TORRES ON TEEN TITANS GO & WONDER GIRL

[MattBrady]

Though the animated series its based on may be over, Teen Titans Go! is still going strong, and in October’s issue #36, will see a new cast member join – one that’s been asked about frequently, seen only very briefly in the series, and has a long history with the Teen Titans.

Oh, heck – as if the image isn’t giving it away…we’ll just get over to asking series writer, J. Torres questions about the series and the debut of Wonder Girl. Interior pages by regular series artist, Todd Nauck

Newsarama: First off J - obviously - from the cover...you've got someone new coming in. What can you tell us about Wonder Girl?

J. Torres: We jump right into the story and she comes over from Paradise Island to give her friends a hand with... an alien threat.

NRAMA: Bluntly, why wait this long to bring her in? This is your third anniversary issue, after all…

JT: Long story short: we basically had to wait to get the okay from the powers that be. She only made a couple of quick appearances in the last season of the show and we never really saw her in action. It's my understanding that there was some kind of licensing issue that prevented the animators from really using her. For the most part, we had to follow the show's lead in terms of new characters but now that it's wrapped, we have a little more freedom in that department.

NRAMA: So, with the animated series over, are you, in a way, freer to take things in whatever way you want to, rather than dodge and steer clear of the series’ plots?

JT: Well, we never really dodged the episodes and in fact we sometimes wove in and out of them with the producers' blessing and sometimes their help. For example, our Terra issues filled in some blanks between her episodes and showed events mentioned but not shown on TV.

But anyway, yeah, we have a little more latitude now but we still have to keep it all-ages, of course. And although I do have the freedom to expand on stuff and take things in different directions from the show, right now I'm being mindful of the work that they did on the cartoon and not undoing anything or killing people off and such just because I can. I enjoy and respect the work too much. But I'm trying to take certain characters and subplots to logical conclusions or progressions, and I hope the fans enjoy it.

NRAMA: So back to Wonder Girl. As we’ve seen that all the animated Teen Titans characters have some connection – some more direct than others – to their comic book counterparts, so how does this Wonder Girl compare and contrast to either Donna or Cassie in the comics?

JT: Well, the story is called "Troy." And she pretty much has the same powers as her DCU sisters. She may be different in that her attitude is maybe closer to Diana as a girl, or as I imagine she would be at 15 or 16.

NRAMA: How is Wonder Girl introduced in this story? All new, or someone that some of the characters know, but she just hasn't shown up prior to this?

JT: Yes, I'm playing it as if she's already a Titan and has worked with them before. After all, she was seen in "Calling All Titans" and "Titans Together" albeit as a headshot. But the insinuation is that she was there to help the Titans take down the Brotherhood of Evil. So, I write it like she has to sneak off of Paradise Island like a teenage girl not allowed to go out on her own and that explains why she's seen limited action thus far.

NRAMA: Speaking of the animated series, you've got quite the guest artist for the cover...who is this Murakami guy anyway? [laughs]

JT: Everyone knows Glen Murakami! He's had a hand in pretty much every DC cartoon project since Batman: The Animated Series as a designer, art director, writer, and/or producer. We're so lucky that he took the time to help us commemorate our third anniversary with such a cool cover. And would you believe it was as easy as me e-mailing him with a "Hey, Glen! Wanna do a cover for us?" Glen's been so good to us, and so generous with his time. Same with [head writer] David Slack and [producer] A.J. Vargas who I e-mailed throughout the series with questions about characterization and subplots and name spellings and all sorts of things...

NRAMA: So - tease a little...for those who haven't been following the series, what's been going on? You're still focusing on single-issue stories, rather than the longer arcs a la the animated series?

JT: Yes, we still have that mandate of single-issue stories. But I've gotten around that so to speak by running certain subplots through a number of issues, you know, for the fans who want to see more "continuity." And more recently I've written some issues that I call "sequels" to previous stories. The first one involves an amp'd up Private Hive being scouted if you will by General Immortus in one issue and a couple of issues later we see what Immortus' plan for him is. We'll probably see a kind of sequel to this Wonder Girl story, too.

