GAIL SIMONE TALKS TRANQUILITY

[MattBrady]

Announced at DC” Wildstorm/Vertigo panel at this weekend’s WizardWorld Los Angeles, the Gail Simone/Neil Googe Tranquility promises a look at what happens to superheroes when they’re active days are behind them…a retirement community for superheroes.

Or, as DC describes it:

Welcome to Tranquility, a planned community where super-heroes can retire in peace, without being hounded by enemies and fans. But don’t let Tranquility’s sedate surface fool you. Because when a series of murders is committed, a conspiracy is exposed that may endanger the lives of everyone who lives there. Kicking off in December, Tranquility is a new, monthly series written by Gail Simone and illustrated by Neil Googe.

We spoke with Simone about the series, due to debut in December.

Newsarama: A retirement community for superheroes. Where did the seed for this start?

Gail Simone: It’s actually pretty interesting--the seed for this story started years ago, before I’d ever done any pro work, I believe. I’d been fascinated for some time by this small town in Florida, Gibsontown, or ‘Gibtown,’ as the locals call it.

NRAMA: What’s a “Gibtown?”

GS: It’s a winter refuge/retirement community for carnival workers, including the unique exotics who used to be called freaks. Thus, you could have a cup of coffee at the diner and Jo-jo-the-rat-faced-boy could be having potato salad and a milkshake right next to you, and no one would bat an eye.

It’s that last bit that I loved...not so much that it’s a haven for the unusual, but that it’s a place where the unusual aren’t gawked at. They step outside of the city limits and they’re back to being performers at best, but at the very least, outsiders and possibly objects of derision.

But inside those limits, it’s their town, and so-called norms are the tourists, the outsiders. I sorta love that.

So, I started thinking, and for the most part, superheroes either die, or get frozen in ice, or are artificially young. They don’t really get old, in the creaky, sometimes uncomfortable, often diminished way that regular people do. So the idea of a town where we’d get to show that phase of their life just seemed really appealing.

I told Mark Waid the idea years ago and he threatened to bash me over the skull and take it, it was so good. And it’s really taken this long to be able to put the story out. It’s my first real creator-owned work since Killer Princesses - co-created with the brilliant Lea Hernandez, and for people who have been waiting to see that crazy-ass kind of Gail book again, this is the chance.

The story has a huge mystery, and Tranquility itself is very much a small town. It’s deliberately been built and designed to reflect a happier time for these superbeings, and both heroes and reformed villains are welcome. Most of the story is told through the eyes of the female sheriff, Thomasina Lindo, who’s sort of a no-nonsense woman who has grown up with these people and goes out of her way to protect them.

Beyond that, a lot of the retired heroes and villains have children and grandchildren, so the town has a few superpowered vandals and shredders, as well.

NRAMA: But...with all we've seen of superheroes, they're timeless...who has time to get old?

GS: That’s what I think makes it fun...these people still have the hearts of heroes, for the most part. On the one hand, yes, going to a retirement home and giving the patients superpowers is a pretty funny idea. On the other hand, there are still some tough old bastards who may have been vets who’ll happily smack you on your ass if you get smart with ‘em. They’re not all waiting in front of the tv to watch Matlock in Tranquility. Some are trysting, scrapping, or plotting.

NRAMA: That said who are the heroes that have retired to Tranquility? Are they analogues of others, WWII era, or...who?

GS: No. You know, I’m going to sound like a jerkette here, but I’m not a fan of that approach. Better writers than I have made wonderful stories with doppelgangers, but...personally, I hate it. I don’t want to read a story looking for the Z-universe Batman, or the Obscure comics version of Captain America. I think it’s cheating, and removes you from the story at the best of times.

But, I’m nuts, and have an IQ of 34, I’m told, so maybe I’m wrong. It’d certainly be easier to just remake the JSA with new suits, but it’s not an approach I like at all. I’ll give some names, though; Acolyte, Mr. Articulate, Dogman, Colonel Cragg, Pink Bunny, Agita, Coyote Kid, and The Unknowable.

These are new characters. Once in a while, there might be a faint echo of other greats, but for the most part, I’m looking at the citizens of Tranquility as being just as inspired by the great pulps as by the early comics. One of the most fun things in the book are the artifacts we show, old comics, comic strips, and big little books featuring the characters in their prime.

NRAMA: Okay – so they’re not the heroes we know, and by and large, they’re not just watching Matlock. So what's life like for retired heroes in Tranquility?

GS: Never count the ‘greatest generation’ out.

NRAMA: You owe Tom Brokaw a nickel for using that phrase.

GS: Anyway - some like to get rowdily plastered at the Fox Hole, or they eat Suzy’s fried chicken at the Chik*n*Go, or they golf at Maxi Meadows. Again, it’s not just superheroes, as a few characters from the comics strips exist there, too. One of the biggest changes between our reality and there’s, is that Frederic Wertham’s efforts to ban comics were ridiculed, and the comics industry there is massive and pervasive. It’s a legitimate medium, along with film and music, and Orson Welles wrote the first real graphic novel decades ago.

