neil Googe.

Newsarama: Ok, let's break it open, Christos. What is the new Wildcats series about?

Christos Gage: It's about the Wildcats.

NRAMA: … oh no, it's going to be one of those.

CG: Okay, I'm not going to be THAT coy. But I don't want to spoil the currently running Number Of The Beast series, by Scott Beatty and Chris Sprouse, so I can't spill everything. I will say that the premise is something I don't believe has ever been done in an ongoing superhero book before. Fans of every era of the Wildcats, from the early Image period to Alan Moore's run to Joe Casey's Wildcats 3.0, will find nods to those classic issues. But our goal, while respecting the past, is to blaze new trails, so those who have never read a Wildcats comic before have a perfect opportunity to get in on the ground floor of something really exciting.

NRAMA: Now you're speaking my language. The solicitation promises a "wholly new vision" for the Wildcats. What would that be?

CG: Well, judging from the cover art, Los Angeles isn't in very good shape at all. Something earth-shattering has happened. The Wildcats have to deal with a radical new status quo in the WildStorm Universe. Is it something they can undo? Or are they just picking up the pieces and helping the survivors as best they can? At the core of the book is this question: What does a team of world-savers do when they've failed to save the world?

NRAMA: There's also mention of the classic Wildcats team – when I think classic, I go all the way back to the classic 1992 first issue. Am I far off, or will we be seeing some old faces like Emp and Warblade?

CG: Not Emp. The prior Wildcats series are still in continuity, meaning that Emp has moved on to a higher state of being. But, yes, Warblade is there, along with Maul, Zealot, Grifter, Voodoo, and a version of Spartan who looks similar to his old-school self. But there are new faces as well, including Nemesis and the new Backlash...and of course Maxine Manchester, aka Ladytron, is making her triumphant and psychotic return!

NRAMA: Ladytron's probably one of Alan Moore's most sustaining contributions to the WildStorm Universe. Good pick, Christos.

You're working on this series with artist Neil Googe, who just completed some breakout work on WildStorm's Welcome to Tranquility. Seeing how the art is such a big part of a comic – some would say the most important – what's it like knowing your scripts will be served up with Neil drawing it?

CG: It's fantastic. I was a huge fan of what Neil did on Welcome To Tranquility, which is one of my favorite new books of recent years...but I think he's stepped up his game even more with Wildcats! His style has become edgier and more detailed. Check out his cover to #1--that's what you can expect. His art is incredibly intricate, powerful, and tells the story perfectly. And his designs for the characters are right on target. Maxine, Maul--really, all of them--look perfect, truly embodiments of who they are as characters. It's terrific stuff.

NRAMA: This series also promises a back-up story by you and artist Trevor Hairsine. What's the back-up about?

CG: The backup is about John Lynch--the original John Lynch from Team Seven. It concerns his renewed struggle with an arch-enemy...one of the preeminent villains in the WildStorm Universe. Hairsine' art on this one is a real treat.

NRAMA: How does this fit in with the postponed Wildcats series by Grant Morrison and Jim Lee?

CG: Judging from what Jim Lee has said recently, I believe that series--which is planned to be completed as a six-issue miniseries--is no longer in continuity. I think it's basically "All-Star Wildcats" now. But you'd have to check with Jim to be sure.

NRAMA: We'll definitely be talking to Jim.

Christos, 've been a big part in charting this new day and age in the WildStorm U, writing Armageddon and the recent Authority: Prime miniseries. How does this series play into that?

CG: Our series is informed by what's come before, and the new status quo is set up to a large degree in those titles. But this is a new beginning, and new readers will be able to pick up Wildcats #1 and get all the information they need to enjoy the story on its own merits. Having said that, Wildcats: Armageddon especially has an effect on the new ongoing, so interested parties may want to check out the just-released WildStorm: Armageddon TPB!

NRAMA: And speaking larger, as one of the architects of this new WildStorm age – how would you describe it as a whole?

CG: Very exciting. The creative teams of the books are bold and top-notch, perfectly suited to their titles. We're taking an approach that, as I said, I can't recall seeing in a superhero universe before, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it. Also, I just want to say that editor Ben Abernathy is determined that these books will come out on time. Most of them have multiple issues already in the can--and they don't ship until summer! I've read them, and it's excellent stuff. I know many readers were disappointed with the delays of Wildcats and Authority last time around, but I hope they'll give these books a shot...they'll be on time, and they'll be good. Pick up the first issues and see for yourself!

Mega Gear X · 04-24-2008, 10:04 AM

Christos Gage! Taking over the Wildstorm Universe one book at a time...first Stormwatch, now WildCATS. And Jim Lee's WildCATS v. 4 is no longer in continuity? Damn....he might as well shelve the whole project...

