FALLEN ANGEL GETS A LITTLE HELP FROM PAD'S FRIENDS

[MattBrady]

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After a very public fight for survival, DC’s Fallen Angel was pulled back from the chopping block, and takes a skip in January, but returns with #19 in February for the first part of a two-part story. Handled by the regular creative team, of Peter David, David Lopez and Fernando Blanco, the story, for all intents and purposes and relative to the writer, could be called “A Little Help from My Friends,” as it features the return of J.J. Sachs and Ernie Violens.

The names light a spark right away with fans of Peter David, and for those who are scratching their heads…well; we spoke with the writer for the lowdown.

Newsarama: So - let's get this straight – the "Hurlyburly" storyline wraps with #18 in December, and then there's no issue in January. Why not?

Peter David: Because DC had only committed to issue #18, as I mentioned to fans several months ago, and weren't willing to extend beyond that unless they saw some sort of turn around in sales and some sort of interest in the trade paperback. As of the point where they were doing the solicits for January, neither of those had happened.

And then something strange occurred. At the last minute, there was a spike in both trade sales and comic orders. I was told there was a 30% increase in trade sales, whatever that means, possibly in response to the first issue freebie giveaway that DC, under Bob Wayne's guidance, instituted. This interested them enough to keep the series going for several more issues to see if sales were going to continue to climb.

Unfortunately, this happened late in the game. Not only was there no time to redo the solicits for January but, since I hadn't even scripted #19, it would have put Dave and Fernando under unconscionable pressure to pound out the next issue. The art would have suffered and, ultimately, the fans wouldn’t have gotten their money’s worth. So rather than try and cram it into the January solicits and put a metaphorical gun to the artists’ heads, we just figured we’d go straight to February.

NRAMA: In hospital-ese, was the series clinically dead for a moment there?

PAD: No, it was more like the doctor standing there going, “I’m sorry, Mr. Levitz, Mr. Didio, we’ve done everything we can do, it’s time to pull the pl—wait, oh my God, we’ve just detected increased brain activity. How did THAT happen?”

NRAMA: With the Miraculous recovery you're good to go for #19 and #20 in February and March, respectively. What's coming in there?

PAD: Well, that’s the nifty thing. For the first time in the history of Fallen Angel, we’re actually going to have official guest stars. For years now, fans have been asking me if I’m ever going to revisit Sachs and Violens, the characters who starred in the four issue limited series George Perez and I did years ago for Epic’s “Heavy Hitters” line. The answer is, yup, they’ll be showing up for a two-parter in Fallen Angel #19 and #20.

NRAMA: For folks who may not have been collecting, or that may have been too young [the miniseries was very mature readers] to pick the miniseries up in ’93-’94, can you explain just who Sachs and Violens are, both as characters and as a property?

PAD: Basically it was Modesty Blaise meets 9 ½ Weeks. They were two street-level adventurers with a rather unique worldview. To quote from my intro in the first issue: “It is one of the bizarre truisms of our society that sex and violence seem inextricably linked in the public perception. As if they both have the same gravity, that both are intolerable, and that both are a scourge of our society to be dealt with. It would seem incomprehensible, though, how the two might actually be related to one another. Sachs and Violens is a series that attempts to draw a connection between the two while at the same time exploring the fundamental hypocrisy in a society that, in casual parlance, has joined an act that ultimately leads to life with an act that ultimately leads to death. The adventures of J.J. Sachs and Ernie “Violens” Schultz. Two people who battle some of the greatest evils of our society: Pornography. Murder. White Slavery. Religious fanaticism. And why do they do this? Because they get an erotic charge from risking their lives. Violence begets sex.”

NRAMA: They were...unique characters who had a...unique relationship. I often got the feeling that you and George were playing "I dare ya" with each other and the audience in regards to the stories, the relationship, and where things went. Was that part of the intent at least - to see how far you could push the envelope?

PAD: Oh yeah, absolutely. It’s pretty out there. J.J. is an ass-kicking model-turned-crusader, and Ernie is a war-scarred photographer with anger management issues whose one joy was when J.J. got turned on by one of their adventures and would jump his bones. I mean, there was never anything outright obscene about it. It was sort of a nudge-nudge, wink-wink aspect to it. We weren’t out to get retailers arrested for selling porn. But it pushed the envelope back in the early ‘90s and, considering the way the country has gotten more repressed rather than less, it’d probably be thought of as even more testing of limits now.

