Everything we knew changed in a flash with Flashpoint, and everything was made new in the DCnU. For better or worse, though, is open to debate. It could even be a prolonged and bloody debate before it is said and done. And really, that's the best kind, isn't it? Of course, one thing I feel most fans agree upon is that some things are bound to be magic: The Justice League back with the Big Seven (mostly) and helped along by the team of Geoff Johns and Jim Lee; Barbara Gordon back as Batgirl yet penned by the wonderful Gail Simone; and Dan Jurgens back in charge of Booster Gold's Justice League International, all spring to mind.
Speaking of "in charge," what's the scoop behind Booster being in charge of the JLI? Jurgens discusses this, as well as Green Arrow and much more below.
Note: This interview was conducted prior to the end of Dan Jurgens' run on Booster Gold. I kept pushing it back in hopes of an exclusive image from DC Comics. Unfortunately, the final issue of Booster, as well as the first issues of JLI and Green Arrow have already released. Despite this, I feel you'll still garnish some entertainment here. And who knows, maybe that exclusive is still on its way. If so, you'll be the, er, second to know.
Booster/Flashpoint
1. Have you always been a fan of time travel stories? What are your influences in that respect?
I have always been a fan of time travel stories. Of course, Booster's origin is rooted in time travel. Time travel is to Booster what Gotham City is to Batman, both in terms of origin and current mode of story.
2. Aside from his creation, of course, what's your favorite Booster memory from the early days? And more recently?
My favorite memory is probably seeing the first issue on the stands. I was fairly new to the business and very, very raw as a writer. It was quite a hurdle to get the project moving and an even bigger thrill to actually see it through to realization.
3. What was it like seeing someone you've breathed life into, via comics, portrayed in the live action world of Smallville? This goes for both Doomsday and Booster Gold.
It's really a lot of fun, particularly with Booster. Doomsday was a natural since SMALLVILLE was a Superman vehicle anyway. Booster was a bit more "out there", but I thought it worked very well. Both the script and actor did the character great justice.
4. The final issue of Booster is August's #47. Can you give us any hints as to what to expect in terms of closure with the old universe? Will Booster/Rip recall "the way things were?" (Note: If you haven't already picked this up, it's still available out there.)
While I can't give away the end of the story, I think we bring things to a close in nice, appropriate fashion, while also setting things up for the future. The book itself might not continue, but the character certainly will.
5. The greatest hero you’ve never heard of – Still sticking to that tagline?
Once Booster is more defined in the DC Universe by virtue of his presence in the JLI, that'll be a bit harder to adhere to.
6. Do you think Rip gets so frustrated with Booster, because he knows the type of man his father becomes and cannot wait to see Michael Carter at that place in his life?
You hit the nail on the head. Rip knows exactly what the finished product will be. He knows Booster will ascend to great heights. Watching him actually get there, and helping him along the way, can be a bit frustrating, especially since the current version of Booster has no idea that Rip is his son.
Justice League International
1. How will the humor roll in this one: Over-the-top, middle-of-the-road, or is this a straight-played title? (Hint: I'm sure it won't be that last option.)
I think it's fair to say that we can play the storyline itself in straight fashion, while acknowledging that the mix of characters is going to lead to humorous situations. There are many times in life that we find humor in situations that wouldn't seem to call for it and JLI will be somewhat like that. So that's my longwinded way of saying, "middle of the road", I suppose.
2. Why Booster as THE leader for the team? Keep in mind he's one of my favorite characters, especially post-52 and your run on his current series. Will Batman be answering to Booster, too?
This version of the JLI will be put together by United Nations. There's a bit of a distrust of people in masks– of heroes who don't make there identities known. Booster is more of an open book than almost any hero in the DCU, and the UN responds to that. Plus, for Booster, it's good publicity!
3. At SDCC, you mentioned there wouldn't be any time travel in the series. I'm assuming that means only at first as a means of "forming" the team first, yes?
Right. I don't think I said anything to indicate that we wouldn't ever be doing time travel stories.
4. What sort of stories do you want to tell here?
Fun, big scope, wide screen adventure stories. Whenever you have a team, as opposed to a single character, I think the stories really have to be fairly big in terms of scope. At the same time, there has to be very solid and entertaining characterization that is a part of the mix.
5. What makes JLI different than either the core Justice League or its Justice League Dark counterpart?
JLI is a sponsored organization that is duly authorized by the United Nations. It isn't just a group of heroes banding together. It's a team that is expected to protect mankind from any and all threats– even if those threats might be perceived as coming from other heroes.
6. Will we be seeing familiar faces, such as Mary Marvel or G'nort?
Not to start with.
7. What about the bad guys? Are we talking more Max Lord trying to take over/rule/save the world? Are you dusting off old JLI villains and giving them a DcnU makeover?
We're starting with a new mix of bad guys. In order to be consistent with the concept of a launch like this, I think we have to be in a more creative mode than just dusting off old ideas.
8. Talk to us a little about the United Nations influence over the JLI and their missions.
In the new DCU, people are a little more suspicious of heroes. In some cases, their motives are suspect.
The UN assembles the JLI as a partial response to this and expects to have control over its own team.
Of course, that couldn't possibly create any new problems, could it?
Riiiiight.
9. What are your thoughts on Aaron Lopresti's pages thus far?
Penciller Aaron Lopresti and inker Matt Ryan are doing really fabulous work on the book. We started with the idea that we wanted to have a very visual book with bigger than life scenes and the guys are going above and beyond the call of duty in terms of getting that on the page. It's really great stuff.
10. Have you spoken with Keith Giffen about your take on the new series?
Yeah, Keith and I have talked several times. I've kind of told him the direction I want to go and we bounced some thoughts around regarding that. It's all good.
Green Arrow
1. Have you been enjoying working with JT Krul on the new Green
Arrow series? Tell us a bit about how you came to collaborate with him.
A few months back, DC editor Bob Harras and I had a general conversation that touched on Green Arrow and what the book might be like. Part of what Bob wants to do is build a more collaborative environment among the creative teams, so I was happy to write one book while drawing another.
Of course, that book turned out to be GREEN ARROW. JT and I talk frequently about the direction we're taking Ollie and I think it's coming quite nicely.
2. What approach are you taking to drawing the de-aged Green Arrow, as
opposed to the older?
He's younger and less tortured. Green Arrow certainly feels a sense of social responsibility, but he isn't tortured by it. He's young enough that he still has a touch of irreverence to him and I try to make sure that comes through in the art.
3. Are you getting to draw any of the supporting cast, or is this
first arc, strictly a means to get to know Ollie in the new DC
Universe?
Oh, we're absolutely getting a new supporting cast into the first issue. This is a very new environment for Oliver Queen and we want to make sure that's evident from the start.
4. Final question: Which is your favorite trick arrow?
You can't beat the visual majesty and grandeur of the boxing glove arrow knifing through the air, knocking the gun out of someone's hand!
Well, sorta.
Somehow I thought that would be the one. Thank you from the bottom of our geeky little hearts.
Be sure to pick up these issues if you haven't and give us some feedback on what type of a job Mr. Jurgens is doing in the DCnU.
See Also:- Flashpoint