NRAMA: Without the series currently running on Cartoon Network, are you worried at all about audience erosion, or has Teen Titans Go! been around long enough to establish and hold its own audience?

JT: There's always that concern, yes. But we're hoping that more fans of the show going through Titans withdrawal will check us out. We've already got many comic fans who pick it up if not for themselves then their younger siblings, sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, etc. Now if we could just reach more of that TV audience...

The problem, and I'm sure you've heard this from many comic creators, is distribution and access. Not a week goes by that I don't get e-mail or see a post from some kid online asking where they can find the comics. I wish it were as easy for kids to find the comics as it is for them to find the DVDs or video games. You know, I can walk into almost any drugstore or shopping mall in North America and find Teen Titans toys, party supplies, t-shirts, towels, school bags, etc. But if I want to direct a potential new reader to Teen Titans Go!, I have to give them an 800 number to locate a comic shop or give them URLs for places to order online or tell them to take their chances with the spotty newsstand distribution at Borders or Wal-Mart...

But things are getting better, especially compared to a few years ago. The digests seem to be doing well and they're relatively easier to find at or order from bookstores than the monthly issues. I just can't help pine for the days of the comic book spinner rack at the corner store. Sigh.

NRAMA: Many echo that sigh, I know. Wrapping things up for now - tease man, tease...where are things headed after WG shows up? Will she be joining the team? Are you looking at multi-part arcs? Carrying over some connections from the last days of the animated series?

JT: All of the above! Okay, maybe not all but most? The way the show left things it was almost like a set-up for a "Teen Titans Unlimited." I'd like to take that ball and run with it. I'm not saying abandon the main five but I think it'd be cool to see what happens if, say, Raven led the team or... if we saw more of what the Titans from other parts of the world are doing or... it would be fun to have a team consisting of the "original" Titans - Robin, Speedy, Kid Flash, Aqualad, Wonder Girl - for one adventure...

More specifically, coming up we've got a Kid Flash versus Mas y Meno race, plus stories featuring Jericho, Herald, Thunder & Lightning, and villain appearances by Monsieur Mallah and the Brain, Phobia who we barely saw on the show and... wait for it...the Fearsome Five!

We've also got some super cool guest artists coming up including Sanford Greene, Fabio Laguna, plus more from Sean Galloway and Khary Randolph and... wait for it... Chynna Clugston - you read that right - CHYNNA CLUGSTON.

[CitC]

More specifically, coming up we've got a Kid Flash versus Mas y Meno race, plus stories featuring Jericho, Herald, Thunder & Lightning, and villain appearances by Monsieur Mallah and the Brain, Phobia who we barely saw on the show and... wait for it...the Fearsome Five!

That sounds great. T.T. Unlimited would be a great show.

[N. Blownapart]

Is Chynna Clugston a big name. I liked those issues of Ultimate Spiderman she did, but I didn't realise she was a draw of some sort.

[SuperAaron]

I am buying this issue for the cover alone.

[EmeraldGuy32]

this series actually sounds pretty damn good. I think I'll get the digests.

[Herowatcher]

Wonder Girl!

I never bought an issue of Teen Titans Go!, but with issue #36 I'll probably be buying my first issue. If the "animated" version of the Fab Five is featured on the cover it's a done deal.

[skinnyboy23]

Originally Posted by N. Blownapart

Is Chynna Clugston a big name. I liked those issues of Ultimate Spiderman she did, but I didn't realise she was a draw of some sort.

She's pretty huge in the indy comic circuit. Her Oni stuff like Blue Monday and Scooter Girl is really popular. I know I'm probably gonna pick up her issue.

[astronato]

But anyway, yeah, we have a little more latitude now but we still have to keep it all-ages, of course. And although I do have the freedom to expand on stuff and take things in different directions from the show, right now I'm being mindful of the work that they did on the cartoon and not undoing anything or killing people off and such just because I can. I enjoy and respect the work too much.

I wish more people had that attitude.

it would be fun to have a team consisting of the "original" Titans - Robin, Speedy, Kid Flash, Aqualad, Wonder Girl - for one adventure...

Just one?? I buy the DC Kids books for the children in my family but I usually pick them up based on who or what is on the cover. I'll be buying at least three copies of this Wonder Girl issue. Maybe four, because I love it myself.

