Gail Questions And Answers!

[the4thpip]

Gail, how many chapters of *52* will you be writing?

I'm hoping the number will be near 52. :D

[Dee3]

hey gail have you ever read bitchy bitch?

[Cam63]

Gail,

Who put the bops in the bop shoo bop shoo bop?

Who put the ram in the rama lama ding dong

Who put the dips in the dip da dip da dips?

Thanks in advance,
Terry

I'm sorry, TC. Just as Gail was about to make her reply, she was taken by a gang of rogues who call themselves " The Flock. "

Some wool fibres and numerous sheep tracks were all the police have to go on at present and we're still waiting to hear from the ba-a-a-a-stards.

[kkraven]

Gail is Devin leaving Nightwing? If so after which issue? Please say yes to first question and i'll be your best friend.

[A. Dave Lewis]

Gail,

Will you be attending WizardWorld Boston?

If so, I would love to speak with you about potentially being part of a panel on Superheroes & Mortality Wizard is having me assemble.

Contact me at dave at captionbox dot net if you should have the chance.

Thanks!
A. David Lewis

[Hecate]

Hello Gail.

Couple of Q's if you don't mind?

How old is Huntress?

Did you take any writing class'/courses?

How long did it take for you to get into comics and what was you first comics gig?

How you Doin'?

[DuelaDent]

Hi Gail. Any chance of Jason Bard returning to BoP? He hasn't appeared since the Canary Cry/Ra's Al Ghul storyline in the mid-30's run.

He brought a great dimension to the book with his interactions with Babs (former lover) and Dinah (commrade-in-arms).

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

it's the year 2010... the Batman movies have been a huge sucess and WB now wants a BOP movie to spin out of Batman:The Killing Joke movie. using today's stars who do you cast as Helena, Dinah and Babs?


I suck at these, sorry. I have no idea. :)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail, any plans for your own creator-owned stuff, say for Vertigo, in the near future? Any cool ideas for one at least?


Yep. :)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

You've said in a couple of places that you pitched a Blue Beetle story in the past. Now that Ted is gone, can you reveal what the premise of your series was about and what you'd wanted to do with him?

My story was about Ted being brilliant, and inventing the O.S.D, or Open Sesame Device, a 'skeleton key' that could make any computer's operation completely transparant, and then five minutes later, it's every nation in the world against Ted Kord trying to get at it. It was fun.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail...yes this is the same Staredcraft from Geoff John's board...the one who suggested putting in the female Dr.Light in your Action Comic run. How's it going?

I do have one question...how much about Dr.Light II (or IV take your pic) do you really know about? Cause, heh, it might help answer the question I asked on the other board quite a bit.

I'm fairly familiar with her...I quite like her character.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail, I got a coupla questions for you. First off, forgive me if someone else has already asked this, but... do you have something against political humor (I ask this because of the "Make me laugh!" threads)? If so, why? And if you do-- don't worry-- I'm not really gonna fault you for it. Political humor for me is just becoming more and more like those tired old jokes about lawyers & doctor bills.

My other question is (once again, this may have already been asked) at the end of 'Sensei & Student,' Lady Shiva said to Black Canary that she's not going to just let go of her offer to her to become her teacher. Do you have any plans to touch upon this again? Or is your BOP plate full for now? Thanks for your time and-- as always-- I look forward to your answer. :)

No, not at all, I love good political humor.

And yes. :)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hi Gail. Big fan of your work, especially on Deadpool/Agent X.

You've used had some pretty cool cameo appearences in Birds of Prey so far (like Chesire and Shiva). Is there any chance of seeing a Zatanna cameo? She's probably the most underutilized female JLAer DC has, and except for a brief mini at the moment by Grant Morrison, and the odd Identity Crisis related appearance, she's mainly forgotten.

I just hope there isn't some unwritten rule about two fishnet characters appearing in the same book.


Would love to, and it'll probably happen the first chance I get.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Dear Gail Simone,

A rooster is sitting on two sided-roof and lays an egg ( it's shaped like this /\ ). Which side does the egg fall towards?


Thanks, lives depend on the answer.

It's a she-male.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Just saw Double Date, being Canadian cheaters.. And a question in cartoon logic...

How is a crossbow bolt far more fatal than having a palatte of iron girders that looks to weigh at least 10 tons fall on your head? (By the way, no chance in a million years it would ever ever ever be held up with a single jute rope.) I'm sorry... But it just WOULDN'T!! (Has total nervous breakdown.)