NRAMA: What was responsible for their creation back in the early '90s? Obviously, it was pretty different from what you and George were known for in your mainstream work...and pretty far from what comics were seeing at the time coming from Marvel. What was the mandate to be a part of the "Heavy Hitters" line at Epic? What were they looking for?

PAD: It was actually the other way around. I conceived the basic characters and initial story and tried to sell it to Epic when Archie Goodwin was there. I even had character sketches by such guys as Lee Weeks and Michael Davis. But it didn’t quite fit in with the slate of what they were doing at the time. Eventually Carl Potts took over the label and, when they were launching “Heavy Hitters,” he came to me and said they’d like to include Sachs and Violens as part of the launch.

At that point George signed on and made a couple of key suggestions and changes, not the least of which was changing JJ’s name from Jennifer Jean Sachs to Juanita Jean, making her Hispanic, which I think improved her immeasurably. Ultimately, the whole purpose for George and me doing the series was exactly to shake up the expectations of what people had of us.

NRAMA: After issue #4 in 1994, there was buzzing about the property returning. Why has it been gone for so long?

PAD: Well, it’s not as if George and I haven’t been doing other things. Plus George has been tied up in exclusivity deals on and off. It’s just been a matter of timing, really. In this instance, the timing seemed right.

NRAMA: Let’s talk about that timing – whose idea was it to bring them back in Fallen Angel?

PAD: It was my wife, Kathleen, who actually suggested it. I had a slot for a two issue story with #19 and #20, and I wanted to try and do something major and unusual for the series. And something that would, let’s face it, grab the interest of people who weren’t reading it. If we’re going to survive, we need to increase numbers, and we need to do it dramatically. The usual maneuver in such a situation is to bring in guest stars. But since we’re not DCU, that whole slate of characters was closed to us. So I thought, hey, maybe we can arrange something with someone to bring in some creator owned characters to guest star. But I wasn’t sure who we could get or would be remotely appropriate. Cerebus? I mean, c’mon. And Kathleen said, “Well, you own Sachs and Violens, don’t you?” And I thought, “Oh my God, of course, that’s perfect.”

NRAMA: Given Fallen Angel's setting, how do J.J. and Ernie end up there in the first place?

PAD: They drive. They have a car, they drive. I mean, it’s not like we’ve ever indicated Bete Noire is other dimensional or something. People come and go, although some come and never leave.

NRAMA: Speaking of those that come to the town, do J.J. and Ernie need Lee (Fallen Angel)'s help, or are they the ones helping someone else? Push that tease button...

PAD: Actually, they’re chasing down a child porn ring that is operating out of Bete Noire. And they show up gunning for the head of the city’s vice operations, Bumper Ruggs. And Bumper seeks out the Angel’s help for protection, although Bumper—unsurprisingly—isn’t entirely candid with the Angel as to why he - or she, I’ve never actually specified which gender Bumper is - wants to keep Sachs and Violens away. Turns out Bumper has a surprising history with Sachs and Violens that neither of them knows about.

NRAMA: Story aside for a moment, rights-wise, you and George own J.J. and Ernie, right? Were there any hurdles in bringing them into this corner of the DCU?

PAD: Only some major ones. Even though George and I share copyright and trademark on the characters, there’s still a whole rights process and lawyer man hours that have to go into putting together the legal paperwork involved in having them show up in the book. DC was very resistant to investing the time, energy, cost and manpower for what they perceived as little-to-no return. I mean, it’s one thing to clear the hurdles for a DC/Marvel crossover that’s going to sell a hundred zillion copies, but this? I had to do a lot of talking, up to and including offering to pay the legal fees involved.

NRAMA: Creatively, why bring them in? Probably, one of the recent highest profile works of metafiction like this was The Dark Tower where Stephen King's characters met and interacted. Is this kind of story almost a physical manifestation of what goes on in the writer's head, that is, as each character is a slice of you, they're already all sharing the same idea-space and interacting already? Or am I just thinking about this way too much?

