Dan Slott: Greater!

By J Hues

In recent months, Dan Slott has quietly been making a name for himself in the off-beat corners of the Marvel Universe. With twelve-issue run of She-Hulk just completed, and another set to begin in October, as well as Great Lakes Avengers debuting next month (April 2005), it is unsurprising that Slott has won an exclusive contract with the House of Ideas. Ever the jokester, SBC’s j.hues caught up with Slott to get the low-down on next month’s premiere of GLA.

j.hues: Why Great Lakes Avengers?

Dan Slott: Because Tom Brevoort-- world's coolest editor-- said, "Hey, you want to do this?" And I knew that my pal, penciller Paul Pelletier, would KILL me if I said "No". Or worse, if I said "Yes" and did it with someone else. No joke. Next to Power Man & Iron Fist, these are Paul's FAVORITE Marvel characters ever.

Also, I grew up on John Byrne comics. Seriously, I was one of his "Faithful 50,000"-- a group of devoted fans that would follow Mr. Byrne from book to book no matter what. So not only do I fondly remember when these characters first appeared in West Coast Avengers, but when I started working for Marvel, I cobbled together a pitch for a GLA mini.

That was years and years ago. Nothing ever came of it though-- and it's not really an idea I could recycle into this current project. Mainly because it's a little too close to what Waid and 'Ringo just did in Fantastic Four: “Hereafter.” And it would've required Hawkeye to be... well... alive. So, there you go.

jh: So who's going to be in this book? Is it classic GLA or do you have a few surprises?

DS: Well, it's pretty easy to see from our 1st issue cover that we're using all the GLA regulars: Dinah Soar, Big Bertha, Flatman, Mr. Immortal, and Doorman. Plus two new members: Squirrel Girl... and somebody else.

jh: What is your goal with this series? Is it to simply have some fun, which is definitely needed from time to time, or is it to say something about these characters or their situation?

DS: Hopefully, it'll be fun-- in it's own unique way. It's a book about what it's like to be the loser-heroes. To have great responsibility... but not-so-great powers. And to me, that is such a Marvel thing-- part of the magic of that universe.

The way I look at Marvel and DC is that in the DCU you get the heroes you SHOULD have. Arms akimbo, capes a' flutter, iconic powers, great hair, and square jaws filled with perfect teeth. In the Marvel U., you get the heroes you WOULD have. Can't pay the rent, can't get a date, powers by accident, and generally feared and misunderstood.

And the GLA? These are the bottom feeders of THAT world. And what does that say about THEM?! Who wouldn't want to read about these guys?

jh: Is it a straight-up humor series, or is there something more going on here?

DS: Well, after seeing the cover to issue one, a lot of people jumped to the (wrong) conclusion that this was going to be a knock off of Giffen / DeMatteis / Maguire's Justice League. Heck, some people even went as far as to run this (mis)information in their online columns. **cough** j.hues **cough** But those poor souls shall remain nameless. :) [ed. note – read all about it right here.]

And while I love those runs of Justice League, this mini isn't going to be like that. Heck, it's not even going to be like the stuff I do in She-Hulk. If anything, I'd say it's closer to my work on Arkham Asylum: Living Hell. It's comedy, but it's dark comedy. Twisted comedy. Weird comedy. Not something I'd give to my nieces and nephews to read.

In fact, when I turned in the first issue, I think my note to the office went something like this: "Here's the plot for GLA #1, the most morally reprehensible thing I've ever written. Sorry."

jh: How related to "Avengers Disassembled," and subsequently, New Avengers, Young Avengers and any other spin-offs, is GLA?

DS: Well... This book directly spins out of “Disassembled.” It's because the Avengers are "gone" that these saps think they can finally step up-- finally BE the Avengers, instead of some unofficial (and widely disregarded) wannabes. Problem is, when you follow in the Avengers' footsteps... you're on a path that goes straight to the Avengers' enemies. And-- hoo boy-- that's a whole mess a' trouble.

jh: As you know, it's tough to launch a new title in the industry right now, and especially one that does not feature a prominent and popular character. Why should fans pick up GLA? If you were behind the counter in a comics shop, how would you sell the book to a comics fan who's on the fence about buying it?