We enjoyed it very much though. If I'd had of bet whether you or Darwyn Cooke would be the one to write King Faraday into JLU I'd have lost my money.

The real question is, what IS that recipe for scones? I'm all curious now.

The idea is that Huntress' bolts were special, and could puncture his skin. It's pretty clear from earlier in the show that blunt trauma just bounced off.

And use orange zest.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

So Miss Gail, How many fans purpose marriage to you on a regular basis?

A lot. It's sweet. I'm thinking of moving to Utah.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I have seen a strip with the Simpsons in Scotland being introduced to Scotland's 2 famous comic book writers(G. Morrison and M.Millar) and then the 2 writers start fighting with each other. Did you write that? It is a classic. I love how they dispute who is the real X men writer.

Yes, and they were both great sports.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail--

Just wondering-- how much you and the artists communicate on how the covers will look?

(The curiosity popped in my head as I 'geeked out' at the cool new BOP cover with the playing cards).

-Jack

That one was actually my idea. With Bop and Action, the editors generally ask me to contribute, but with VU, I think JG has come up with those on his own. I love the covers on all those books...I'm lucky.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail, i have one question and a request,

Do you speak spanish? i hope so... and now my request...are you interested in trading some comic books? i can send you some chilean comic books if you like or some dc comic books in spanish, and all you have to do is sending me a BoP comic book signed and dedicated to my comic book store (kingdom comics)and to me of course :D , if you read the other thread where one introduce himself i have a little comic book store here and i'd just love to have a comic book signed by you in my "wall of treasures" ( i have a Wild cats vol 3 comic books signed by Scott lobdell, and earth x #0 signed by Jim Kruger, and Batman/Cap America signed by John Byrne and ...that's it :( , i know i am way out of line here and if i offended you in some ways my apologies. take care and you definitely rock ...what is the female expression for "dude"?

p.s : try to do something to bring back Azrael . he's a really cool character


I think we can do something...sounds fun! Give me a line at gailcbr@yahoo.com, okay?

Best,

Gail

[Gail Simone]

How DID Yogo make it into BoP ?
how much did he give you ?! ;)

50,000 in Swiss Francs.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

Who put the bops in the bop shoo bop shoo bop?

Who put the ram in the rama lama ding dong

Who put the dips in the dip da dip da dips?

Thanks in advance,
Terry


Bob.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail, now that you've got some characters of your own operating in the DCU, what's the ettiquette for letting other writers use them?
I see that Black Alice is slated to show up in one of the minis this summer...did they ask you if they could use her or discuss it with you? Is there actually a policy for this or just politeness that one would expect?


Well, there's a great lot of politeness, but I don't think there's any set policy. We all do our best to coordinate so that we don't contradict each other. I definitely try to ask first. Bill DID ask about having Alice in DoJ, which was very cool of him.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hi, Gail what happend to the Justice League story you were going to do? Is it showing up in Classified?


It IS!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

Do you have any plans on writing any novels?

Would you ever be interested in working in Television as a writer?

How does your family (immediate and extended) relate to you being a comic book writer? Do they think you write funnies for kids? Do any family members read your stuff? If this is too personal, no big deal.

cheers!


Yes, working on one.

Yes, might be doing more this year.

My family is very supportive, they've been really great. My sister reads my comics, she's one of my very best friends.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail, are there any "inter-universe" crossovers you'd be interested in doing?

I would love to see the Cobweb meet the BoP, for example.

Yeah, I'm a crossover tramp. I love 'em. I'd write almost any.

I want She-Hulk and Bop to crossover so it could be SHE-BOP.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail is there any chance you might take up writing Nightwing?

Also how would a young comic script writer (myself) break into the industry if they have their own universe and characters and story arcs?


I can't answer that first part, sorry!

I really don't have a great answer to the first part, but I know you'll do best if you have a published story to show them, even if it's just a mini or webcomic. Good luck!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Ok, I know this sounds like a typical fanboy question, but how do you think is the best way to get my art noticed? Conventions? Or should I start submitting places, or a bit of both. I live in Tucson, so it's a little hard to get to the conventions, but I would gladly do it if you thought it would give me a legitimate chance of getting my work seen...

Either conventions, or publishing a little mini or webcomic. Believe me, those things DO get looked at.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

If you weren't so "on the inside" of the business. What would your pull list be!

YIPES.

There's just a ton of books I love. I'm doing a column about it soon. Keep watching the skies!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail, which story got you widely noticed by the whole comic book industry?