PAD: I don’t think it’s quite that psychologically based. I mean, it’s not like I’ve got Sir Apropos of Nothing arguing with King Arthur in my head while I’m shouting, “Will you guys shut up, I’m trying to script Soulsearchers and Company.” With something like this, it’s more a matter of just having fun. Of saying, Which character could actually interface with another? Bridget and Baraka could never, ever show up in Bete Noire, even though they’re mystically based, because they just wouldn’t feel right in the Angel’s world. But I guess there’s a few brain cells where the Fallen Angel dwells that also contains the world of Sachs and Violens, and because they’re mental neighbors, they can swing by for a chat.

NRAMA: From the cover of #19 (above) it’s clear that you brought George back as well, if only for the covers. Was it a tough sell to get him back?

PAD: Oh lord, no, it was a snap. As a matter of fact, George’s immediate response is, “Great! Because I’ve really had a hankering to draw JJ lately!” It’s not that George doesn’t give Violens his all as well, but his heart’s really with Sachs. Can’t blame him. Hot Spanish chick dressed in leather with a whip. What’s not to love?

Having cleared it with editor Nachie Castro ahead of time, I offered George the covers of the two issues, and he agreed instantly. Personally, I think he’d have been hurt if I hadn’t asked. Not only that, but George offered to donate the cover of issue #19 to the CBLDF to be auctioned off…on Ebay, presumably, although we’ll get that sorted out later. So we’ve got the return of Sachs and Violens with covers by George Perez. Again, what’s not to love?

NRAMA: Exactly - you came up through comics marketing to get where you are now, and this is a pretty savvy marketing move. That said though - is the light green from DC for issues #21 and beyond, or is it all wait and see?

PAD: It’s wait and see and, I’m reasonably sure, #19 and #20 are make-or-break. Frankly, I used up a lot of—for want of a better term—political capital in getting this done. As far as DC higher ups are concerned, I’m really out on a limb on this one, and I need retailers and fans not to saw it off behind me. Certainly it’s not the first time in my career, but it’s getting exhausting. If this doesn’t make a serious increase in sales, and I mean to the tune of several thousand copies, I don’t know that the book will continue and I’ll likely have almost no credibility with the powers that be to boot. Now is such an increase possible? Sure. Basically if every retailer orders one copy more than he’s currently carrying, that would do it - or if every other retailer orders two, and so on…although I think the odds of one retailer ordering several thousand extra are pretty slim. And of course the best way to make that happen is for fans to go out there and pre-order it, rather than say, “Wow, that sounds interesting, I’ll be sure to pick that up off the stands.” ‘Cause in this day and age, I can assure you, retailers don’t order books on the off chance someone might want them.

And if we pull that off—if we get over that hump—then I’m positive we’ll start getting the regular trade collections the book really needs to expand the readership even more. I can’t tell you the number of fans who write to me and say they’re reluctant to start with the title because they can’t find the back issues anywhere. And by the way, I should note that 19 and 20 together is a stand-alone story. You don’t have to have read either Fallen Angel or, for that matter, Sachs and Violens, to follow the story.

I admit, I was getting discouraged there for a time. Month after month, the book was getting rave reviews from just about every major reviewer and yet fans were still ignoring it or saying, “Ahhh, I read the first issue or two, didn’t interest me.” In my opinion—one that is shared by a lot of folks—the story cycle which began with the revelation of the Angel’s pregnancy in issue #14 and is running through issue #18 is better than anything I’ve done. And I should note that I’ve seen various people speculating about #18 and some people have gotten some details exactly right, but no one, absolutely no one, has been 100% on the money about everything, and no one has come close to guessing the true origins of Bete Noire which will be revealed in #18, even though the clues are already there.

And we’ve begun to get a small but definite head of steam going. In a comic-buying market dominated by mutant or Spider or Bat books, I wouldn’t say yet that we’re the little engine that could, but rather that we’re the little engine that’s got an outside chance of not being derailed. Plus if we do find a way to make Fallen Angel succeed, and fans more receptive and interested in material that’s very different - which a small minority says they want and a vast majority then doesn’t buy - that might pave the way for more such titles to succeed. And that’s in everyone’s interest.

