| Off
the Record...
 Like
Captain America's legendary shield, writer Joe Casey's
career is plowing straight ahead. With successful runs
on Uncanny X-Men, Adventures of Superman and Wildcats
behind him, Joe has three new series coming out. We
chatted with Joe about his "Year One" look
at the Avengers, his new teen series with Jim Lee and
his contribution to Devil's Due new super hero line...
CBEtc: The Avengers are in the main spotlight again.
Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch’s "Avengers
Disassembled" storyline is making headlines and
bringing in new readers. The lineup of the New Avengers
is already controversial and getting fans talking. Is
Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes necessary?
Or, is Marvel simply trying to take advantage of all
the current hype?
CASEY: It's necessary for me. I love these characters
too much. The whole reason for writing EMH was completely
selfish on my part. I wanted to write the classic Avengers
and, right now, this is the only way anyone is going
to be able to do that. It didn't start out that way,
since the whole Disassembled thing happened after we'd
already set EMH up. Getting caught up in this latest
wave of Avengers-related hype is fine, but it's really
Marvel's doing. I let them handle the marketing. I'm
too busy having geek orgasms over getting to write this
book...!
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"This 'Behind The Music' approach really
brings out the virtues that I always loved about
the book: the character interactions, the inner-workings
of the team, the fraternity, all that good stuff
that made AVENGERS so great for me."
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CBEtc: I’ve read the first two issues of
Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and, to be
honest, I was impressed. Maybe I’m a fan of the
"classic" Avengers, or a sucker for "year
one" stories, but I really enjoyed what I’ve
read so far. I think what I’ve liked the most
are the side stories.
I’ve enjoyed seeing what the public and government
reaction would have been to the formation of a group
of super-powered beings. This mini-series isn’t
a retelling of the original stories, rather, it seems
to be a revelation of what went on before, during and
after those original stories and what the consequences
were. Was that your intent?
CASEY: Well, first of all, I'm glad you liked it. This
is a story written for diehard fans by a diehard fan.
And we've all read the original comics so there's no
need to retell them. This "Behind The Music"
approach really brings out the virtues that I always
loved about the book: the character interactions, the
inner-workings of the team, the fraternity, all that
good stuff that made AVENGERS so great for me. I think
you nailed it in your question; it's taking those original
Stan-Jack-and-Don stories and showing the emotional
stakes and the emotional consequences.
CBEtc: You have some experience writing "Year
One" type stories with last year's Batman: Tenses
mini-series - which took place around Batman's second
year of existence. Do you enjoy going back and exploring
established characters when they were just learning
the ropes?
CASEY: I'll be honest, I would've preferred writing
the modern, monthly AVENGERS book... but that doesn't
even exist anymore so this was the next best thing.
The pleasure of "Year One"-styled stories
is that sense of perspective on the characters. Past
events gain more resonance when you know the eventual
fates of the characters. Now that the story's out there,
I think it's pretty poignant to see the real story of
how Hawkeye joined the team.
CBEtc: The Avengers first came out in 1963. But,
with comic book time being significantly less, this
story had to be written as if the team started in the
late 1980’s/early 1990’s. Was it fun trying
to modernize the story?
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"It's a Captain America we rarely get to
see, if ever. Cap's journey over the course of
EMH involves an almost Batman-level obsession
for revenge against the man who killed his partner.
It's certainly not the stalwart, stand-up guy
we're so used to seeing. This is more like proto-Cap,
the hero coming to grips with his own inner demons."
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CASEY: It's really second nature to me to "modernize"
this stuff. I want this material, these characters,
to be relatable to modern audiences. Doing a period
backdrop, especially when it has nothing to do with
the actual plot, is generally pretty distracting to
younger readers. I told Scott Kolins early on, "Just
draw it like it's a modern comic. Don't even think about
it when it comes to cars, phones, buildings, furnishings,
etc." and I think he did a great job with that
stuff.
CBEtc: Did you have to try to keep it somewhat "decade
neutral" with the language, hair and clothing styles
to avoid seeming dated 40 years from now?
