Geoff Johns: On a Wing and a Prayer

By Mike Jozic

Geoff Johns had two dream projects when he started in comics: to write The Flash and to have a chance at Hawkman if that didn't work out. In a very short time he has accomplished both of those goals and more. In fact, Johns has become one of the best regarded writers in the business for his dialogue and characterisations in books like JSA, the aforementioned Flash and his ill-fated, but much appreciated, Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. series.

His latest offering is the newest in a long line of Hawkman series, with writing partner, Starman's James Robinson. Expect these guys to take the Hawks to places we haven't seen before, or at least in a long time. Rags Morales is doing a bang up job on the art and the book reads easier than it has in a long time (something Hawkman fans haven't seen in a while). If you're one of those poeple who haven't checked the book out yet, the second issue should still be on the stands as of this writing (if it hasn't sold out, that is).

Johns will be wowing fans with a few of his upcoming projects which include two mini-series for Marvel and a JLA/JSA crossover with his JSA co-writer David Goyer (you know, that Blade guy). He'll also be shaking up the status quo when he takes over The Avengers in just a few short months, securing his position as one of the busiest people in comics.

Now, if he could just get that Captain Cold mini-series off the ground...



MIKE JOZIC: You've been a fan of the Hawks for a long time haven't you? What is the appeal of the character to you, both as a fan and as a writer?

GEOFF JOHNS: The visuals always struck me first. Two winged characters armed with ancient weapons. Beyond that, as I discovered more about them - the aspects of mythology (both Earth-born and extra-terrestrial), the reincarnation angle, the incredibly tough-as-nails aspect to their characters. They have a lot of traits and elements surrounding them that I'm drawn to.

JOZIC: For anyone who is maybe not familiar with the current state of the Hawks, could you give a quick bit of background on what the relationship between these two characters is?

JOHNS: Reincarnated warriors that have been together lifetime after lifetime - but for the first time in thousands of years, one of them (Hawkgirl) doesn't remember or want to remember their past lives. Hawkgirl may see the benefits in teaming up with Hawkman as a partner, but romance is the last thing she wants from him.

JOZIC: Romance may be the last thing on Hawkgirl's mind, but it's not the last on yours, correct? There will be some tension between the two characters?

JOHNS: Yes, because it's right in the forefront of Hawkman's mind.

JOZIC: Considering Hawkman's history with ongoing monthly series', do you feel a dark cloud hanging over you, or do you have a lot of faith in the character and the project to stand on its own?

JOHNS: No dark cloud at all. This is a whole new ballgame. I've enjoyed aspects of every Hawkman series (especially the Silver Age and Ostrander's work) but this one will stand on its own.

JOZIC: Again, considering the characters past history, how important will past continuity be for you as a writer on this series?

JOHNS: Continuity is important to me as long as that's not all we're talking about. Otherwise we're not doing the character, the universe, the company or ourselves justice. You can't throw everything out and start new, there's a reason characters are around for decades, but you can't wallow in what's gone on before. Respect it, know it and build on it.

JOZIC: Considering David Goyer, your co-writer on JSA, helped bring Hawkman back from comic book limbo, I was surprised to find out that he will not be working on the monthly book.

JOHNS: David is extremely busy with screenwriting, and starting his own film company. He didn't have much time or interest to come on board.

JOZIC: And how did James Robinson come to be involved in the project?

JOHNS: James and I have been friends for a long time - since I got in the business. James has been busy in film too, but he's wanted to at stay in comics. His time only permits him co-plotting the book, but it's been fun.

JOZIC: I read on your website that you will be doing "Past Lives" stories in Hawkman. Was this James' influence, or an opportunity to clear up some of the fogginess surrounding the character's background?

JOHNS: Obviously, I'm a fan of Starman and especially the "Times Past" stories - it was something James and I discussed almost immediately. And something Peter Tomasi is really into. It's not necessarily there to "clear up" Hawkman's background - it's to see new glimpses of Carter and Kendra generations ago, what they were doing, who they were, etc.

JOZIC: Can you give any teasers as to what readers can expect from the "Past Lives" stories?

JOHNS: Very different stories of Carter and Kendra in their previous lives - some tied to DC continuity and some not.

JOZIC: Are there any plans to bring on artists from previous Hawk series to illustrate some of these stories?

JOHNS: No plans yet, but a good idea.

JOZIC: With characters like the Flash, Green Lantern and Starman, there has been a tendency for the creative teams to create a supporting cast out of characters who have used the name or worn the uniform in days past. Will you be doing anything similar to that with the Hawks in their series?