I've found the Teen Titans Go! books to be a ton of fun. I love the little super deformed characters in between and below the regular panels. I hope this book has a long life left to it.

More Donna and more Doom Patrol please.

[IvCNuB4]

An homage to this cover perhaps ?

[John Gallagher]

J Torres is one of my favorite writers, and my very favorite Johnny DC writer, because he has the uncanny ability to transcend the material he's working with, and make it so much more than a rehash of the show it's based on-- all the while being respectful to the show itself.

For me, this is THE Titans book-- I highly reccomened it.

And I always buy a second issue, to give out to a kid, as it is such a great intro to the fun of comics...

[Not From Around]

I really don't like this edgy art style. But it's a popular cartoon series, and now that I know digests are available perhaps I should get some for the library.

[Comic Mom]

You know, I can walk into almost any drugstore or shopping mall in North America and find Teen Titans toys, party supplies, t-shirts, towels, school bags, etc. But if I want to direct a potential new reader to Teen Titans Go!, I have to give them an 800 number to locate a comic shop or give them URLs for places to order online or tell them to take their chances with the spotty newsstand distribution at Borders or Wal-Mart...

And there, my friends, is the problem in a nutshell. Mark my words, when kids' comics make it to supermarket checkout lines and 7-Elevens, then we'll see some action.

NotFromAroundHere -- You should most definitely order the trades for your library. The writing is great, kids love Todd's art, and you never, ever have to worry about the content. Teen Titans Go! is up toward the top of my list of comic for kids. Justice League Unlimited is excellent as well, and is another one you should order, but but given a choice most kids go for TTG. I don't know if it's the super-deformed characters and jokes or just the fact that the Titans are kids. Trust me, kids will be fighting over these books.

Oh, and Chynna rocks! She did Queen Bee for Scholastic, too. Can't wait for her issue.

[J. Torres]

Originally Posted by Comic Mom

And there, my friends, is the problem in a nutshell. Mark my words, when kids' comics make it to supermarket checkout lines and 7-Elevens, then we'll see some action.

Whitney was right! Children are our future

Has anyone noticed that the letters page is back in DC comics? Check out TTG, Batman Strikes and other Johnny DC books. Not only are kids writing in and sharing artwork, but they're responding to each other and debating characterization and plot points! Okay, so it's not discourse at the Vertigo or Cerebus letters page level... but it sure is a good sign for the future of comics and comic book fandom.

Thanks for the kind words of support, everyone! And thanks for the interview, Matt!

If anyone has any other questions, I'll be right here...

[Donna Troy]

This actually sounds really awesome. Might be the first TT:G book I buy.

[M Intensity]

I like that Teen Titans Go is essentially a continuation of the television series. I like the attention to continuity to the series and that J Torres takes care not to contradict the show while infusing the tales with his style. It's nice that we finally see Wonder Girl in the book and I curious about the approach he's going to take with Jericho and how much of his connection with Slade, if any, will he explore (I could understand if he doesn't).

I do hope we get to see the Contest of Heroines one day (Wonder Girl as one of the heroines would be a big plus).

M Intensity

[astronato]

How come Archie Comics can get their books into supermarkets but I never see DC Kids books? I mostly find the Archie Digests in the mag rack by the check out but I do find Archie Single issues in general bookstores. Also, I see bagged Shonen Jump manga in the magazine section of the supermarket.

I've been told it's cost prohibitive and that comics are easily damaged and stolen but how come DC (or Marvel) don't have much of a presence in supermakets or newstands but Archie does?

Also, I think the Johnny DC books are great. I wish they would expand the line. I'm looking forward to Krypto. Hopefully with the new Legion of Superhero cartoon we will see a Johnny DC title for that.

[Julio Diaz]

I don't read TTG regularly, but I do occasionally buy issues or digests to read with my 6-year-old daughter, who loves them.

That said, Chynna Clugston on an issue is a guarantee of a purchase for me!

[Grendel Prime]

Even as rough pencils, that artwork is soooo sweet. Todd Nauck is doing the best work of his career so far. I'm not much for TT characters or continuity, but after seeing these interiors, I may just buy this book for the artwork alone.

