JAMAL IGLE NAMED AS NEW NIGHTWING ARTIST

[MattBrady]

And the changes in Nightwing’s life just keep coming.

Newsarama Note: No preview art was available at the time of publication.

Not too long ago, fans of the character and DC series were thrilled when it was announced that Marv Wolfman, co-creator of the character would be joining the series as its regular writer, with Dan Jurgens stepping on to handle the art chores. Since then, Wolfman’s initial four-issue run was extended, and – as DC has confirmed for Newsarama – he’s now the “regular writer” on the title. Now, another change – the publisher has confirmed that Jamal Igle, most recently the regular artist on Firestorm will join the series as regular artist with issue #129.

We caught up with the artist for an e-mail interview.

Newsarama: First off Jamal, obviously - how did you land the gig? You were coming off of Firestorm, and...boom. Was Nightwing something you were looking for?

Jamal Igle: Well, it was a surprise actually. When Stuart Moore and I made the decision to leave Firestorm, I had a few discussions with editorial about what my next step would be. Leaving Firestorm after 2-plus years was very difficult for me, I'd grown really attached to the series and the characters. Keith Champagne and myself had been scheduled to join the 52 art team rotation, when I got a call from Mike Siglain offering me Nightwing.
I think my initial reaction was "You're @$#$%^ing kidding, right? Please don't tell me this is a joke." He didn’t, and I jumped on immediately.

NRAMA: So you’re a fan?

JI: Oh yeah. I was a fan, as a lot of us were back in the day of The New Teen Titans, so that two panel shot of Nightwing and Jericho being introduced for the first time is burned into my brain.

Nightwing is a book I've been waiting to get my hands on since it started. I have every single issue of Nightwing, which says a lot because I don't have a lot of comics. I have all the annuals, The Target one shot, everything. I still have sample pages I did 8 years ago of Nightwing #32, so to say that I am extremely excited to be doing this book is a huge understatement.

NRAMA: Tonally, how is Nightwing different from Firestorm? Does the differences in the heroes' powers and approaches affect/influence how you tackle the whole book?

JI: With Firestorm, we were for the most part going for a very bright look visually. There were a lot of special effects and brightly colored characters. Firestorm is all about fusion blast and aerial dogfights with the likes of the Pionic man and Multiplex. Nightwing is more of a street level hero. He mixes it up with the bad guys with nothing more than his skills and weapons. One of the things I want to do is get more of what Scott McDaniel and Phil Hester brought to the book during their runs. I started out in the business doing books like Shi, Daredevil/Shi and Iron Fist/ Wolverine: Return to Kun Lun. It’s been a long time but I'm looking forward to cracking a few heads open, artistically speaking.

NRAMA: Artistically only… Speaking of the character himself, Nightwing is one of the best martial artists in the DCU - how does that influence your take? It’s probably safe to assume that he carries himself differently than anyone else...he'd move, walk, run, heck, even sit differently...what do you use for influences and inspiration?

JI: When I got the assignment the first thing I started doing was compiling footage. Fight footage including KFM, Wushu, Thai Boxing and Escrima work, as well as boning up on the martial arts that I have been keeping an eye on Karate, Kung fu, Ninjitsu. I also started watching a lot of freerunning videos and movies like District B-13, The protector any thing by Tony Jaa, Jet Li, Jackie Chan and others.

In my mind, Dick is all about movement. He paces when he talks. He's always looking around himself. He juggles, he walks on railings. He's never stiff or rigid, he's always ready to move. Not like a coiled spring but more like water.

NRAMA: Does Nightwing ever sit still?

JI: Never, you need to nail his feet to the floor or else he'll do a hand stand, balancing himself on a chair.

NRAMA: You're a martial artist yourself - going to push harder for authenticity in his moves now?

JI: Yes and no. I'll be bringing some grounded moves but at the same time this is a comic book, so there will be that "Hong Kong" action flick level as well.

NRAMA: Nightwing's been around the DCU, and has taken on virtually everyone, from thugs to aliens. Where's he best in his element?

JI: In the streets of New York, mixing it up with the guys no one else can handle. Nightwing's the best of the best and it's high time we reminded every one of that.

NRAMA: So - tease a little if you can - what's coming up?

JI: Marv and I have some cool stuff planned, a new rouges gallery of Dick. Nothing I can elaborate on right now.

NRAMA: But at least…are you and Marv making long-term plans here? Figuratively buying curtains for the series…

JI: Oh yeah. My run looks like it will be a pretty long one. Marv and I talked for the first time at San Diego this past summer and we've stayed in contact. It's turning into a pretty collaborative experience so we'll see. I'm a fan of his so I was a little star struck but he's a really nice guy and I look forward to working with him.

[Punchy]

What a waste of an artist.

That was a joke, by the way.

[Derek Ruiz]

I wish the would include art of the character drawn by the artist when they do these things.


I think this is a great choice.