Which title really opened it up for you?

Hmmm.

I think the levels have been Yabs, that first got attention from editors.

Bop, which hopefully showed some range, and

now Villains United, which has a lot of new stuff for me.

That's my guess!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail, how many chapters of *52* will you be writing?

I'm hoping the number will be near 52. :D

Rats, none, as far as I know! :(

Gail

[Gail Simone]

hey gail have you ever read bitchy bitch?

Haven't, but I've heard it's great.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail is Devin leaving Nightwing? If so after which issue? Please say yes to first question and i'll be your best friend.

Can't you be my best friend anyway?

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hello Gail.

Couple of Q's if you don't mind?

How old is Huntress?

Did you take any writing class'/courses?

How long did it take for you to get into comics and what was you first comics gig?

How you Doin'?


Um. Hmmm. I haven't thought about it. I'd say mid-20's?

Yes, in college and high school.

I really hadn't tried to break in, so I can't say how long it took. My first work was in Simpsons #50, I think.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hi Gail. Any chance of Jason Bard returning to BoP? He hasn't appeared since the Canary Cry/Ra's Al Ghul storyline in the mid-30's run.

He brought a great dimension to the book with his interactions with Babs (former lover) and Dinah (commrade-in-arms).


Haveta say, he probably won't show up anytime soon...he's not much liked, going by reader response!

Gail

[MacQuarrie]

Hmmm.

I think the levels have been Yabs, that first got attention from editors.

Bop, which hopefully showed some range, and

now Villains United, which has a lot of new stuff for me.

That's my guess!

Gail
Didn't WIF have any impact? Yeah, it was years ago, but it did kinda put you on the map, didn't it?

How did you get YABS in the first place? I tried to sell Jonah on running the Fourth Wall, and wasn't having any.

[Gail Simone]

Didn't WIF have any impact? Yeah, it was years ago, but it did kinda put you on the map, didn't it?

How did you get YABS in the first place? I tried to sell Jonah on running the Fourth Wall, and wasn't having any.


I did some faux Wizard reviews, and a couple websites asked me to write a column. I went with Jonah cause I knew and trusted him.

Gail

[YoGo]

50,000 in Swiss Francs.

Gail

Just to clarify, I had to PAY Gail those 50,000 Swiss Francs.

And FYI, she also conveniently left out the part about promising my soul for all eternity and sealing this unholy pact with the blood of a virgin (mine) and then taking photos of me dressed as S&M Big Bird as collateral.

[Lunar Daydreamer]

Sorry mate, I've seen those pictures and it's not pretty ;)

[stealthwise]

Yep. :)

Gail

Whoa, I asked a question?

And got an answer (sort of)?

Cool!

[Cam63]

Um. Hmmm. I haven't thought about it. I'd say mid-20's?

Gail

I've guessed that's about right for Helena's age, with Babs being about 28-30 and Dinah being 30-32.

[Cam63]

50,000 in Swiss Francs.

Gail

You should have demanded Swiss Federers, then you could've bought that island you've had your eye on.

[Spamotron]

Are you writing any episodes for this season of JLU?

[Messchird]

Gail, when did you start, how did you get into the comics scene? I've told you my story now it's your turn.

[LWhitehead]

This is aimed a Gail the Writer for JLA and another DCU comics, now as a Writer myself with a idea for a comic series setting which I hope DC Comics will take. What your thoughts on Pulp era masked mystery men and women heroes?, you know those hard heroes that operated before the Golden Age before the the first superhero codes veris killing your enemies.



LW

[Beast]

Greetings, Gail Simone.

Long time fan of yours, and I'm quite happy to see that you'll be doing the upcoming Gen13 (Vol. 4) series. I did have a question in regard to that however. I was wondering if the DV8's will factor into the series at all? I always found them much more intresting than the Gen13'rs as a whole, and would love to see them pop up again. Especially Michael Heller (Evo), the trans-species shifter. :)

[Azrael52]

Just to clarify, I had to PAY Gail those 50,000 Swiss Francs.

And FYI, she also conveniently left out the part about promising my soul for all eternity and sealing this unholy pact with the blood of a virgin (mine) and then taking photos of me dressed as S&M Big Bird as collateral.

Well, my goodness, if I'd've know that was all it took......

[Azrael52]

Hello, Gail.
My friends got me hooked on you and BoP. Then, you came over to Superman (who was the first character I collected). I'd like to start by saying a huge thank you for that. You're so the shiznit.

