The Big Question with Mike Carlin: 3-7-00
The Big Question 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.
