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with Mike Carlin
Interview
with: Troy
Brownfield
Our guest this time in The Big Question is Mike Carlin, Executive
Editor at DC Comics! Before I get into the specifics, I'd
like to take a moment and say that it's been my experience
that Mr.Carlin is one of the nicest guys in comics. I spoke
to him for the first time about three years ago regarding
internships at DC, and have since spoken to him at a couple
of conventions. He's thoroughly personable and patient with
every fan I've seen him speak to. Comics are fortunate to
have an ambassador like him.
BIO:
Mike Carlin is the Executive Editor of the DC Universe for
DC Comics... he worked his way up from being a writer/artist
for Marvel's CRAZY magazine to assistant editor to editor
there. Whisked away by DC Comics to work with John Byrne on
their re-launch of the SUPERMAN titles in 1986, Mike achieved
his greatest notoriety when that led to his orchestrating
the world (In)famous "Death & Return of Superman" storyline.
Mike still writes and draws funnies for his own enjoyment.
THE BIG Q&A
Q1: How do creators go about proposing a new title, mini-series,
etc.? For example, what are the steps and do younger writers
stand much of a chance?
A1:
Established writers can approach editors with ideas. New
writers need to have some form of previously published examples
of their writing which we can read without the legal concerns
of ideas being stolen. The sample comic should be accompanied
by a note that says something like: "Here's an example of
my work... I also have a Green Lantern idea if you like the
enclosed sample. Would you like to see my idea?" We cannot
read unsolicited material that features our characters or
the genres they exist in... only after we ask to see the sample
can a new writer break in.
Q2:
Will DC be pursuing the concept of any original online comics
via DCComics.com?
A2:
This is still a new area for us and there are no concrete
plans at the moment... but you can check out several Superman
"Webisodes" available online now. Not quite comics... but
fun nonetheless!
Q3:
Despite the advances made by DC over the years with such things
as Watchmen, the Vertigo line, and more Mature Readers titles,
the general public perception of comics still seems to be
that they are either "kid's stuff" or like the old Batman
TV series. How can the general public opinion be changed so
that they see the diversity and maturity in the field?
A3:
Only the public can change their own minds... I DO think DC
as well as many other publishers have widened the accepted
range comics are "allowed" to tread... things like Art Spiegelman's
MAUS... Jeff Smith's BONE... tons of new and different work
from all quarters HAVE changed what can be done and what is
accepted. Even things like the first BATMAN movie have served
to dispell the majority of the public's prejudice... but we
still have a long way to go. We're on the right road though!
Q4:
DC has been doing an outstanding job of reviving characters
from the Golden Age (Hourman, Star-Spangled Kid, JSA, etc.).
Are there plans for any more revamps of the classic sort?
A4:
Watch the skies for Hawkman!
Q5:
Can I have a job?
A5:
Looks to me like you have one! (If he only knew . . . Ed.)
We'd like to thank Mike Carlin for taking the time to appear
in The Big Question! Be sure to read DC's books (and that
includes Vertigo, Wildstorm and the guilty-by-association
America's Best Comics)! If you have anyone that you'd like
Troy to track down, or a question you'd like answered, email
Troy at psikotyk@aol.com.
He'll do his best to get your guest.
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