Here are my questions:

1. Do you remember what the first comics you collected were? What got you hooked?

2. How can I get an autographed issue of anything by you? (I'll even trade you an issue of Motorbike Puppies :D )

3. What are your opinions on the whole Crisis and it's spin-offs.

4. What do you think about the Eric and Ray show?

Thank you, in advance.
Raymond

[khuxford]

It's a she-male.

Gail

I love this sick sense of humor. May I be the first to propose marriage to you over this sense of humor rather than your comic book writing? :D

[TCJohnson]

I love this sick sense of humor. May I be the first to propose marriage to you over this sense of humor rather than your comic book writing? :D


* Pssst....her husband is a martial artist bouncer with great hair! You are going to have to take him on before propsing to Gail! Good Luck!*

[vee4jc]

Hi Gail!!!

You're awesome!!! I love your writing!! I written TONS of comics books since i was 10, and i truly truly love it. They are all sitting in my basement. What advice can you give to someone that wants to be an up and coming comic book writer? Things to do, people to talk to, tips, etc...whatever you can give...thanks!!

[Pariah2004]

I am a huge fan of your Villians United book as well as your Action Comics run . I also am loving your Birds of prey run.

Is there anyway Villians United will become a monthly title??? I heard something about this at Crisis Counseling session at Wizard World Chicago, so I thought I would ask. It would make a great monthly title.

One last question, were all the Villians in the comic already created or did you and the artist create some of them??? We will be seeing some of them in any of your other comics??? I see a few on the cover of an upcoming Birds of Prey.

[stealthwise]

* Pssst....her husband is a martial artist bouncer with great hair! You are going to have to take him on before propsing to Gail! Good Luck!*

I already tried and ended up like this!

http://www.keef.net/images/200501/Arseface.jpg

[Hixy]

Hey Gail,

Any more word on the next BoP trade collection. DC are really lagging on your issues now, and I'm fearful they'll jump from where they left off to a more recent story. Should I be hunting back issues to follow your run, or do I just need to be patient?

[Cam63]

I already tried and ended up like this!

http://www.keef.net/images/200501/Arseface.jpg

Holy fark !

Someone has some time ( and skill ) on their hands !

[Cam63]

Hey Gail,

Any more word on the next BoP trade collection. DC are really lagging on your issues now, and I'm fearful they'll jump from where they left off to a more recent story. Should I be hunting back issues to follow your run, or do I just need to be patient?

The pillow fight editions ?



:p *Snickers*

[Night Swordsman]

Gail,have you ever considered making BoP VILLANS after IC/52? You asked people on this forum who they would like to see if there was a whole new team,but have you considered making them from the other side of the fence?


Also,can i still take you up on that offer on the SG on virtue? I usually play everyday but usually on alot during wed,thur,and friday pacific time(which you know already,since we live in the same state). My current SG only plays once a week and it gets lonely soloing alot.

And whatever you do..ALWAYS keep Zinda =).

[victorderas]

Hi Gail, I love all your work.

A little continuity question:

In BOP 20-24 (and some Nightwings) Canary tells a group of villains that she's Oracle, in order to protect Babs, and Deathstroke is one of those villains. Does he remember that???
http://www.observatoriolaboral.org.sv/imagenes/BOP22.jpg

[samdemeo]

Although you haven't revealed yet where he came from, do you think that whatever the concept behind the second Luthor is, it will be used as a catch-all in the DCU the way Wanda is used in the Marvel Universe? (for example, the Max Lord in Countdown and OMAC is not the same Max Lord from the JLI)

--Sam, not looking for an answer to that specific example -- it was just the most extreme thing that fit what I meant

[Azrael52]

Here's a question we're all curious over: will you ever respond to these again? :D

[Weetomuncher]

I think it is about high time that Power Girl appeared again in BOP as she is a great (and underutilised) character that was great in the recent JSA Classified story.

Is there much chance of this happening?

[santanp]

Hey Gail,

I just wanted to say that I am loving your run on Action Comics with John Byrne and I think your Villains United mini was great too. Any chance of seeing you write a Secret Six ongoing? If yes, I am there!

Is there any chance you will be attending the NYC comic con in Feb 2006?


Keep up the great work!


Pat Santangelo
Long Island, NY

[Sharpandpointies]

Gail -

Any chance of Shiva becoming more of a regular figure in BoP, One Year Later?