JOHNS: Our supporting cast is virtually new. I'm sure Shayera will show up at some point.

JOZIC: In the Wizard preview you had Carter spouting the virtues of Nth metal to Kendra. Is this something you plan to explore over time in the series?

JOHNS: Absolutely. The Nth metal has a lot of strange properties and backgrounds, all of which we'll get into as the series progresses.

JOZIC: There seems to be a lot of anticipation and curiosity about the new Hawkman book. What do you think may be the key to your Hawkman's success that other attempts at the character may have been lacking?

JOHNS: I'm not sure - I do think right now, Hawkman's more integrated into the mainstream DCU. I also think Rags and Michael are doing some of the most amazing artwork of their career on this book. I expect people to be blown away.

JOZIC: Speaking of Rags, how did Mr. Morales get pegged as the artist for the series?

JOHNS: Rags did two issues of JSA which were simply amazing, especially his take on Hawkman. That locked it up pretty much. We're thrilled to have him on board!

JOZIC: Other than the fact that he's an amazing artist, what do you think Rags brings to the book?

JOHNS: A sense of reality. He's a very realistic penciler, and he thinks every detail through. Every tree is researched, every building and car. When you're in St. Roch you'll know it. And when you're in India, no matter how small the panel is, you'll know it.

JOZIC: Will we be seeing the Hawks interacting with the rest of the DCU on a regular basis, or will you be trying to keep the focus very much on just the two character?

JOHNS: Absolutely. Expect some characters like Green Arrow, the Atom and Dr. Fate to stop by early on. Also, the Hawks will be appearing in several books in the DCU this year outside of JSA and Hawkman.

JOZIC: Why did you chose St. Roch as the place of residence for the Hawks?

JOHNS: We wanted to create a new city, something you could fly into with the Hawks - something entirely new. It's St. Roch, by the way. No "e" - pronounced "ROKE"

JOZIC: You have quite a few projects on your plate at any given time in both film and comics. How far ahead do you usually work with your scripting to keep everything going smoothly?

JOHNS: I work about 6 to 9 months ahead on my books. I'm trying to wrap up a few mini-series to open up schedule a bit. It's gotten pretty tight the last few months, but nothing that's made me work on weekends.

JOZIC: Do you ever have problems with writers block? How do you deal with it on that sort of schedule?

JOHNS: Usually, if I'm not in the mood to write a certain title nothing is really going to change that. I accept it and move on to another project.

JOZIC: Are the minis a nice break to stretch yourself in a way that you don't normally do in your monthlies?

JOHNS: I do mini-series here and there because it is a nice break. To tell a story and wrap it up. To jump on to another set of characters and into another world. And the ones I'm working on - Morlocks and The Thing - are so different, it's very rewarding.

JOZIC: What sorts of stories do you have in store for the Morlocks and Thing minis?

JOHNS: The Morlocks are a group of people that have no business being thrown together - a mailman, an army private, baseball fan, stock trader, honour roll high school student, gang member, etc. It's a difficult and hard ride for them, and something very different from X-men.

The Thing is simply a fun Ben Grimm story - I had a blast writing it, and Scott [Kolins] has just finished the first issue. It's amazing.

JOZIC: So you and Scott will be pushing up the fun factor in The Thing?

JOHNS: Definitely. I haven't written "fun" books really - Flash is kinda intense and JSA is serious. This isn't goofy, but it it's definitely got more humour.

JOZIC: How much of the work is split between you and David on JSA, or you and James on Hawkman?

JOHNS: David and I split the scripts right down the middle, fifty-fifty. James and I co-plot, basically meaning we come up with the basic story idea before I go to script. I love working with other writers and there are many I hope to co-write with (like Jeph Loeb on a few Superman issues). There is no room for egos when you co-write, and that's why I like it. Simply friends having fun with a script.

JOZIC: When co-writing on, for example, JSA, do you and David have certain characters that you are pretty much the singular voice on, or do you each spend equal time with the whole cast?

JOHNS: We share most of the characters, but we do have our favourites. David's is Wildcat. Right now...I'm really loving the new Crimson Avenger and Jakeem Thunder.

JOZIC: What is it about those two characters that you enjoy writing?

JOHNS: Crimson Avenger? She's brand new, but I enjoy writing her because of that. Her past is what makes her interesting to me. Her past and the guns she has to carry.

