GUGGENHEIM STARTS AS NEW FLASH WRITER IN FEBRUARY

[MattBrady]

When you’re young, change seems like a constant – for DC’s Flash, it is – a change in men under the mask and, coming early next year, a change in writers.

Originally, it seemed like a slam-dunk of putting the former writing team of the Flash television series, Paul DeMeo and Danny Bilson on the latest incarnation of the character at DC – and initially, the newly launched series was met with solid sales. However, as things continued, the writing team’s version of Flash found some tough going with fans of the series who were already reeling with the changes made to the character in Infinite Crisis.

In February, Flash will get a new voice in the form of Marc Guggenheim, who joins the title as its new regular writer.

So – obviously, the first question that needs answering is this – after starting his comics career off at Marvel, and receiving a good response from fans for his work on Wolverine and Blade (among others), how did he end up with a DC title? Were any DC editors courting him?

“I've been very fortunate in recent months to have several editors at DC ‘courting’ me as you say,” Guggenheim told Newsarama. “I'd been talking to the Flash editor, Joan Hilty, about a couple of other things when this opportunity presented itself.”

For those who may’ve let Flash speed by them over the last few months, after playing a major role in Infinite Crisis, the role of “Flash” was up for grabs after the disappearance of Wally West. Enter Bart Allen – formerly Impulse, formerly Kid Flash of the Teen Titans, and now – aged due to time spent away from our reality in the Speed Force, a young-adult Flash.

And that’s the way Guggenheim plans to keep it.

“Bart’s the Flash now,” the writer said. “The one and only. He's the heir to Barry and Wally's mantle. In fact, that's the thrust of my first issue and, at least, the initial few issues of my run. My mission statement is to firmly ensconce Bart as both the Flash and a major player in the DCU, befitting his heritage. My other mission statement -- which is just as important -- is to make the title new-reader accessible since, as you point out, some people may have given the first eight issues of the title a pass.”

And while Guggenheim acknowledges that there are issues with Bart aging so quickly (for the second time in his life, not to mention that all his friends in the DCU are still teens), for the time being, he’s looking to…like the Flash himself, keep moving forward.

“My instinct is not to dwell too much on Bart's getting older. Rather, I want to focus on him being the Flash. He's the Flash now and we all have to get used to that -- including Bart.

“One of the things I think is cool about the successive mantle-passing of the various Flashes is that all four of them have distinct personalities. Jay is the older, mentoring type. Barry is the icon. Wally is the irresponsible upstart who evolved into a responsible adult. My inclination is not to dwell too much on Bart's complex backstory and recent ‘maturing,’ but those elements clearly define his personality and set him apart from the Flashes who came before him. So I'm going to use those elements to inform my writing of the character without necessarily referring to them directly or, at least, often.”

For Guggenheim, the opportunity to write Flash pairs him up with one of the very first comic book heroes he encountered and at the same time, ideally, leave his mark on one of superhero-dom’s most famous legacies.

“I was a regular reader of the original Barry Allen Flash series for the last two-or-so years of that run,” Guggenheim said. “And I love Mike Baron and Mark Waid's runs. But, yes, I feel a certain attraction to taking on a character like Bart who is in something of a nascent state; at least as far as being the Flash is concerned. Plus, I've been made privy to some of DC's long-term plans -- and from Infinite Crisis, we all know how long-term these guys think -- and the chance to play a part in laying some of that foundation was just too cool to resist. To answer your question, yes, stuff will happen in the Flash that will lead into the next DC Big Event.”

And while the legacy of the Flash runs through the DCU, its presence doesn’t really affect how Guggenheim tackles the character compared to, say, Wolverine over at Marvel, the writer said.

“Bart's new status quo in the DCU is basically being the best there is at what he does -- only faster. Kidding. To answer in a less wise-ass-ish way, yes, Bart's legacy is part of what makes the Flash special and unique. Though, to be honest, I try to find whatever makes any character I write special and unique and write towards that so, in that sense, my approach with Bart is typical for me, if that makes sense.”

So – February, then…that first story? A simple premise – two teams want Bart, the Teen Titans and the JLA. Which should he choose?

“My first issue, which is plenty new-reader friendly and self-contained, is, in part, about what it means to drop the ‘Kid’ from the ‘Flash.’ History pulls him towards the Titans, but tradition suggests League membership. I don't want to spoil much of the story, but Bart's decision won't have anything to do with either history or tradition. How's that for a tease?”

And a return to the tradition of Flash writers, like Waid and Geoff Johns before him giving vague and semi-infuriating teases is what fans have to get used to, as Guggenheim said: “Like Blade, I'm on the book for as long as I'm welcome. As for long-term goals, they're more than goals, they're actually plans. I know exactly what will be happening for the next year and I have some stories to tell beyond that, as well.”

Throughout all of this, Guggenheim isn’t approaching the series with rose-colored glasses on. For whatever reason, Bilson and DeMeo’s take on the character wasn’t clicking with fans, and coming on to a series with a less than happy constituency isn’t exactly the best working condition. Does the writer have any trepidation in that regard?

“That's an honest question, so I'll give you an honest answer: A little. Though, in that same spirit of honesty, I'd have to say that to the degree I feel trepidation -- and I feel it every time I take on a new project -- it's less trepidation about taking over from writers who, while fantastic, didn't make every fan happy and more about living up to the legacy of writers like Mike Baron, Geoff Johns, Mark Waid, William Messner Loeb, and all the others.”