CASEY: I guess I did, but I learned a few years ago
to do that with everything you write. Unless you're
trying to specifically comment on or satirize something
straight out of pop culture, I think it can take away
from the timelessness of a comicbook. Something like
DARK KNIGHT RETURNS has plenty of 80's references, but
the way Miller presented those things was so masterful,
it's obviously still a classic today. That's the balance
I always try to strike in my work.
CBEtc: I particularly liked the focus on Captain
America in EMH
#2. Quite often, we forget how Steve Rogers is truly
a man out of his time. This issue explored the personal
and psychological aspects of a soldier who witnesses
the horrors of war and then suddenly finds himself in
world he no longer recognizes; not only in everyday
living, but in language, culture and values. How interesting
was that for you to explore?
CASEY: It was great. It's a Captain America we rarely
get to see, if ever. And it's not over yet. Cap's journey
over the course of EMH
involves an almost Batman-level obsession for revenge
against the man who killed his partner. It's certainly
not the stalwart, stand-up guy we're so used to seeing.
This is more like proto-Cap, the hero coming to grips
with his own inner demons. And, I gotta' say, I've always
loved the character but being able to write him like
this has been immensely refreshing.
CBEtc: Can we expect the other Avengers to be similarly
spotlighted in the following issues of EMH?
CASEY: Absolutely. Everybody gets their moment, if not
several. There's no decompression here, as far as I
can see. This series is jam-packed with character moments
that I hope will really satisfy the diehard AVENGERS
fans.
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"We're trying to pile on information in ways
that comics, especially lately, haven't dared
to do. This is going back to the kind of work
that Howard Chaykin was doing in the 80's. We
want readers dizzy after reading each issue, because
there's so much... stuff."
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CBEtc: You have a new series coming out soon for
DC’s WildStorm called "The Intimates."
What can you tell the fans about it?
CASEY: Teen superheroes in school. It's an attempt to
show new teen superheroes without the obvious "good
vs. evil" scenarios that superhero books always
seem to show. I wanted to write a series that dealt
primarily with emotions, the intimate lives of these
particular characters.
CBEtc: How is Jim Lee involved? Did he help create
this with you or is merely doing the gorgeous covers?
CASEY: Jim and I co-created the main characters. I had
basic ideas for powers and personalities and Jim developed
the visuals. He's really a great character designer,
something that people might forget since he's been spending
time on the DC icons. But I wanted to remind people
just how good he is. There's a reason he's "Jim
Lee", and it ain't just because he drew a cool
Batman.
CBEtc: What’s the scoop on Lee’s comic-within-a-comic?
Is this what you meant previously by "new story-telling
techniques" and "new artistic approaches?"
CASEY: It's one of many, actually. We're trying to pile
on information in ways that comics -- especially lately
-- haven't dared to do. This is going back to the kind
of work that Howard Chaykin was doing in the 80's. We
want readers dizzy after reading each issue, because
there's so much... stuff. Jim's comic-within-the-comic,
called SUPERSONIC ESPIONAGE BOOM, is a good example
of providing truckloads of story in multiple dimensions.
CBEtc: For those not familiar with his style, how
would you describe the artwork of Italian Giuseppe Camuncoli?
CASEY: To my eyes, Cammo is like a slicker version of
Frank Quitely. Obviously, his style is very European.
But that school of art has more of an emphasis on storytelling
rather than showing off in pin-ups and double-page spreads.
Cammo's work serves the story, first and foremost. That's
invaluable to me. Plus, he's always game for experimenting,
which makes it even more fun for me.
CBEtc: Do you enjoy creating the characters and
plotting a series more? Or do you prefer scripting the
dialogue and breathing life into the characters?
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"I think what [Devil's Due Publishing President]
Josh Blaylock is trying to do is present a new,
reader-friendly superhero universe, and avoid
the mistakes that others have made before him.
Each series provides a complete experience. It's
certainly not necessary that you buy all the books
in the line to appreciate what each book is doing."