Just trying my luck here. :)

[Zeb Oswalt]

Will we see More Huntress based Stories? And any chance of Betty Kane appearing in BOP? The Irony of the two Bat Girls meeting could be funny. OK well Betty doesn't know she was Bat Girl, still her crush on Dick Grason could be funny tension moments with her and Babs having to work together. Thanx For your time.

[Robin3]

Hi,

I have two questions, with the background info first:

I wondered about the arc Gail did a few months ago on Action Comics in which she re-introduced DC's Polaris as multiple-personality sufferer with a female side. #827-828.

One question relates to the new personality, "Repulse". I found Repulse to be far more interesting as a villain than Dr.Polaris himself. DC hasn't had any Magneto-class magnetokinetics to my knowledge. As a character, she's not a mastermind, she'd be more of what I'd call a psychotic-class villain. The Joker, Cheetah, they're some other examples of that kind of villain.

1. Is it possible to keep Repulse as a villain and just utterly do away with Polaris's normal self? DC could use more alpha-villains.

2. Secondly, and this is completely unrelated, if you had the opportunity to write a Superman story with Darkseid, would you have him "job" to Superman? This question relates to a lot of fan sentiment that Darkseid has been a wimp post-crisis. (I don't count the Sacrifice story appearance as Darkseid, because it wasn't the real one)

Thanks, and congratulations on your recent opportunities

[Tennoarashi]

First of all, thanks for answering all of these questions.

Now for the question - I had heard you wanted to use Dr. Light - the cool, empowered Japanese Dr. Light - in BOP. And that it fell through? Is that true? I need to imagine what would have been.

[CitC]

Any chance you would check out my all ages comic site @ comicsintheclassroom.net ? Let me know if you do. Contact info on About Us link on site toolbar

You said ask anything.

http://comicsintheclassroom.net/

[Hrc]

How big an impact is Infinite Crisis going to have on Birds of Prey?
Particularly on Black Canary and Huntress?

[Azrael52]

Yeah, and will it see the return of Yogo?

[Hex77]

Are you ever going to do anything more with Server Aja and Cross Christina from Teen Titans #27 & #28? I really liked them.

[Steel Spider]

Yo Gail,


I love your work. I picked up Birds of Prey: Of Like Minds and since then I was hooked. You are one of the best writers in comics today, without a doubt.

I just have one question; Any chance of naked mud wrestling between the BoP? You could even have Nightwing and Savant weight lifting (naked) in the background for good measure.

:)

Steel Spider

[Deathlok]

Whatever happened to Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld idea that was thrown around on the newsarama boards back in 2005?

Will this see the light of day in 06?

[Sabrinaset]

Why WILL we all be sorry?

[Cam63]

Yo Gail,


I love your work. I picked up Birds of Prey: Of Like Minds and since then I was hooked. You are one of the best writers in comics today, without a doubt.

I just have one question; Any chance of naked mud wrestling between the BoP? You could even have Nightwing and Savant weight lifting (naked) in the background for good measure.

:)

Steel Spider

BoP don't do nude.






Dammit !

[estee]

Gail,

Are you exclusive to DC or can you work on Marvel products as well?

Regardless, are there any Marvel characters you'd like to try?

--estee.

[Steel Spider]

Gail,

Are you exclusive to DC or can you work on Marvel products as well?

Regardless, are there any Marvel characters you'd like to try?

--estee.

I believe Gail is exclusive to DC at the moment. Which suits me just fine as her work on Birds of Prey is fan-bloody-tastic.

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

Gail, how does it feel to be the scribe to take BOP to issue #100?

[dragonbat]

Gail, what's your convention schedule for 2006? Coming to Toronto any time soon?

[Sabrinaset]

The "Superior Five" in Villains United...any chance of seeing them again anywhere soon...?



Oh, the heck with it...why is this thread called "Gail Questions and Answers" when ya haven't been on here in five months? :)

[Azrael52]

Yeah, I've so been saying that. Why is it even a sticky?

[The Sentry]

Hi Gail,

Please spill the beans on the Atom !!

[Night Swordsman]

Gail...what is your favorite type of book? Novel? Novella? Novellete? Short Story? Essay? Poem? Graphiti?

[Jeff F]

Would you ever consider writing a book for my amusement wherein Deadpool wins the hearts of Black Canary and Oracle and finally makes them realize that having a hangup for Nightwing and Green Arrow was soooo last year? Could this also include Deadshot in some way?