DS: There's nothing else out there like it. It features the oddballs of the Marvel U-- characters who'll NEVER rate an action figure-- characters that will face REAL consequences! Let's face it, they ain't COLOSSUS or NORMAN OSBORN. For THESE guys, "dead" will mean "DEAD." And, yeah, there's gonna be some dying. With a capital "D".

And if that doesn't sell 'em, just remember, we're the only Marvel title that features squirrels. And do you really want a squirrel-free comic? I don't think so.

jh: If you were to predict how this book will do with fans, and how they will react to it, what would you say?

DS: If I could do that? I'd take my magical predicting powers and go to the track.

jh: Okay, but if the series is well-received, would you be open to doing a follow-up?

DS: Well, that's assuming that enough guys will survive the mini to make it in to another one...

Heh heh.

jh: Let’s switch gears and talk about She-Hulk a bit. Will there be any noticeable differences in the title when it comes back for "Season Two"?

DS: Yes. More people will be buying it.

Seriously though, the time off will be put to good use. It gives us a chance to look back at the first twelve issues and examine what worked and what didn't.

I think the book is at its best when it’s dealing with two things:

1) Superhuman Law. What kinds of strange court cases arise due to living in a comic book world? And what kinds of bizarre legal actions take place between fan-favorite Marvel characters?

and 2) She-Hulk's Soap Opera Rollercoaster. What's going on with Jen Walters, her love life, and her interactions with her colorful supporting cast?

The new book will focus on these elements and how they play off one another. And we'll do it all while telling done-in-one and two- part stories! Packing pages to the gills! Flaunting our old school charm! And keeping you guessing with many surprising twists and
turns!

jh: Do you know if "Season Two" is slated as a 12-issue mini or an ongoing series?

DSIt'll go as long as you keep buying it. And I'll keep writing it until it's canceled, I'm fired, or I die! As long as you guys keep showing up, we'll keep making it! Everyone involved with this book LOVES working on it! This is our second chance-- we aren't gonna blow it!

jh: What are your thoughts on this whole "Season Two" approach that is being tested with such comics as Sleeper, Runaways, and now your She-Hulk?

If it helps keep She-Hulk going? I'm all over it! I'll say, "Hey, Season Two Approach, I love you! Marry me! Make me the happiest freelance writer alive! You complete me, Season Two Approach! All the other Marketing Approaches? They meant nothing to me! Y'hear? NOTHING! It's just you and me, Season Two Approach, all the way!"

jh: Do you think there might be some value to this “season” approach that is different than just launching an ongoing series?

DS: Sure. And I also think cold fusion would benefit mankind as well. Get back to me when you've worked those out. Right now, in my self-centered world-- where my focus is on continuing to work on this book that I REALLY enjoy doing-- and would like to continue to keep doing for as long as possible-- all I care about are results.

And I am VERY grateful to Dan Buckley, Joe Quesada, and all of Marvel's Top Brass for having so much faith in this title! For their commitment in giving this book a good leg up and a good fighting chance-- not just to survive, but to prosper!

jh Does it change at all how you approach writing the series?

DS: Sure. Some storylines had to be resolved. Others scrapped or shuffled around. But I can't stress how great it's been to have this time to step back-- to not be deep in the thick of things-- and to reevaluate what we're doing and where we're going. In the end, I think it's going to lead to an even stronger title.

I am very proud of EVERYTHING we accomplished and ALL of the stories we told in our first year. And I just know that we're going to build off of that. We're pumped! 'Cause with She-Hulk, we're not putting out a book for you to read-- we're putting out a book for you to RE-read! Month in and month out, we're making individual 22 page issues that we want you to go back to again and again!

jh: Tell me what is great about being Dan Slott right now?

DS: Everything! I mean, I get to work on Spider-Man/Human Torch with my good friend and longtime collaborator, Ty Templeton! C'mon! A Spidey book that's also an FF book? Heaven. And, I get to work on an Avengers-related mini with my pal, Paul. I’m gearing up for the She-Hulk relaunch, a labor of love if ever there was one.

And I've got a TOP SECRET new monthly coming out from Marvel in August/September-- also featuring of one my all-time favorite characters! Boy, that does not suck at all! Not at all!