[J. Torres]

M Intensity: Sorry, no immediate plans for Slade, but the upcoming issue with Jericho will have cameos by Melvin, Timmy, and Teether from the show

astronato: Long story short, but the way it was explained to me was that not only is it expensive to get into those outlets but supermarket chains only allow so much room for magazines and the like, and given the choice between carrying more kids comics versus People, Us, O, and all those tabloids... well, you can do the math. There are also content issues and some chains are more comfortable selling all-ages material from the Archie and Disney people over Marvel and DC, apparently for depictions of sexuality and violence, which is ironic considering what you often see on the cover of those tabloids and entertainment magazines...

Julio Diaz: Did I mention that Chynna's issue features Mad Mod?

[skullduggery]

Originally Posted by skinnyboy23

She's pretty huge in the indy comic circuit. Her Oni stuff like Blue Monday and Scooter Girl is really popular. I know I'm probably gonna pick up her issue.

Don't forget her work on Hopeless Savages (Oni Press).

Teen Titans Go! is definitely great for kids. I buy the digest sized trades for my nephew. He loves them.

[Marty M]

The art for this is amazing - I 've always liked the Teen Titans GO! look - However I can't believe their going to get away with the placement of the stars on Wonder Girl's chest.

Other than that, looks good.

[RandyOni]

J.,

I don't think I have ever told you this, but I love this book!

I have all the issues and the digests. I read them for myself, but have been saving all of them for my 2 year-old son. When he gets a little oder, he is going to have a pretty big collection of all the DC Animated comics.

The Johnny DC books really are my favorite monthlies.
Great writing. Great art. Self-contained stories. What more could you ask for?

[Hawkangel]

I just wonder if this cartoon included the original 5 founders instead of the "new" Teen Titans, then it might of had a fighting chnace. Yes, I know there were licencing issues.

[Darren J. Gendron]

Originally Posted by J. Torres

Long story short, but the way it was explained to me was that not only is it expensive to get into those outlets but supermarket chains only allow so much room for magazines and the like, and given the choice between carrying more kids comics versus People, Us, O, and all those tabloids... well, you can do the math. There are also content issues and some chains are more comfortable selling all-ages material from the Archie and Disney people over Marvel and DC, apparently for depictions of sexuality and violence, which is ironic considering what you often see on the cover of those tabloids and entertainment magazines...

If Marvel and DC keeps going with their all-age material like they are (and that means adding a Superman title, too), there's no good reason for them not to be putting out digest editions on the shelves of markets.
It needs to be more of a 80-page format, though, and a $3 price point. Reprint a Titans Go!, add in a Superman story, some other All-Ages stories (trying out new material and characters), throw in some odd stories about creators or actors, then some game pages. That right there is a recipe for a book that sells in the millions of copies a month. (for Marvel, replace Titans with Team-up or Adventures, and Superman with Spider-man).
The goal isn't to get back on the magazine racks on isle 10, it HAS to be to get back onto the check-out isles and subscriptions.

[J. Torres]

Originally Posted by Darren J. Gendron

If Marvel and DC keeps going with their all-age material like they are (and that means adding a Superman title, too), there's no good reason for them not to be putting out digest editions on the shelves of markets.
It needs to be more of a 80-page format, though, and a $3 price point. Reprint a Titans Go!, add in a Superman story, some other All-Ages stories (trying out new material and characters), throw in some odd stories about creators or actors, then some game pages. That right there is a recipe for a book that sells in the millions of copies a month. (for Marvel, replace Titans with Team-up or Adventures, and Superman with Spider-man).
The goal isn't to get back on the magazine racks on isle 10, it HAS to be to get back onto the check-out isles and subscriptions.

Don't think that Marvel and DC haven't tried to get their digests out there, or that they haven't thought of other formats - they have. And I know that they've even approached distributors, buyers, and booksellers about these things. Alas, as I noted above, it's not easy convincing grocery store chains to sacrifice Archie or Oprah or Reader's Digest or National Enquirer for even the likes Superman or Spider-Man... and none of the former are willing to give up the prime real estate either.

But never say never, right?