[lonesomefool]

Gail, do you think access to the internet has hurt comics at all. We now have advance spoilers posted in many places and availability of solicitations to the public often gives away current storylines. Or do you think the good outweighs the bad since people now can preview and buy comics perhaps not readily availble at most stores?

[Gail Simone]

Gail: Can you tell us what your ideas/plot for Night Nurse were?

Thanks!


Can't say too much, because I do hope to use them somewhere. It kind of sucks, because the fact that I accepted payment on the first issue means I can't just go out and redo the ideas elsewhere. It's a shame, it was a smart book.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Is there any chance of this still happening?

Any at all?

Bendis brought her back, she's got kind of a higher profile, I've heard positive fan reaction...

(Please please please please please Oh please please please...)


Very, very unlikely. What a mess that was! No hard feelings, but it was very, very indicative of how poorly run things were at Marvel at that time. It was constant chaos. I still think very highly of Joey, I don't think it was his fault at all.


Gail

[Gail Simone]

Do you think the steady decline of the number of superhero comic readers means the impending death of the genre, or do you think a change towards more levity in both storylines and creator attitudes towards the material can revieve things, like in the early 80's independants? Sorry my question is so long. :D


Actually, I believe overall readership has been going up the last couple years.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I'd buy this one!

Who would you ideally want to do the art?


Ty Templeton!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Am I good one or a annoying one? ;)

Can't you be both?

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Question 1.
If Earth orbited a star whose mass is twice that of our Sun, but having exactly the same orbit, how would Earth's orbital period compare to its actual one? how would its mean orbital speed compare to its actual one? Just looking for qualitative answers here, not numerical ones (same, longer, shorter, faster, slower, etc).

Question 2.
Do you like beans?

-f.
a fat old fan in Brooklyn


The answers to both are the same!

PORK FAT!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

:D

Another question now, when are you gonna call up DC's offices and hassle them to call up Marvel for that She-Hulk/BOP crossover? :)

Dan and I almost DID work on something together, dangit.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Who are your favorite Canadian comic book creators, singers and actors?


uh...Dave Sim, Dale Eaglesham, Ty Templeton, Pia, Ian...um...

I DON'T KNOW!

Barenaked Ladies!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

random questions:

what do you think of Howard Stern?

do you have any desire to do Wonder Woman?

worst character in comics?

any chance of you creating a new Vertigo title?

If you weren't exclusive to DC and could have any 4 titles to write which ones would you pick?

Byrne: is he the Dark Phoenix Saga or Man of Steel?

1) Hate and contempt

2) Yep!

3) Possibly...it almost happened!

4) Non-DC? Um...aside from creator-owned stuff, hm. Spider-man, Iron Fist, Storm or Kitty Pryde...AGENCY X.

5) John's just a guy like anyone else, and he's pretty misunderstood, as far as I can see.

Gail

[Lester C.]

Gail has posted on this thread again so now Azrael 52 is going to have to find something new to whine about. :)

[Gail Simone]

HI, GAIL!
Just to let you know that your writing kicks arse...
And that if there is Comic Book Justice,
1- there will be a new Spider-Woman book (Jessica Drew)
B-You will write it.

Seriously, love what you have done in Birds Of Prey and I would love u to write either a Spider-Woman book or a Luke Cage comic!

(Are you familiar with Jessica Drew? Do you like her?)

Not that familiar, sorry to say, but it looks like she's getting a huge revamp!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hi Gail,

My question involves the HUNTRESS solo series from the late 80's. That book ended with Helena quitting her superhero i.d. to become guardian of a kid genius who was wanted by several New York street gangs. Any plans to show what's happened to that kid since then?

I just bought those issues, and will be taking a serious look at them.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

I was wondering why major comics publishers havent created any characters with muslim backgrounds that arent either terrorists or stereotypes like Farnackalack the Magic Genie, Farah of the Harem, etc etc. I've been reading comics since 1984 (six years of age) and I just havent seen this. We dont even see them receiving 'the token treatment' like some other minorities.


I actually am having something like this coming up, I think.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

What do you think of Cable/Deadpool, in particular Agent X's appearance in the last issue and the next one? Just curious.


LOVED it. Fabian rocks!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

First question is... will you respond to this so I can say I talked with Gail Simone?

Second question... most people are into comics because they fantasize about the amazing abilities. If you could wish for one power what would it be?

Third question… where is the avatar, what would yours be if you had one?

1) NEVER!

2) Flight, I think.

3) CATMAN!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

The Ray and Black Cannary... Whats up with that?

