Brian Azzarello is an ingenious wordsmith. You can actually hear the voice of Lex Luthor speaking within these pages. The artwork of Lee Bermejo shows now only Lex Luthor in the role of the savior of humanity. It also shows Superman as an evil alien being set to take over the planet.
EL DIABLO – Vertigo comicsThank you again for volunteering to be my first interview for the crimespree comics blog. I must apologize for the length of time that has elapsed between contacting you and sending these questions.
Timm: Did you read comics as a child, if yes, which ones and why?
Gregg: I’m writing you from Comic-Con – very apt. I’ll be sure to send along an inflatable Cylon.
Timm: Which do you enjoy more, writing graphic novels or regular mystery novels?
Gregg: Not to sound like mom comparing her kids’ drawings, but they’re both pretty spectacular in different ways. I spend a lot more time with the novels, so when I work on a comic, it feels like a fine little bit of work I get to savor.
Timm: Did you start writing graphic novels first or mystery novels, and how did you make the transition?
Gregg: Novels – I wrote seven novels before my first comic. And Axel Alonso – the exec editor at Marvel – and I got to talking. He read The Kill Clause and we decided to come up with a character from the Marvel vaults I could reinvent and bring back in a limited. How do you say no to that?
Timm: Where did you come up with the idea for “Fool killer”?
Gregg: Pre-existing property of Marvel’s. The character was invented, decades ago, by Steve Gerber. My job was to reimagine him and give him an “R” rating for the MAX line.
Timm: Do you have any input into the final artwork?
Gregg: Yes. But the biggest decision is who to hire for the art, since the artist’s job is interpret the script and make you look better than you actually are.
Timm: Understanding that writing mystery novels can require you to do research, what kind ,if any, research do you do for graphic novels?
Gregg: Mostly reading up on the characters, making sure I’m familiar with the existing mythology, even I chose to depart from it. And of course the usual stuff – locations, guns, bombs.
Timm: How do you approach that research?
Gregg: The usual way – I call up one of my hooks, say, with the Navy SEALs and ask him how to strangle a grandmother. Or whatever.
Timm: Did you approach Marvel with the idea for thew Wolverine annual? Or was it the other way around?
Gregg: It started with a notion from Axel, but before he could spit it out, I was running with it in my direction.
Timm: Are there any other charactors you would like to do something like that with?
Gregg: Yes. Stay tuned!
Timm: Is there a schedule that you keep for yourself when working on a novel (graphic or mystery), or is that all set up by the publisher?
Gregg: Well, I write from about eight to five or six every day. Then do other cleanup work – proofs, interviews, prepping pitches – at night or on weekends. That’s the sched. There are deadlines as well, of course, that require lengthening t
hat schedule as necessary.
Timm: Are there any authors that really stand out and inspire you both in graphic and mystery novels, Why?
Gregg: Garth Ennis. His Punisher MAX series showed me what comics could do in a whole new way, and really reintroduced me to the medium.
Timm: I’ve noticed there are not alot of females in Fool Killer any chance that will change?
Gregg: Hmm. Sure. I guess you’re right. My Punisher arc, starting in August, is more female intensive.
Timm: I heard a rumor from Jon Jordan about some research you did that involved hiding in the trunk of a Navy Seals car. Is there a story that goes with that?
Gregg: Yeah, I sneaked onto a demolition range to blow up some cars with them. But it was all in good fun.
Timm: Fool Killer, what’s next?
Gregg: I’m doing the first Punisher arc after Garth Ennis leaves, which I’m exceedingly excited about.
Timm: Thanks again for taking the time to talk with me.
