2005 Comic Book News Archives

Action Comics #835

October 18, 2005: Gail Simone Talks Leaving “Action Comics”

ComicBookResources has interviewed Gail Simone regarding her feelings on leaving "Action Comics" so soon after signing on. Here are parts of the interview...

    "First, let me say that there's nothing malicious or punitive in this," Simone explained to CBR News. "Dan DiDio's got an idea to keep creative teams on Superman for around a year, to keep the books fresh, which is a perfectly valid approach that will probably make for some great stories for Superman readers.

    "The fact that we weren't told directly is just an oversight. The Super-office is one of the busiest in comics, we're right in the middle of all this 'Crisis' stuff, and I think it was simply a matter of people working their tails off to get the books out, and accidentally omitting this piece of the deal. It's not intentional or in response to anything, as far as I'm aware of.

    "That said, during the writing of these issues, I so utterly fell in love with Superman and his supporting cast that saying goodbye so soon is just a very big fat, Krypton-sized bummer."

    The idea of working on a Superman story, let alone the Superman series, is pretty daunting for a lot of people, and more than one creator has said that the pressure affected their enjoyment. In the case of Simone, she's happy to have been given the opportunity and has a few important highlights. "Well, again, working with John was just tremendous fun, but even beyond that, the reader and critical support was insane. I don't think anyone was prepared for the response we got...nearly all of the issues so far have sold out, sales went up, critics have been amazing, and the readers really embraced our approach. For such a short run, I think that's fantastically rewarding.

    "The thing is, I'm a latecomer as a Superman fan. I always liked his appearances elsewhere, but rarely bought his book. After writing the first issue, it was like a revelation - like, 'Okay, I get it now.' I just absolutely fell in love with Superman and his supporting cast. They're the best there is in comics, bar none. They don't need reinventing. They don't need to be made grim and gritty. So in a big way, our whole arc is about why Superman chooses these people to love.

    "Like I said, leaving is very, very hard. But Dan D. says it's obvious people like John and I working on Superman, and hopefully we'll be able to continue to do that on some other Kal El project, and soon, I hope. "

Visit the CBR website to read the entire interview.



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