I figure they just cuddled.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

RE: the huntress

Whatever happened to the checkmate storyline?

We've been talking about this a little bit...I think we're going to work it out.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hi Gail-
I met you at the Seattle Comic Book Convention last month. I am working on my thesis that is looking at the ways in which race and gender depictions have changed since the birth of comics in the 1930s. My survey of comics found that the early golden age comics seem to show females either helpless or like you mentioned eventually being killed. The other alternative that I saw was hyper-masculine female characters. To be tough and powerful, they had to resemeble their male counterparts. I have just begun to look at your Birds of Prey line (which I have found refreshing after the countless hours of Blonde Phantom like heriones). The confident strong beautiful females you protray in this book are quite different from what has been shown in the past. Despite this, Birds of Prey has done well in the 80 issues published. Do you think the tide is changing for women comic book characters? Do you think audiences want more tough and sexy characters? What do you think has contributed to this new form of ultra sexy tough heriones? Thanks for your time!

I think it's a gradual thing, but it IS getting better. Slow, slow, slow, but getting better.

As more people enter the industry who actually have had positive life experiences with women, that can only help. ;)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I'd love for you to get a crack at the Marvel family. I've always thought that the Marvels needed a little humor to make them truly click (I actually wish the powers that be would bend the rules a little and give them back Earth S. The universe they work best in isn't the gritty "normal" DC universe). I think you'd be the best to bring that combination of drama and whimsy to it hands down.

Also, I'm pretty sure the lady in green is Talia (I wonder where her sister is at?). I am really looking forward to this book. I liked concept of the Secret Society of Super-Villians back in the day and this has that vibe.

And, since this is a question thread, I've heard that your break into comics was a happy accident but I've never seen the details. Is this true or just one of my late-night internet reading sessions gone horribly awry?

I was a hairdresser, who wrote some jokes to friends, that led to a column here at CBR, and since then, I've been INCREDIBLY BUSY.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Well, I look nothing like gail (perhaps only in the length of hair...) but this one I can answer for her. Also, I have little better to do as I lay coughing and sniffling with the uber cold on a Friday night...

Waaaaaay back when, CBR was once Jonah's Kigdom Come message boards. Wherein a large group of people talked about the Kingdom Come mini around a decade ago. The rest is pretty much history there, and the people who posted there have stayed rather tight knit and close. CBR was born, and the old guard still posted here and there. But mostly we were a bunch of goofy bastards sending emails back and forth and and babbling in chat rooms.

One night, gail posted this absolutely hillarious piece. (Gail? Oz? Guapo? any help on what that was? I THINK it may have been the Blair Witch parody with all the comic creators being lost in the woods and freaking out, but I'm not sure...) We larfed. We larfed a lot. We larfed enough that we said gail should post them elswhere. So she braved the depths of the usenet... This went on for a few weeks, till Jonah offered her the shot of writing those columns for CBR, which had grown pretty exponentially from the time we all frequented it. And that's when everyone started reading it as "You'll All Be Sorry". Title sugegsted by our very own Doug Strange/Paul. This included some comics professionals, who also thought they were a riot. (I think there was only one comic creator who really strongly disliked YABS...)

Her first gig was in the Simpsons' comics, as Ian was also writing a column here and he said she should try to pitch something. She did. From that, Marvel asked if she wanted to pitch for Deadpool, which she did and beat out a few other guys. NOW, the rest is history.

And yes, I posted this mostly for the purpose of nostalgizing. ah yes... scavenger hunts and cybernetic weiners and Tueday night tea sessions... oh my...

Thanks, Trench, but it was Scott Shaw who got me to contact Bongo, not Ian!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail, any plans for your own creator-owned stuff, say for Vertigo, in the near future? Any cool ideas for one at least?


I can't believe I just RE-answered a bunch of questions!

And yeah, I have an idea for a Vertigo series I hope I get to write at some point. It's horny.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail...yes this is the same Staredcraft from Geoff John's board...the one who suggested putting in the female Dr.Light in your Action Comic run. How's it going?

I do have one question...how much about Dr.Light II (or IV take your pic) do you really know about? Cause, heh, it might help answer the question I asked on the other board quite a bit.


Not that much, I just like the character.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail, I got a coupla questions for you. First off, forgive me if someone else has already asked this, but... do you have something against political humor (I ask this because of the "Make me laugh!" threads)? If so, why? And if you do-- don't worry-- I'm not really gonna fault you for it. Political humor for me is just becoming more and more like those tired old jokes about lawyers & doctor bills.