It’s a peaceful town, a little bent and twisted by our standards, but there’s no denying the citizens have created a beautiful little haven. Every once in a while, one of the superpowered teens act up, or the grandkid of an old arch-nemesis comes to town looking for a showdown. But as I said, some of these guys are still tough old bastards and they don’t take much crap from anyone.

But of course, it’s a town with a secret. So there’s a bit of Twin Peaks in there, along with the Opie and Aunt Bea.

NRAMA: And then…a murder?

GS: There’s a murder, and there are some secrets. This is absolutely the most intricate mystery story I’ve ever written. If you dug Villains United, there’s a lot of twists and turns like that book had, and lots of saucy violent wrongness, thank goodness.

As I said, the main character is a smart, tough, pretty African-American Sheriff, whose grandfather was the first public black superhero. She adores these people and recognizes them for the heroes they (mostly) are. In return, they adore her, as well.

The normally publicity shy town allows a network reporter to do a story on Tranquility, to show it in the best possible light, and things go wrong from the minute the cameras start to roll, starting with a plane crash and leading up to an unexpected death.

The sheriff’s in over her head, and there are forces who don’t want her to find the truth. It’s fun stuff.

NRAMA: Anything more you can say about the murder storyline?

GS: One of the city’s greatest skirtchasers ends up dead in full view of the townspeople and the sheriff, and the ‘villains’ in the scene swear they didn’t do it...but that’s just the very start.

Plus, it’s got the recipe for soda biscuits in it.

It’s a different book.

NRAMA: Where is Tranquility located, by the by? It seems like it would have to be pretty out of the way to guarantee the safety of the heroes...

GS: In the mountains, on a lake.

NRAMA: And this is ongoing? So there's more to it than just a murder mystery?

GS: Yeah, this is going to be a shake-up for the citizens, but for the survivors, there’s a lot more story to tell.

The big thing is, Tranquility isn’t (the wonderful) Astro City. I’ve lived in cities, and I’ve traveled a lot, but I was raised on a farm, and have lived in small towns most of my life. I fed pigs and my first pet was a cow. That’s hard stuff to explain to someone who lives in LA or New York, really, just as subways sometimes baffle me a little.

It’s a different experience entirely, and one that we don’t see in comics that often, or if we do, it’s from the point of view that small-towners are hicks and rubes.

Tranquility shows that we’re just as interestingly screwed up as you are, we just don’t have good sushi, and our mugger is more polite.

NRAMA: And it’s all drawn by Neil Googe…

GS: Oh yes! I have to thank the whole Wildstorm team, actually. They’ve been asking for a while what I’d like to do, and were so enthusiastic about this book. Ben Abernathy, Scott Dunbier, and Jim Lee, I love ya.

And then, yes, they got Neil Googe. I wasn’t totally familiar with his work, but it’s crazy good. He’s got a confidence in his line that many pros never seem to develop, and his eye for personality is just unbeatable. I just find his work amazing. Artists freak me out and great artists are just complete mysteries. Wait’ll you see his raft of new characters...they’re really charming and funny.

I’m jazzed about it. What I’ve been working on for years is making it to the page exactly as I’d hoped, only with better art than I’d imagined, and that’s a pretty wonderful place to be. If you’ve ever wanted superheroes in your Mayberry- (and I question your sanity if you did, which makes you a perfect reader for this book - then this is the perfect freakshow for you, you strange, odd person!

[tim seeley]

heh, so that's where Lovebunny ended up.

http://www.geocities.com/nuelow/lovebunny1.jpg

I've been looking for her.

Looks fun!

TIM SEELEY
www.timseeley.com

[DianaKingston]

. Kicking off in August, Tranquility is a new, monthly series written by Gail Simone and illustrated by Neil Googe.

We spoke with Simone about the series, due to debut in December.

So... does this start in August or December?

[Black Beetle]

This sounds great. Great story + Gail writing= me buying it.

[Black Beetle]

Originally posted by DianaKingston


So... does this start in August or December? [/b]

Good question...

[jlawesome]

I don't have anything to say other than I love Gail Simone and want to marry her. Is she married? If not I want to marry her. If she is then I'm willing to be the guy on the side.

[Colossus2420]

This sounds like a great idea and I'm hoping it starts strong and finishes strong. Personally, I didn't think "Villains United" was Gail's best work, a great first issue and then a slide into the quagmire from there. "Tranquility" should be a nice kick in the ass to the comic stream.

[skinnyboy23]

Gail's only had one miss for me and that was the tail-end of her Action Comics run that just lagged. This looks great, and with Neil Googe on art it should be easy on the eyes too.

[MattBrady]

Originally posted by Black Beetle
Good question...

December - typo corrected.