[EmeraldGuy32]

yay! I just dropped Firestorm (for money reasons not quality, it's great) and I'm definetly picking up Wolfman's Nightwing. Igle should be a huge improvement over Jurgens.

[BleachBubble]

I hope that this thread can congratulate Jamal without resorting to despicable and tasteless Newsarama method of praising one artist while trashing another.

Congratulations to Jamal and here is hoping this assignment is very successful.

And a hearty thank you to Dan Jurgens who helped the Wolfman era get off to a fine start.

[Charlie Hustle]

Is it asking too much to include art in articles like this for those of us who don't know the artist?

[SpyGuy]

Jamal Igle is definitely a welcome addition to the title after Dan Jurgens. His work on FIRESTORM was great, but hampered by some "Meh" plots and scripting from Stuart Moore.

At the very least, here's hoping he gets to redesign the NIGHTWING cover logo...or bring back the one from Chuck Dixon's era. The current one is downright appalling.

[WC Brooks]

Marv Wolfman AND Jamal Igle on NIGHTWING? PERMANENT?????

To quote Brian Griffin....

"Sweet Mother of God...JACKPOT"!!!!!

Jamal, I'll miss your work on FIRESTORM but having you on NIGHTWING MORE than makes up for it.

Good times are a'comin'!

[Hoylus]

Originally Posted by Charlie Hustle

Is it asking too much to include art in articles like this for those of us who don't know the artist?

Ta da.

[Jamal Y. Igle]

Originally Posted by Charlie Hustle

Is it asking too much to include art in articles like this for those of us who don't know the artist?

Ask and ye shall recieve.

No Nightwing art yet, though. I need to have a few surprises in my life.

[Hoylus]

Beat you to it. AND it's nighthwing.

[Cyphon]

Things just get better and better. I like Jurgens art, but his the first issue, while an improvement over some of the recent issues, just didn't click as much for me. Love that Jamal is getting the book!

[chap22]

"Nightwing's the best of the best and it's high time we reminded every one of that."

ah, sweet, sweet music to my ears. rock on Jamal. here's to a long, LONG run for you and Marv.

[DAV!S]

He's a great artists, and it's nice to see him on a high(er) level title.

And now we know we won't see any Nightwing's book sucks threads for a while...

[SyVyN11]

Congrats Jamal. I have been FIrestorm's bigger critic since the start with ChrissCross on the art and Dan Jolley's subpar writing. Your work was one of the few bright spots in that dreadful book. Nice to see that DC has rewarded you not only with a high profile book, but with the man that was half responsible for the creation of the mega hit of the 80s. TNTT put Marv and George rightfully as legends. To have DC pair the two of you is a stroke of genius since Marvel put together JMS and John Romita Jr. on Amazing Spider-man. The perfect combo of vet and rookie (I know you aren't a rookie, but I hope you know what I mean).

May this pairing last a long time and your place as a top ten penciller is secure.

[kingofcities]

Jamal rules all. Those pics are nice but not as sweet as my original Firestorm sketch of his.

Glad to hear the great news. Can't wait to see some preview art or concept sketches.

[Ye Olde Iowa]

I really enjoy Juergens and I really liked him on Nightwing, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't much, much more excited to see Igle on the book!

Igle has been stellar during his run on Firestorm--which, if you aren't reading, you need to pick a few back issues up today--and I think he is a great fit to draw Nightwing. I especially like his take on the character, that he should always be in movement and an emphasis should be made on his variety of martial arts skills and his circus background (two things that I think get too overlooked with most artists).

Also, this was a pretty classy interview that showed that A) Igle has a great understanding and affection for the character and B) he has a nice reverence for the previous (and popular) artists of the book (Hester and McDaniel). I dig that.

We suffered through the Jones run, but with Wolfman and Igle, things are really looking up for Nightwing fans!

[Chapp22]

Originally Posted by chap22

"Nightwing's the best of the best and it's high time we reminded every one of that."

ah, sweet, sweet music to my ears. rock on Jamal. here's to a long, LONG run for you and Marv.

Ironically I was going to say that!

[Kolimar]

Great news. Congratulations and good luck, Jamal.

[KentL]

Wolfman writing the book gave me an excuse to pick up the title again.

Igle's addition gives me another reason to stay.

Congrats Jamal!

KentL

[Mr Prince]

This is going to be hot! Can't wait!

Scott

[Sirettx]

hmmm well from that one pic I cant get a really good feel, but if so many of you say this is good then I am excited.

well, guess i will try out the first issue he draws, I just hope NW gets some respect in the DCU now!

[havokX24]

this is the best creative team on nightwing ever, i am really pleased that DC is putting effort into that book and character

[kingofcities]

Originally Posted by Chapp22

Ironically I was going to say that!

How happy are YOU right now?

[powerboy]

I really enjoy Ingle's artwork in Firestorm. That Teen Titans shot is gorgeous. I think it is a great fit. Ingle's work always has a nice fluid feel to it anyway, and his take on Nightwing sounds like a welcome addition and a wonderful breath of fresh air for this book.