Jakeem Thunder. I just always saw a lot of potential in his character. I love seeing him grow and evolve. Not many characters in comics actually change and learn, he does.

JOZIC: If you're working 6 to 9 months ahead of the current issues, then you will already have the conclusion to the current JSA storyline, "Stealing Thunder", in the bag. Any spoilers for fans frothing at the mouth with anticipation?

JOHNS: Expect something...different. Things will happen that will effect the characters, and a new teammate is going to bring a lot of trouble with them.

JOZIC: I?ve just caught the news that Leonard Kirk will be coming on to JSA pretty soon. How do you feel about yet another change in artists for the series?

JOHNS: He's absolutely amazing. When people see his work in JSA #35 they'll be blown away. Leonard is getting up to speed and hopefully he'll be on a monthly schedule as of #40. #38 and #39 are fill-ins.

JOZIC: Can you say who will be doing the fill-ins?

JOHNS: [Stephen] Sadowski is back on #38, we'll announce #39 soon. A real great up-and-comer.

JOZIC: Will Leonard be taking on JSA as a second title, or will he be leaving his regular stint on Supergirl in the near future?

JOHNS: Right now, he's juggling both.

JOZIC: As a big Giffen fan, I couldn't think of anyone I'd rather see drawing some pages in JSA, but I am curious as to why you had Keith come in to do the prologue in #33?

JOHNS: That was Peter's idea, and a good one at that. Giffen is terrific.

JOZIC: You've really been blessed with an amazing array of interior and cover artists. How much say do you have regarding the overall look of the books?

JOHNS: It all depends on the project, sometimes the art team is already selected - other times, like in Hawkman, we got to pick them all from the ground-up. And I'm glad we did. I will say I've been very, very fortunate to work with so many talented artists. Fantastic group!

JOZIC: Does your writing style change a bit when you pick up a new book or have an artist change like you?ve dealt with on JSA?

JOHNS: Yes. Obviously there are different themes and beats to hit on from book to book, character to character. Also, working with artists is always different from artist to artist. I try and get to know my artist, personally and professionally. It gives me a good idea of what they get excited about illustrating, as well as familiarize myself with their taste in layouts and panel count.

JOZIC: Aside from the obvious differences between the books that you write (ie: the characters), what do you hope to bring as an individual to each of your projects?

JOHNS: A different perspective and growth to the mythologies.

JOZIC: Do you have an eventual end in sight for any of your books right now, or will you just keep working on them until you feel it is time to move on?

JOHNS: I have an ending in mind for one, but it's far off and I don't want to say what. I hope to have nice healthy runs on any monthly title I work on.

JOZIC: In another interview you responded to the question of what your dream projects are as, "The Flash. Absolutely. Hawkman as runner-up!" Seeing as how you are now doing both, where do you go from here? Has the bar been raised even higher, or are you just really happy to be where you are?

JOHNS: I'm very happy to be here. Captain America was also a character I really wanted to work with and Avengers is taking care of that. As of now, I'll simply go with the flow. Whatever is thrown my way and looks interesting, I'd love to take a stab at.

JOZIC: What would you say will characterises you?re run on Avengers? How will it differ from what Kurt Busiek has been doing with the book, or from any other incarnation, for that matter?

JOHNS: My take is simply Earth's Mightiest Heroes. The direction should be very evident after my first issue.

JOZIC: Now, you've done both team books and solo characters, usually at the same time. Do you prefer one type of book to another?

JOHNS: It all depends. I will say team books take me almost twice as long to write - juggling all the characters, voices, sub-plots. Depends on the day. Today I like writing solo-books!

JOZIC: What was the first issue of Flash that you ever read?

JOHNS: I read a copy of #193 - of the Silver-Age - that I found in my grandmother's attic. It was a Captain Cold story, hence my attraction to him. I thought it was a great issue.

JOZIC: And how are things going for you on that title?

JOHNS: Couldn't be better as far as I'm concerned. We have an amazing team working away.

JOZIC: At the time you started on Flash, it was the one book you "took over" rather than launched and it seemed like, from the get-go, you, Angel and then Scott really wanted to establish your take on the character, the supporting cast, and particularly the city itself. Was this because you were following another creative team, or is that how you would have handled any book?

JOHNS: Definitely. We wanted to find our own take on the Flash - and like Mark Waid added to the Flash mythology, we wanted to add to it as well. I saw three places in particular I thought we could focus on - the "normal" supporting cast, the Rogues and Keystone City. We're far from over though.