[Tinnitus Tim]

I don't know the guest stars but I am happy to read that the series lives on. A must read for any comic reader.

[rockieman]

I bought the Sachs and Violens mini back in the day. I don't remember anything about it, but I'll pull it out an re-read it. As for these characters increasing sales, I doubt it'll have any effect. The majority of people who would buy this book probably have no idea who they are. Any kind of sales bump, due to these characters, will most likely be attributed to Perez doing the covers.

Hopefully, DC will really hype his contribution to get the average reader aware of the title and interested in buying it. I'm enjoying the story and want PAD to continue.

[Posco]

I remember Sachs & Violens. At the time I was shocked / positively surprised that Marvel would publish it. Actually Marvel has since then not published that risky stuff all too often.

Oh yes and buy Fallen Angel. It is a good title. I don´t think it is David´s best work (even though he himself seems to think different) but it is still better than many, many books on the market and well worth buying. And with a 2 issue storyline it is only a limited investment and a perfect try out. (This is one problem of all those 6 ish miniseries in a series so common in comics nowadays: It makes it harder to try a book out if you want to read a complete story.)

Christian

[Aaron Weisbrod]

Done.

I'll be preordering these two issues tomorrow...

Now if only I could get ahold of that #1 free preview issue... I wanted to check it out, but my store was out of it before I got in. Oh well...

Here's to hoping that these two upcoming issues will rope me in!

Voting for change,
Aaron Weisbrod

[Fazhoul]

I remember reading Sachs & Violens and it should be interesting to see them in FA. Hopefully DC will stick with the book for a while longer to let it build a fanbase.

[Winteriscoming]

Fallen Angel is the best book that I'm reading right now. With crap like Avengers Dissasembled and War Games it sure is nice to know there is one consistantly good book out there.

[Pascal]

I read "Sachs & Violens" except issue #1. Time to re-read it. Good luck with "Fallen Angel", Peter. With the exception of "Supergirl", I agree that it's your best-written comic book ever.

[jedifish]

Sounds interesting. Can't wait to read it.

[Kevenn]

YAY for Perez covers! I've been with Fallen Angel since the beginning, and the series has just gotten better & better! I really hope these do well, because I'd really like to keep reading this title a lot longer.

[boypop]

I've never bought Fallen Angel before because, well, I didn't even know the book existed until issue 7 or so and then couldn't find back issues so didn't bother jumping on since I had no idea what was going on. BUUUUUT... I DO know Sachs and Violins and will DEFINATELY be picking it up because of them so I hope they are integral to the story and not just in it for a panel or two cameo.

Oh, and the George Perez cover certainly will get me to pick up an extra copy just to drool on.... ; )!

You know, now that I think of it, DC did the same thing with The Monolith, another book I never heard of before. A friend of mine was telling me how good it is and I was like, 'WOW! Phil Winslade art? I'm there!" Then he proceeded to tell me they're up to issue 10 and it's cancelled at #12.

Nice going DC. Promote the doody out of books that sell themselves like Green Lantern: Rebirth (You'd have to be dead to not know about that one) or Jim Lee and Brian Azzarello's garbage-stink Superman but don't let the readers out there know about books like Monolith or Fallen Angel.

You know, I remember the days when DC did these neat, eye catching house ads in the 70's to alert readers of new comics coming out. Whatever happened to the good old days?

[Gladiator X]

SWEET!!!!!

I LOVED Sachs and Violens back in the day(I even have the statue!) and I have waited for a decade to see more of them!

If only George was doin' the insides as well then this would be perfect!

If this doesn't help Fallen Angel maybe Peter and George could hook up for another run at Sachs and Violens?I know that's a comic I'd definitely pick up every month!

[Peter David]

Originally posted by boypop
I've never bought Fallen Angel before because, well, I didn't even know the book existed until issue 7 or so and then couldn't find back issues so didn't bother jumping on since I had no idea what was going on. BUUUUUT... I DO know Sachs and Violins and will DEFINATELY be picking it up because of them so I hope they are integral to the story and not just in it for a panel or two cameo.

Oh, heavens no, they're integral to the story. If nothing else, wait'll you see what happens when Benny the Snake makes the tactical error of using his "There's thieves everywhere" routine on Sachs.

