1999 Comic Book News Archives
November 21, 1999: Bryan Hitch and Paul Neary Sign Exclusive Contracts with DC
DC Comics is pleased to announce that Bryan Hitch and Paul Neary -- most recently known for their work on THE AUTHORITY -- have signed two-year exclusive contracts. Following their stellar run with writer Warren Ellis on THE AUTHORITY for WildStorm Productions, the team of Hitch and Neary will take over art chores on DC's flagship hero-team JLA in mid-late 2000, joining writer Mark Waid. Hitch and Neary will also collaborate with Waid on JLA: HEAVEN'S LADDER, in the same oversized tabloid format as SUPERMAN/FANTASTIC FOUR.Hitch and Neary's experience with THE AUTHORITY's big, cinematic flavor perfectly suits the epic challenges the JLA will feature in the future. According to Hitch: "Working with Warren's been a pleasure, his scripts are so graphic and easy to work with lots of conceptually interesting things. Our work on THE AUTHORITY is perhaps the easiest assignment I've ever had but with biggest learning curve. So much of the stuff we've been asked to draw there's really no precedent to draw from as visual reference." The art duo's transition to working with Mark Waid and working with classic characters with established histories has provided an equally rewarding challenge. Paul Neary remarked that: "Working on this one is a childhood dream come true...the first comics I read were DCs and it's great to be on the flagship book."
After Hitch and Neary conclude their run on THE AUTHORITY with issue #12, their first JLA work will appear not in the monthly title but in a special oversized self-contained JLA story entitled JLA: HEAVEN'S LADDER. Says JLA editor Dan Raspler, "Widescreen high-octane action is what has helped make JLA the most influential book on the stands -- but that's only part of what Bryan and Paul will be contributing. Personally, I'm very excited to see them sink their teeth into the great DC characters. Mark Waid is writing some very challenging character pieces, and I'm delighted to have such masters of subtlety, mood and 'acting' providing the artwork." Paul Neary adds: "Bryan tells me Mark doesn't want to take the "trash in order to re-invent" route, which is great...build on your strengths , that's what I say."
Scott Dunbier, Group Editor -- WildStorm feels that "Bryan Hitch and Paul Neary are two absolutely extraordinary talents. Speaking as an editor I am very sad to see them leave THE AUTHORITY, but as a fan, I truly anticipate their work on JLA. It's hard to ask for more talent and consistent quality from two of the fastest artists in comics.
Source: DC Comics Online Newsletter.
1999 Comic News
Listed below are all the News items archived for 1999. Archiving started in September 1999.- September 3, 1999: Super-Custody Battle!
- September 22, 1999: Superman Settlement?
- October 5, 1999: New Era for Superman books
- October 12, 1999: Dematteis Joins The Superman Family
- November 2, 1999: Superman Scribe Jeph Loeb on AOL!
- November 8, 1999: Superman Rumor On The Grapeline
- November 12, 1999: DC Comics Voted No.1 Comic Book Publisher of the Century
- November 21, 1999: Bryan Hitch and Paul Neary Sign Exclusive Contracts with DC
- December 5, 1999: Valuable Comic Books Swiped From Conn. Home
- December 13, 1999: Able to Leap a Techo-Organic Building...
- December 20, 1999: Looney Tunes/DC Universe Crossover Back On Schedule
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