JOZIC: Mark Waid's Flash was pretty centred on Wally's relationship to Linda, and the way that bond between the two characters developed over time. Now that you have two years of Flash stories under your belt, how would you describe your run on the book?

JOHNS: Atmosphere and mystery centreed. We're really trying to give the book an atmosphere - so when you enter into Flash's world, you really feel like you're in a world. An industrial city, filled with fantastic characters - protected by the Fastest Man Alive!

JOZIC: What does the next year have in store for Wally and the gang?

JOHNS: Hawkman, Grodd, more new and old Rogues and a handful of surprises that will literally rock Wally's world. I expect quite a few of our "last pages" to give our readers a jolt. Good, solid solo-superhero stories.

JOZIC: I was rereading your Flash run and noticed that Wally often uses a "scientific" solution to get through his super-villain problems. Do you have an active interest in the sciences, or did you research those bits specifically for the book?

JOHNS: Science always seemed like something that went hand-in-hand with the Flash. His power dictates it. I like getting into the actual physics, trying to at least touch on some real to life stuff in the Flash.

JOZIC: When looking at all the books that you have written, I can't help but notice that they all seem to have strong "relationship" undercurrents to them. The Flash obviously has a wife, the Hawks will have their share of sexual tension, and any team book is rife with interpersonal relationships. Is this a conscious thing for you when you're approaching a title?

JOHNS: It's all about people and their relationships. Even the Flash's relationship with Cold. No one remembers, or cares to remember, how they tricked the villain or stopped this or that - the character moments are what makes these books. The plot has to be strong, the character moments have to be defining.

JOZIC: You obviously have a lot of reverence for many of DC's characters and I was wondering if Marvel's men and women in tights have the same appeal to you as a fan and a writer?

JOHNS: Captain America definitely is one of my favourite characters. As I write The Avengers, more and more of them are connecting with me. Even Jack-of-Hearts.

JOZIC: What are the chances we'll see a Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E./Captain America team-up? You will be responsible for the two characters in some capacity by the end of the year...

JOHNS: No chance from where I'm standing. Unless we do JSA/Invaders.

JOZIC: Some writers are driven nuts by the constant interruption that cross-overs provide to their storylines, others kind of go with the flow and make the best of a bad situation. This past year alone, you've dealt with a few major cross-overs in the DCU. Which category do you think you fit into?

JOHNS: It all depends. I think, no matter what, you can make them work. I also think we got lucky this year. The JSA "Last Laugh" issue turned out great, the Flash one fit into a storyline we were already doing. It's tough though, especially when the mini-series isn't even done and you're trying your best to tie into it. I didn't even know what "jokerized" meant for months.

I hope there are less this year though. Readers seem to have had enough for awhile. And I could use a break.

JOZIC: What would you say are your influences, inside and outside of comics, and why?

JOHNS: Inside comics? James Robinson, John Ostrander, David Goyer, Mark Waid, Mark Millar, Jeph Loeb, Greg Rucka, on and on. Lots of amazing writers. I do want to single one out though, because I've never talked to him. Ostrander showed me how to make any hero or villain into a character. He did it on Suicide Squad, which was perhaps my favorite series growing up, and I wish I could see more work by him.

As for outside, too many screenwriters to list - Richard Donner was a big influence on my basic story-telling sense. I worked with him for over four years and absorbed as much information as I could from him.

JOZIC: When you get the chance, what comics or authors/books do you like to read?

JOHNS: I read everything I can. Powers, Hulk, Tangled Web, Legion. Dozens of comics.

Carter Beats the Devil is a novel I'm reading right now. Great, great book.

JOZIC: You have your own film & television work that you do, like the Bloodstone show you're developing for Marvel. How is that going, and are there any other projects fans should watch out for in the near future?

JOHNS: It's going great. Marvel Studios is terrific to work for. I have some more stuff in the works, but too early to talk about. Unless I have a contract nothing's set in stone in Hollywood.

JOZIC: What do you think of the current crop of comic book related shows like Mutant X and Smallville?

JOHNS: Love Smallville. A terrific, terrific, show. Luthor is by far the most engaging of the cast. Great character.

JOZIC: Any closer to that Captain Cold mini?

JOHNS: Hopefully! Keep asking me.

	Mike Jozic has spent the last several years interviewing comic book creators and other entertainment related personalities for various publications. He has been published both online and in print, with his work appearing in The Comics Journal, FearsMag.com and Silver Bullet Comicbooks. He maintains his own website at www.meanwhile.net and currently serves as the Features Editor for SBC.