MattB

[Starlord]

I am so there, in August...I mean December...umm, August.

Well, whatever, it's Gail, so nothing can keep me from getting it. Actually she is the only writer that could get me to buy anything outside of the big two. Although I guess, technically, she still won't be.

I loves ya, Gail!!!

[Kolimar]

Originally posted by MattBrady
Announced at DC” Wildstorm/Vertigo panel at this weekend’s WizardWorld Los Angeles, the Gail Simone/Neil Googe Tranquility promises a look at what happens to superheroes when they’re active days are behind them…a retirement community for superheroes.

Or, as DC describes it:

Welcome to Tranquility, a planned community where super-heroes can retire in peace, without being hounded by enemies and fans. But don’t let Tranquility’s sedate surface fool you. Because when a series of murders is committed, a conspiracy is exposed that may endanger the lives of everyone who lives there. Kicking off in December, Tranquility is a new, monthly series written by Gail Simone and illustrated by Neil Googe.

This sounds great.

[FChamberlain]

Gail has consistantly brought some genuine real life moments into her comic work, leading to my enjoyment of most of her work. Her ability to bring humor and pathos to the four-color page in casual side moments has me looking forward to this project quite a bit!

I'll have to reread the article in its entirity later on today when I have a moment.

[Kolimar]

Originally posted by MattBrady
GS: It’s a winter refuge/retirement community for carnival workers, including the unique exotics who used to be called freaks. Thus, you could have a cup of coffee at the diner and Jo-jo-the-rat-faced-boy could be having potato salad and a milkshake right next to you, and no one would bat an eye.

It’s that last bit that I loved...not so much that it’s a haven for the unusual, but that it’s a place where the unusual aren’t gawked at. They step outside of the city limits and they’re back to being performers at best, but at the very least, outsiders and possibly objects of derision.

But inside those limits, it’s their town, and so-called norms are the tourists, the outsiders. I sorta love that..

That reminds me of something but I don't know what.

[God-Man]

HA! I want to pick this up.

[lisiecki2]

sorry i dont read s/b

is there any reasion i should start now?

also if im buying s/b shouldnt i be reading Clarks story or Bruces story?

[Kolimar]

Originally posted by MattBrady
The big thing is, Tranquility isn’t (the wonderful) Astro City. I’ve lived in cities, and I’ve traveled a lot, but I was raised on a farm, and have lived in small towns most of my life. I fed pigs and my first pet was a cow. That’s hard stuff to explain to someone who lives in LA or New York, really, just as subways sometimes baffle me a little.

[Kolimar]

Originally posted by MattBrady
Again, it’s not just superheroes, as a few characters from the comics strips exist there, too. One of the biggest changes between our reality and there’s, is that Frederic Wertham’s efforts to ban comics were ridiculed, and the comics industry there is massive and pervasive. It’s a legitimate medium, along with film and music, and Orson Welles wrote the first real graphic novel decades ago.

That would be beautiful. Ahhhh... *dreams*

[Darren J. Gendron]

GS: No. You know, I’m going to sound like a jerkette here, but I’m not a fan of that approach. Better writers than I have made wonderful stories with doppelgangers, but...personally, I hate it. I don’t want to read a story looking for the Z-universe Batman, or the Obscure comics version of Captain America. I think it’s cheating, and removes you from the story at the best of times.

Ahem. Tell me about the Superior Five (Tremor, Hidenburg, Splitshot, Lagomorph and Jongleur).
Cheater.
Anyhow, I'll still be buying this book, ya jerkette.

[R.C. Collins]

someone say Gaim Simone? I'm sold!

[skeletorjr]

Originally posted by lisiecki2
sorry i dont read s/b
is there any reasion i should start now?
also if im buying s/b shouldnt i be reading Clarks story or Bruces story?

This is the issue dedicated to Sam Loeb, Jeph Loeb's son who passed away recently at the age of 16 or 17. He either scripted or plotted the issue in question, and it's being drawn by a bunch of different artists as a tribute to him.

[sequart]

This series sounds fun and funny.

[Drew Melbourne]

That sounds fantastic. Gail is a great writer, and I'm all for the non-traditional superhero comics. (And not just because my own is due out in two weeks.)

[AlexLothos]

Very nice concept! Even more to look forward to in August.

[Colossus2420]

Originally posted by Drew Melbourne
That sounds fantastic. Gail is a great writer, and I'm all for the non-traditional superhero comics. (And not just because my own is due out in two weeks.)

I just took a look over at DH about your comic "ArchEnemies" coming out in April.

I'm likin' it!! Gonna have to slap a Best Shots review on that puppy!

[c_andrew_s]

Originally posted by MattBrady
I told Mark Waid the idea years ago and he threatened to bash me over the skull and take it, it was so good. And it’s really taken this long to be able to put the story out.

I am sooo glad that Mark didn't bash her skull; Gail is a much better writer :-)