PAD

[Tick Tock]

Thank you Mr. David for bringing back JJ and Ernie! I reread the mini this spring and loved it as much as the first time! I'm definitely picking up #19 and #20.

[brazilgilliam]

I bought the first trade and while I think that the series has potential, I wasn't overly impresssed. I like PAD and am wondering if the second trade will clear my doubts. Is the second trade an improvement from the first collection?

[idkidd]

I admit, I was getting discouraged there for a time. Month after month, the book was getting rave reviews from just about every major reviewer and yet fans were still ignoring it or saying, “Ahhh, I read the first issue or two, didn’t interest me.”

I read the book up until issue 7 or so and I really did feel it started slow. However, I rejoined at #14 as Mr. David stirred up some attention for the book and have REALLY enjoyed it. If anyone else dropped this book early or even midway through the run, give it another try -- you won't regret it!!

[Pascal]

Originally posted by brazilgilliam
I bought the first trade and while I think that the series has potential, I wasn't overly impresssed. I like PAD and am wondering if the second trade will clear my doubts. Is the second trade an improvement from the first collection?

This book gets better every issue! It's unbelievable.

[Jumpin' Monkey]

Originally posted by Pascal
This book gets better every issue! It's unbelievable.

I must agree. It started great and now is awesome.

I'm reading this series since issue #1 and I can't believe this comic book is not selling by the truck loads.

Hope sales will pick up and we'll get to read Fallen Angel for many many years.
Ugo

[brazilgilliam]

Originally posted by Pascal
This book gets better every issue! It's unbelievable.

I don't know... Peter David is a nutty, kooky, neato kinda guy and I want to support him so I guess will take a peak at the second trade.

[Hannibal King]

Sachs and Violins was good readin' and are definately worth checking out in the always good readin' Fallen Angel.

[JohnPlatt]

I read ten issues of Fallen Angel tonight, and I am now officially caught up.

I really, really, really hope this book finds its audience. It's too damn good to die on the vine.


John

[Royal Nonesuch]

Sachs & Violens...returning?!?! Now I've seen everything....

By the way, that is pretty damn cool, though.

[Tonguedevil]

FALLEN ANGEL is one of my top five favorite titles right now. Seriously, if you're skipping this book for whatever reason, then you're cheating yourself out of a riveting ride across the finer layers of both a deadly Heaven and an even more sensual Hell.

This title is truly one of a kind, a unique spirit-beast of sorts, and it'll be a sick shame to see it cancelled if for nothing more than a superficial lack of 'acceptable' units sold, if such is to be the case.

Let's save this book today, people.

[Peter David]

Originally posted by brazilgilliam
I don't know... Peter David is a nutty, kooky, neato kinda guy and I want to support him so I guess will take a peak at the second trade.

Well, I appreciate that, but right now I'm working on trying to keep the book going. I need to up the readership by several thousand. If enough people pledge to wait for a second trade, well, that's nice as far as it goes, but it would almost guarantee a second trade will NOT occur. We need people jumping on board now.

It's still not too late to climb on with the current story arc. Start with issue #14 which reintroduces all the characters, has some startling story developments, and then segues into the beginning of "Hurlyburly." Although you can actually just start with the current #17, because I've worked hard to make each issue accessible, even in the middle of an arc. Or, if absolutely NOTHING else, pre-order issues 19 and 20 from your retailer, which are completely self-contained.

Just remember, if even half the people who are currently reading "Madrox" but not reading "Fallen Angel" start supporting "Fallen Angel," the book will survive. Which I certainly hope will be the case because, 1-18? That's just the First Act. Wait'll you see the second.

PAD

[idkidd]

I'll make someone a deal -- if you're on the fence about trying this really good series, I will mail you my copies of issues #14 - 17 (the current arc) free of charge.

All you need to do is:

Order the first trade from your retailer (just tell them it's order code# APR04 0304 and you should have it in 2 weeks) or from Amazon or something.

Agree to pass the books I mail you on when your finished if a second person is interested.

You'll have all the foundation and backstory from the trade and you;ll be completely up to date on the current arc (which is the best so far!).

Any takers?