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CASEY: Both. It's all a rush for me. This is just the
coolest job on the planet. I wouldn't know how to pick
just one area that gives me more pleasure than another.
For me, it's all good.
CBEtc: Rounding up your trifecta of major projects
coming out soon is Infantry, part of Devil’s Due
new Aftermath super hero titles. You, as well as some
other big-name writers like Marv Wolfman, Chuck Dixon
and Ron Marz, are creating your own universe for Devil’s
Due Publishing. What can you tell fans about this new
line of comics, including Infantry?
CASEY: I think what [Devil's Due Publishing President]
Josh Blaylock is trying to do is present a new, reader-friendly
superhero universe, and avoid the mistakes that others
have made before him. Each series provides a complete
experience. It's certainly not necessary that you buy
all the books in the line to appreciate what each book
is doing.
That was important to me, because a "universe"
of titles - written by different writers - that is too
inter-connected never really works. I think this one will,
though.
CBEtc: You mentioned previously that human characterization
is the key to bringing something new to an already crowded
comic market. Can you be more specific?
CASEY: Well, things have become so "high concept"
lately. Comics are test runs for movies... or at least
movie options. What hooked me on comicbooks when I was
a kid was the characters, first and foremost. I think
we've lost a little of that, so I'll do what I can to
bring that back.
Investing in the characters will always pay off, because
each writer brings their own experience to their work...
which just leads to richer characters. And readers respond
to rich characters. I know I did, even at a young age.
CBEtc: In addition to the human element, what would
you tell a reader is the main reason they should give
Aftermath a try?
CASEY: Basically, if you like superheroes, come on over.
We've got some good ones here.
CBEtc: You seem to get regular work from many different
publishers. What’s your secret?
CASEY: I never signed exclusive. That's secret number
one. The other secret is that I enjoy the different collaborations
with different companies. I like the breadth of experience
I get from dealing with different publishers.
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"When I had Superman say out loud that he
was a pacifict, it's so subtle when it's typed
into a script but when you see the finished comicbook,
I think it hits like a thunderclap. Not having
Superman throw a punch for a year was pretty bold,
but again, it's so subtle that it kind of slips
under the radar."
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CBEtc: You had a pretty successful run on Adventures
of Superman for three years. You were involved with
many memorable story arcs and crossovers such as "Our
Worlds at War," "Return to Krypton" and
"Ending Battle." What would you like to be
remembered for most regarding your contribution to the
Superman legacy?
CASEY: That's a tough question, because I'm not
sure I consistently "got" Superman when I
was writing it. I think I had some good moments in there,
but it was by no means a successful run in my eyes.
The crossovers were fun, mainly because of the other
writers I was working with on that franchise. That made
it fun. If anything, I hope people realize how much
I love and respect that character... so much so that
I was happy to leave the book when I knew I'd said all
that I could say with it.
CBEtc: Was it difficult writing about a character that
had other writers involved with so many different crossovers?
CASEY: Not in this case, because the other writers
were both great writers and great friends. Jeph Loeb,
Joe Kelly, Mark Shultz and Steve Seagle are, in my opinion,
an all-star team so it was a pleasure to collaborate
with them.
CBEtc: You have said that you like to push the envelope
when writing and that you always try to get away with
stuff you probably shouldn’t be able. Can you
give us an example of when you were surprised you were
able to get the editor’s approval?
CASEY: The way I got so much wacky stuff through
on ADVENTURES was by basically writing things that were
so weird that my editor didn't know what I was doing!
When I had Superman say out loud that he was a pacifict,
it's so subtle when it's typed into a script but when
you see the finished comicbook, I think it hits like
a thunderclap. Not having Superman throw a punch for
a year was pretty bold, but again, it's so subtle that
it kind of slips under the radar. Subversion through
inventiveness. That was my motto on that book.
CBEtc: What was your first published comic work?