I wonder was he a fan from way back from the 90's? I used to like the classic version of the WSU, with Lynch and I.O. and how everything was connected. It was one of the best corners of Image for a long while before it deteriorated.

Bring back Marc Slayton!!!! Bring back the old Backlash!!!!

Zanarus · 04-24-2008, 10:05 AM

Too busy staring at the artwork to read the article...

POWRSURG · 04-24-2008, 10:07 AM

I'll get this out of the way early:

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattBrady

NRAMA: How does this fit in with the postponed Wildcats series by Grant Morrison and Jim Lee?

CG: Judging from what Jim Lee has said recently, I believe that series--which is planned to be completed as a six-issue miniseries--is no longer in continuity. I think it's basically "All-Star Wildcats" now. But you'd have to check with Jim to be sure.

NRAMA: We'll definitely be talking to Jim.

They're actually planning on completing this? Good to know. I look forward to this. They better give a little recap in issue #2. All I remember is that everyone has their own personal Spartan and... that's it.

SexyAsian · 04-24-2008, 10:09 AM

i was almost about to give up on everything Wildstorm but I trust Christos Gage and from what he has said, I'm gonna give the WU another shot.

Kinnelon · 04-24-2008, 10:11 AM

Admittedly, I'm not familiar with the Wildstorm universe, and by the sales of the titles in the imprint, I'd say I'm not in the minority. I am, however, buying the DC/Wildstorm Dreamwar Mini because of the classic Titans (Kid Flash is sorely missed) line-up and the Legion. Why not merge the two universes and generate more sales? Maybe Final Crisis will get this done.

JFx · 04-24-2008, 10:13 AM

Hey Christos congratulations, your work is amazing.

I love the first WSU I hope all this new world comes together well.

tralfaz · 04-24-2008, 10:19 AM

it's about time they gave the WS to Gage. He has been doing a superb job with the books... now, where oh where is that bastard Tao?

christosgage · 04-24-2008, 10:32 AM

Thanks for the kind words, folks! Marc Slayton will be back in a future backup story drawn by Mike McKone. Tao will be back as well, but where and in what capacity remains to be seen...

Best,

CNG

christosgage · 04-24-2008, 10:34 AM

By the way, as I mentioned on the WildStorm boards, other backup stories coming up will include (all written by myself):

Cybernary by Pete Woods
Christine Blaze by Phil Noto, set in the '70's and guest starring Lynch and Backlash
Dane/Wetworks by Brandon Badeaux (Wetworks: Armageddon)
Team Achilles by Ivan Reis

Best,

CNG

Moored · 04-24-2008, 10:40 AM

Man, this sounds awesome, but no offence, I am looking forward to Stormwatch PHD more. Cause you know, you made the series awesome, and Ian Edginton is awesome. Plus I just can't see somebody else doing Wildcats, after Joe Casey, cause I want Joe Casey Wildcats dammit. I'll still read this cause I am sure you'll do your thing. But.........

PA_Kid · 04-24-2008, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christosgage

Thanks for the kind words, folks! Marc Slayton will be back in a future backup story drawn by Mike McKone. Tao will be back as well, but where and in what capacity remains to be seen...

Best,

CNG

I second the call to bring back the original Backlash! Don't ask me what it was, but that character concept and look has stood out to me, to this day, as one of the better ones from that time. With the right writer I'd bet he could sustain a solo book.

(Not saying I hate his daughter, but she just isn't Backlash to me.)

Reliant · 04-24-2008, 10:41 AM

All I wanna know is when?

I've long since preferred the Wildcats to the X-Men and I've found something to enjoy in every incarnation of the series. Having loved Gage's work on Stormwatch: PHD and a fan of Googe since Bazooka Jules, the two of them together on an ongoing Wildcats series is just beyond sweet for me...

tralfaz · 04-24-2008, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moored

Man, this sounds awesome, but no offence, I am looking forward to Stormwatch PHD more. Cause you know, you made the series awesome, and Ian Edginton is awesome. Plus I just can't see somebody else doing Wildcats, after Joe Casey, cause I want Joe Casey Wildcats dammit. I'll still read this cause I am sure you'll do your thing. But.........

yeah, I'm all for Casey on Wildcats as well. I thought his run was damn exciting and intelligent... the only person I wish would comeback to Wildcats besides him would be Alan Moore but we all know the world has to end 5 times before that could ever even have a hint of happening

I am MODOK · 04-24-2008, 10:56 AM

Since the WSU really does seem to have a direction, I'll be following these all in trade. Revelations, Number of the Beast, and then WildCATS!

shadowchaser · 04-24-2008, 11:03 AM

i've given up on the wildstorm universe, it just seems all over the place and no direction...my major disappointments are with gen13 and wildcats

aceatkins · 04-24-2008, 11:03 AM

I generally enjoy what Christos Gage writes. He's a talented up-and-comer, and I remain perplexed why the Big 2 haven't snapped him up for one of their more high-profile books. However...

