2008 Comic Book News Archives

Action Comics #866

June 17, 2008: Interview with "Action" Artist Gary Frank

Newsarama.com has an interview with current "Action Comics" penciller Gary Frank. Frank talks about his Brainiac redesign, how he distinguishes Clark Kent from Superman, and what he and "Action Comics" writer Geoff Johns hope to achieve through this story for both Brainiac and Superman. With respect to Brainiac, Frank describes him almost as a destructive force of nature:

    Brainiac is unstoppable, implacable destruction. You cannot appeal to Brainiac for mercy. He just takes and destroys. That's it. We wanted to show the human consequenc[e]s- the death, the destruction of families etc. These things arise not from spite or anger or revenge. This is just what Brainiac does. If he shows up on your doorstep, this is what will happen as sure as night follows day and you don't even have to piss him off first.

With regard to Superman and Clark Kent, Frank acknowledges that some fans may have a difficult time adjusting to (the return to) a meek and mild-mannered Kent vis a vis Superman's confident nature:

    For some reason, a lot of people can't get their heads around a guy who is confident and secure in one sphere of his life and yet feels awkward in another. I personally know a guy who could almost be a blueprint for this type of character. . . .

    In short, Superman exudes confidence because history has shown him that he will almost always win out if he keeps going. Clark, on the other hand, has learned that dealing with people can be confusing, disappointing and nowhere near as easy as punching things.

Finally, Frank shares that Superman's supporting cast will continue to play a large role in the books, from the Daily Planet staff to potentially ominous tidings for the Kents of Smallville.

Read the entire interview at Newsarama.com.



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