CASEY: Aside from a handful of small press books, the
first mainstream thing to see print with my name on
it was the second issue of the WOLVERINE: DAYS OF FUTURE
PAST mini-series, which I scripted in a pinch.
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"I love these characters too much. The whole
reason for writing EMH was completely selfish
on my part. I wanted to write the classic Avengers
and, right now, this is the only way anyone is
going to be able to do that... The pleasure of
'Year One'-styled stories is that sense of perspective
on the characters. Past events gain more resonance
when you know the eventual fates of the characters."
|
CBEtc: What did you do before you broke into the
comics industry?
CASEY: Mostly played in bands, which I still do. I worked
all kinds of crappy jobs to pay the rent. I never really
worked at another career... I guess Iwas confident enough
that I'd make it doing this. Thank God I was right...!
[Laughs]
CBEtc: Many of your stories run on the darker side,
with several involving some sort of disturbed individuals
(Milkman Murders, Hellboy, Batman: Tenses, KISS, Automatic
Kafka, to name a few). What makes a good villain in
your mind?
CASEY: Treating a villain as a three-dimensional character
is the main thing for me. Give their character as much
attention as you would the hero and you should do fine.
Not to mention, they can be more interesting to wirte
because they usually lack the moral codes that heroes
have. That means they can do anything, which is always
fun to write.
CBEtc: Many fans want to know… will WildCats
be back?
CASEY: I have no idea. There's been all kinds of talk
behind the scenes, but I couldn't imagine doing it without
my partner on VERSION 3.0, Dustin Nguyen. So, I never
say never, but I've pretty much put that series behind
me. There are new frontiers to conquer...
Okay, now is the time for the "2099"
portion of our interview. This is where we ask you 20
questions in 99 seconds. It’s basically an "either/or"
type of response, but you can answer whatever first
pops into your head.
Suspense or Super Hero: Suspenseful superheroes
Late night or early day: According to my schedule,
they're the same thing
Big screen or rent: I enjoy renting a big screen
Plot or Script: Well, you can't have one without
the other, can you?
Superman vs Thor: Depends on who's writing
it. But can't we all just get along?
Play with toy or keep in box: I like to play
with the box, actually
Crossovers or One-shots: One-shot crossovers.
Get 'em over with quick!
Star Wars or Star Trek: C'mon... Star Wars
all the way
Fly or drive: Depends on how far the trip is
Established Classic Characters or New Universe:
You mean, as in Marvel's "New Universe" from
the late 80's? Classic all the way, baby
Lois or Lana: Does the word "threesome"
mean anything to you?
First Print or TPB: How about a first print
TPB...?
South Park or Simpsons: Don't the Simpsons
live in South Park. Actually, there's a crossover I
wouldn't mind seeing...
Cell phone or E-mail: I don't have a cell phone
KISS with Make-Up or without Make-Up: Oh, please.
KISS in 1977 was unstoppable
Sleep in or make deadline: I am the king of
both. Life is good
Squeeze in the middle or at the end: Ummm...
what are we talking about here...?
World Series or Super Bowl: Puh-leeze. Hell,
this year the Yankees-Red Sox playoff was more exciting
than the Series
Trapped in a Room with Editors at Deadline or Nit-picking
Fanboys: I'll always side with the fans
Buffy or Vampirella: Vampi all the way.
WRITING CREDITS
Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (upcoming)
The Intimates (upcoming)
Infantry (upcoming)
Milkman Murders #1-4
Wildcats Version 3.0 #1-24
Wildcats Vol.2 #5-28
Adventures of Superman #592-606, 608-610, 612-626
Batman: Tenses #1-2
Hellboy Weird Tales #2
Star Wars Tales #17
Automatic Kafka #1-9
Hip Flask: Elephantman
Hip Flask: Unnatural Selection
Mr. Majestic #1-9
Uncanny X-Men #394-409
X-Men: Children of the Atom #1-6
Kiss #1-6
Codeflesh TPB
Reveal TPB
Deathlok #1-11
Cable #51-70
Wolverine: Days of Future Past #2-3
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