I think DC needs to leave the Wildstorm universe alone again, for another couple years. The relaunch was such a disaster -- I mean, say what you want about Countdown, but I can't think of anything that approaches the total clusterf**k Wildstorm has been, both creatively and scheduling-wise -- that it needs to go back on the shelf for a couple years until we've all forgotten about it and realize that we really like these characters. How can we miss you if you won't go away, you know?

I also think it's kind of goofy that Captain Atom: Armageddon went through all of the trouble of resetting the Wildstorm Universe, putting all the critical pieces back on the gameboard (well, mostly, since it seemed continuity was only selectively reset), and then as soon as the whole thing falters the immediate decision was to pull some "this! changes! everything!" stunt. I'm all for keeping things interesting, but couldn't we at least get a couple solid years of storylines before all the big crossovers and universe-changing events?

I hope they don't bother finishing the Morrison runs on Wildcats and Authority. I couldn't care less at this point.

Truthseeker · 04-24-2008, 11:04 AM

I have given up on Wildstorm and Top Cow so many times and everytime I go back they let me down, not with quality, but with lateness and a lack of commitment to their fans.

So I am very reluctant to get on board here, but I like Gage and I love Googe so I am going to go back one more time. I hope they don't let me down again.

Burnt Frog · 04-24-2008, 11:09 AM

I don't like the idea and theme of this 'new age' for WildStorm, which sounds a lot more like "dumbed-down age." I much preferred the mature readers superheroes time with it's cutting-edge ideas and novel character progression. This just seems, like everything DC has done since I've known them, to be a giant step backwards.

And no no no no don't merge the WSU with Crisisland. I don't want to see any Boy Scouts or insanely unnecessary complicated Legions in my posthuman universe thank you.

Pity Jim Lee can't be bothered to give his own creation more than six issues.... I'm not buying All-Star Batman or a RPG or any boring Legion project..... I want to see him drawing *his characters*, in a epic in-continuity storyline.... not as a six-issue bone thrown to him by DC editorial for being a good little robot who does what hes told.

Moored · 04-24-2008, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Truthseeker

I have given up on Wildstorm and Top Cow so many times and everytime I go back they let me down, not with quality, but with lateness and a lack of commitment to their fans.

So I am very reluctant to get on board here, but I like Gage and I love Googe so I am going to go back one more time. I hope they don't let me down again.

If you go back and look at what Ben Abernathy said at NYCC, they already have 5 issues of each series in the can. And they don't even launch till August. So I am absoloutely sure, lateness is one thing we won't have to worry about.

grphxkindaguy · 04-24-2008, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aceatkins

I think DC needs to leave the Wildstorm universe alone again, for another couple years. The relaunch was such a disaster -- I mean, say what you want about Countdown, but I can't think of anything that approaches the total clusterf**k Wildstorm has been, both creatively and scheduling-wise -- that it needs to go back on the shelf for a couple years until we've all forgotten about it and realize that we really like these characters. How can we miss you if you won't go away, you know?

I hope they don't bother finishing the Morrison runs on Wildcats and Authority. I couldn't care less at this point.

I concur 100%.

The Wildstorm relaunch was just a huge MESS. Better to shelve it and come back to it in a few years, maybe they'll be enough interest in it then.

As much as I love Gage's work, I have zero interest in anything WS puts out these days...

tridon · 04-24-2008, 11:20 AM

When I read the headline to this article, I automatically thought it was about Thundercats.

JJMadera · 04-24-2008, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PA_Kid

I second the call to bring back the original Backlash! Don't ask me what it was, but that character concept and look has stood out to me, to this day, as one of the better ones from that time. With the right writer I'd bet he could sustain a solo book.

(Not saying I hate his daughter, but she just isn't Backlash to me.)

Marc Slayton is the man, along with Cole Cash. And yes Slayton's daughter IMHO, is not Backlash material.

C_Striker · 04-24-2008, 11:43 AM

If anyone hasn't see it yet Wildcats: End Game #1 **Preview** Enjoy

I'm looking forward to reading the entire issue of your Wildcats Gage, congrates on the new gig

JackHarkness · 04-24-2008, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattBrady

There's a new WildStorm on the horizon. From all the hints and revelations from WildStorm's recent events and the currently running Number of the Beast miniseries, a change is in store that will leave the figures in the WildStorm Universe reeling from its effect.

That makes, what, a new WildStorm every year this millenium?