And finally, some final thoughts from Guggenheim:

“First, to reiterate, I'm writing Flash #9 as if it were Flash #1, so no need to be at all familiar with the Bart Allen version -- I'll catch you right up. Second, one of the reasons I took this on -- and there were plenty of reasons not to given my workload, believe me -- was because I wanted to get in on the ground floor of the cool storylines DC has in the works. If you want to get in on the ground floor, too, this is the book to pick up. Even if you're not a fan of the Flash -- why you wouldn't be, I don't know, but even if you're not a fan -- we're going to be telling some very cool, very compelling stories that should be very fun to read.”

[evilive72]

The relaunch has completely sucked, so I have low expectations going into this. I'll most likely give it a whirl though, but I'll drop it pretty quick if its even close to as bad as the current team.

[James Seals]

Nice! This should kick it up a notch.

Glad I won't have to drop one of my favorite heroes from my pull list.

-James

[cncoyle]

Good news, at least for me. The title currently a very slow pace (which is borderline ironic for a hero with super speed) and hasn't been anywhere near the quality level I've expected of The Flash.

I like the idea of several teams vying for his attention/membership--great approach/angle for the character.

I would still like to know what the heck is up with Wally, Linda and the twins...
(hint, hint, DC)

[Ace]

This is good news. I've found Mark's Wolvie stuff to be the best since Rucka left. Granted, he's been writing Logan as a superhero, which is what I generally like to see the most, but that's just me.

I worry just a little about not dealing too much with Bart's past, but then I'm used to it. Johns ignored almost everything that happened in the Impulse series too.

I just wish someone would use Carol eventually.

[Nakedmanatee]

I'll have to give this a shot! I've been enjoying Guggenheim's Marvel work. I can't vouch for the writing skills of the previous Flash team, but if the internet outrage was any indication, Flash fans should greet their removal on a par with Rumsfeld being ousted.

yr. buddy,

David

[KyleCowstar]

Looks like I'm keeping Flash on my pull list.

[Greg McElhatton]

Anyone know if Ken Lashley is staying on board as artist? I think I heard more complaints from people about the art than the writing, to be honest...

[cncoyle]

Oh, does this mean there won't be a Griffin ongoing?

[evilive72]

Originally Posted by cncoyle

Oh, does this mean there won't be a Griffin ongoing?

its THE Griffin.

Geez...

[lpjunior]

Wasn't Marc going to do Aquaman as well at some point? Here's hoping he can keep the workload reasonable. DC and Marvel are getting way to eager to spread top talent thin.

[Imaginary]

It's good to know I'm not the only one who thought this new Flash series sucked. I was just starting to get into Flash with the Rogue War. But these guys should have taken a hint from their cancelled TV series. I've seen Ken Lashley do some pretty good work, but not on Flash. The same goes for the Martian Manhunter series.....or is that just me?

[mrbones]

Yawn........

[cabbitabe]

YES! i was waiting for the Flash team to change...sucks that it will have to be issue 9. This change couldn't come any sooner.

Gives some creedence that the 11th JLA member could be Bart...but I'm still thinking it is going to be someone else.

[SpyGuy]

GREAT NEWS!

Honestly, I don't know why they don't just cancel THE FLASH: THE FASTEST MAN ALIVE at #8 and give Guggenheim a new THE FLASH #1 instead. Bilson and DeMeo's work has been painful to read month after month, but Guggenheim has been pretty good so far on BLADE, so I'm encouraged by this.

Now, if Karl Kerschl was on board as Guggenheim's regular artist, I'd be really jazzed...

[connorfan]

I have been really enjoying Flash these days, I hope Danny and Paul are going to be writing more comics soon. I dunno this new guy I'll give him a shot but to say I'm not enthused with this line up change would be an understatement.

[cncoyle]

Originally Posted by cabbitabe

Gives some creedence that the 11th JLA member could be Bart...but I'm still thinking it is going to be someone else.

Cyborg, dagumnit!
(At least, I'm hoping it will be.)

[rwe1138]

Originally Posted by SpyGuy

Now, if Karl Kerschl was on board as Guggenheim's regular artist, I'd be really jazzed...

I totally agree. His one fill-in issue was better drawn than the regulars.

[rwe1138]

Originally Posted by cncoyle

Cyborg, dagumnit!
(At least, I'm hoping it will be.)

I can think of few better candidates to move up to the big Leagues (pun intended) than Vic Stone.

[kingofcities]

Could we at least have Wally and Linda as characters in the story SOMEWHERE? I don't think that's too much to ask.

[grphxkindaguy]

I dropped this current Flash series w/issue #4, but I'll give Marc's first issue a try. I love his Blade series and liked his Wolverine run...

Now if DC can just change the writer(s) on Blue Beetle...

[GOSD]

Originally Posted by kingofcities

Could we at least have Wally and Linda as characters in the story SOMEWHERE? I don't think that's too much to ask.

Exactly.

Just replace Bart already!

[ZAXILLA2]

Hopefully he'll be able to get this book back on track: solid story, regular shipping, Wally West, etc.

[cynic79]

Originally Posted by cabbitabe

YES! i was waiting for the Flash team to change...sucks that it will have to be issue 9. This change couldn't come any sooner.

Gives some creedence that the 11th JLA member could be Bart...but I'm still thinking it is going to be someone else.

Nah, Bart's going to be joining the Doom Patrol. He is a freak after all.

While I have not been wild about the current creative team's direction, especially in the wake of Johns' excellent run, the issues have been getting much better as time goes on. I was hoping things would turn around after the intro arc had finished. However, I'm still glad Guggenheim is on board for next year. Flash deserves to be one of DC's top caliber books.

[Kerouac]

Originally Posted by cncoyle

I would still like to know what the heck is up with Wally, Linda and the twins... (hint, hint, DC)

Exactly. I don't think fan reaction would be NEARLY so negative if DC weren't just acting as if Wally had never existed.