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"Ask Matt" Fan Forum Archives
Here are Matt Idelson's answers to questions fans put to him in January 2009:
Matt's Answers
Tomas (Email address withheld by request) asks:Hey there, Matt. I was wondering: will we see any animals on Kandor with superpowers? Sounds silly, I know, but I figure if a yellow sun grants Krypto the same abilities as Superman, then it would probably do the same to other Kryptonian animals, wouldn't it? Or at least other Kryptonian dogs!
Matt: THAT is a very interesting question, Tomas, and one fraught with danger. Imagine the silliness that might ensue? Let me put it to you this way: if you start seeing Kryptonian animals flying around the books, it will be because I made the mistake of mentioning it to James Robinson! (And no, I'm not counting that flying pooch who clearly isn't Krypto on the cover to WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #1.)
Fabian wood (wood_fabian@yahoo.com) asks:
Dear Matt, in the "New Krypton" arc, it dawned on me that they manifest their "super" powers near instantaneously, while according to the canon I'm familiar with Clark gained his full powers gradually by his teens and Kara (back in "Superman/Batman") was exposed to sunlight in her spaceship trip to Earth explaining why she could use her power off the bat. So is this an oversight and will it be explained? Thank you.
Matt: Hey, Fabian! Excellent question, my good man! This was not an oversight, I'm relieved to say, and it is something we'll explain in time. I won't say it's a major story point, but it is something we want to address.
Martin Alejandro Salinas (mas_el@yahoo.com) asks:
Dear Matt: My question is the following: Are Geoff and Gary coming back to "Action Comics" after Secret Origin? I hope so, because as a Superman fan it will be very sad to see them go.
Matt: That is something that is somewhat in flux, Martin, since there's a whole universe of exciting characters Geoff and Gary would love to tackle. At the same time, there's only one Superman. In the event they don't return, though, look at it this way: we'll strive to give you a book that's every bit as good, while providing you with another title sprinkled with the Johns/Frank magic. So either way you win, no?
Parker (Email address withheld by request) asks:
With Superman going off to space, how much can we expect to see the Daily Planet characters in "Action" and "Superman" comics? I must admit that I am leery of this "Superman in space" development and what it means for the Clark Kent identity and the marriage to Lois Lane. I would appreciate some reassurance that all is well on those fronts.
Matt: More than fair questions, Parker. We'll be seeing plenty of the Planet gang (including an unlikely moment of brilliance from Steve Lombard in February) in the Earthbound books, especially Lois, Cat and Jimmy (but not excluding Perry, Ron and Steve). And don't worry about the marriage, Parker. It's rock-solid.
Chris Clow (demolitionist@gmail.com) asks:
Hey, Matt! It was an honor meeting you at SDCC. With what just happened to Batman in R.I.P. and his other titles, what stake does Superman have in this? Given Superman's relationship and reverence for Bruce, Tim, and Dick along with the upcoming Battle for the Cowl, does the Man of Steel feel compelled to intervene in some capacity on behalf of his (arguably) best friend?
Matt: "An honor," Chris? I think you need to shoot a little higher then? ;-) I can safely say that Supes will be too busy to get involved in the Battle for the Cowl, dealing with things that are much more global in consequence, but that doesn't mean he won't take a moment or two along the way to mourn. See ya in San Diego this summer!
Roberto (Email address withheld by request) asks:
Hi Matt, thanks again for answering all these questions. I was just wondering what the thought was when deciding to take Superman out of Action Comics, one of the longest running and most iconic tittles. With Action getting closer and closer to the big 1000 issue, wouldn't it have been better to keep Superman in his iconic title and move the Nightwing/Flamebird characters to a different (or completely new) book?
Matt: We did talk about that, Roberto, but our feeling was that if these characters are going to try and fill Superman's shoes, then it makes the most sense to have them do it in Superman's books. But I promise that when we finally get to issue #1000, Superman will definitely be the star of that story!
John (johnbarry22@gmail.com) asks:
Thanks, Matt, for taking the time to answer questions like these. Superman's origins have been told many times before, and Mr. Johns now plans to tell it again. Some have speculated that DC is publishing a new origin to make up for continuity flubs, but isn't this really just fan service? How much of the impetus for telling a new origin has to do with answering questions of continuity and how much is because Mr. Johns has a storyline reason for it that actually moves the character forward?
Matt: Wow, there are tons of great questions this month. The answer, John, is both. There is definitely some continuity bumps we want to reconcile, but Geoff's primary reason for wanting to lay out a definitive origin for Superman is much more story-driven. If I had to get into percentages, I would say the project is 75% motivated by story-driven reasons, and 25% continuity reasons.
Rob (Email address withheld by request) asks:
At one time it was reported that Geoff Johns and James Robinson had mapped out the Superman books until 2010. Is the decision to take Superman out of ACTION part of this original plan? Does that indicate Rucka's run is temporary and Johns will eventually return?
Matt: Why do I get the feeling that we can't slip anything past you folks? (Not that I'd be foolish enough to try!) The books are indeed mapped out through the end of 2010, Rob, and Superman's exodus from his two titles has always been very much a part of the plan. Greg's inclusion in the writing team wasn't in the original plan, but every plan encounters changes in direction and unanticipated surprises along the way, and Greg would fall into the category of a happy surprise. As for Geoff's future writing plans, I don't think he's looking far beyond SECRET ORIGIN, an upcoming Green Lantern epic he's been planning for eons, and a few other projects I probably shouldn't be talking about. But don't you worry: he's still very much a part of the Superman universe, as you'll be seeing in the next few months.
Pardeep Singh (Email address withheld by request) asks:
On the cover of Supergirl #19, it shows Superman all bloodied up and beaten at the hands of Kara. But none of this happens in the comic. I heard the story was changed, and if it was, what was going to happen in the original story? Was a fight going to happen? And why was it canceled? (and if you don't mind, who would of won in the comic!? :))
Matt: Great questions, Pardeep! I don't actually know the answer to that (before my time on the book), so I strolled down the hall and asked Eddie Berganza about that story. He reminded me that the cover was symbolic, not literal, representing the culmination of the whole "Kara was sent to Earth to kill Superman" story. As for who would of won, I'm SO not answering that!
Daniel M. (Email address withheld by request) asks:
Dear Matt, I think you may in fact have my dream job. I was hoping you could tell me a bit about how you reached your current position and what an average day at the office is like. Thanks a lot!
Matt: I consider myself to be very, very blessed every day, Daniel! I love what I do, and I hope it at least sometimes shows in the books. I started off as an intern at Marvel many, many moons ago, and worked my way up through the ranks to editor before coming over to DC. To describe an average day would take up more server space than I think Steve Younis. is willing to grant me, but I'll say that it is always a mix of fun, excitement, aggravation, and lots of problem-solving.
Steve asks:
Thanks Matt! Any 2009 hints or spoilers you can throw our way to entice readers about what's coming up in the Superman books?
Matt: Look for a strong effort on James' part in developing the various neighborhoods of Metropolis and the colorful folks who populate the City of Tomorrow - something we've gotten away from of late - in SUPERMAN, some very emotionally challenging hurdles for Kara in SUPERGIRL, a lot of surprises in ACTION, and gobs of tension and intrigue in WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON. And that's as much as I can safely hint at right now. I'll just say that we have a plan, it's a good plan, and I think you folks are really going to enjoy what we have in store for you this year.
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