My other question is (once again, this may have already been asked) at the end of 'Sensei & Student,' Lady Shiva said to Black Canary that she's not going to just let go of her offer to her to become her teacher. Do you have any plans to touch upon this again? Or is your BOP plate full for now? Thanks for your time and-- as always-- I look forward to your answer. :)

I LOVE political humor, if it's good!

Oh, oh, yes, on that second one. ;)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hi Gail. Big fan of your work, especially on Deadpool/Agent X.

You've used had some pretty cool cameo appearences in Birds of Prey so far (like Chesire and Shiva). Is there any chance of seeing a Zatanna cameo? She's probably the most underutilized female JLAer DC has, and except for a brief mini at the moment by Grant Morrison, and the odd Identity Crisis related appearance, she's mainly forgotten.

I just hope there isn't some unwritten rule about two fishnet characters appearing in the same book.

As SOON as I can, a Zatanna appearance is a must.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Dear Gail Simone,

A rooster is sitting on two sided-roof and lays an egg ( it's shaped like this /\ ). Which side does the egg fall towards?


Thanks, lives depend on the answer.


Roosters can't lay eggs. They're gay.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Just saw Double Date, being Canadian cheaters.. And a question in cartoon logic...

How is a crossbow bolt far more fatal than having a palatte of iron girders that looks to weigh at least 10 tons fall on your head? (By the way, no chance in a million years it would ever ever ever be held up with a single jute rope.) I'm sorry... But it just WOULDN'T!! (Has total nervous breakdown.)

We enjoyed it very much though. If I'd had of bet whether you or Darwyn Cooke would be the one to write King Faraday into JLU I'd have lost my money.

The real question is, what IS that recipe for scones? I'm all curious now.


First, I think it's pretty clear that Huntress isn't all goody two shoes suddenly. She doesn't mind if he's put in a coma. Second, there's a difference between crash damage and puncture damage.

That's all, really!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

So Miss Gail, How many fans purpose marriage to you on a regular basis?


Lots!

Plus, got lots of the fancygirl readers, which is just awesome.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I have seen a strip with the Simpsons in Scotland being introduced to Scotland's 2 famous comic book writers(G. Morrison and M.Millar) and then the 2 writers start fighting with each other. Did you write that? It is a classic. I love how they dispute who is the real X men writer.

I wrote it, with permission of both Mark and Grant, both of whom I love. Thanks!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail--

Just wondering-- how much you and the artists communicate on how the covers will look?

(The curiosity popped in my head as I 'geeked out' at the cool new BOP cover with the playing cards).

-Jack

Covers, not so much. That's something that the artist can do better than I can. Story, though, LOTS of communication.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail, i have one question and a request,

Do you speak spanish? i hope so... and now my request...are you interested in trading some comic books? i can send you some chilean comic books if you like or some dc comic books in spanish, and all you have to do is sending me a BoP comic book signed and dedicated to my comic book store (kingdom comics)and to me of course :D , if you read the other thread where one introduce himself i have a little comic book store here and i'd just love to have a comic book signed by you in my "wall of treasures" ( i have a Wild cats vol 3 comic books signed by Scott lobdell, and earth x #0 signed by Jim Kruger, and Batman/Cap America signed by John Byrne and ...that's it :( , i know i am way out of line here and if i offended you in some ways my apologies. take care and you definitely rock ...what is the female expression for "dude"?

p.s : try to do something to bring back Azrael . he's a really cool character


Hmm.. If you're still up for it, I'd go for this. Send me an email! gailcbr@yahoo.com

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

Who put the bops in the bop shoo bop shoo bop?

Who put the ram in the rama lama ding dong

Who put the dips in the dip da dip da dips?

Thanks in advance,
Terry

Yogo!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail, now that you've got some characters of your own operating in the DCU, what's the ettiquette for letting other writers use them?
I see that Black Alice is slated to show up in one of the minis this summer...did they ask you if they could use her or discuss it with you? Is there actually a policy for this or just politeness that one would expect?


Well, they don't HAVE to ask, but usually editors do, or the creators talk it over. Bill was very kind about asking for Alice, so that was more than fine.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hi, Gail what happend to the Justice League story you were going to do? Is it showing up in Classified?


YUP. :)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

Do you have any plans on writing any novels?

Would you ever be interested in working in Television as a writer?

How does your family (immediate and extended) relate to you being a comic book writer? Do they think you write funnies for kids? Do any family members read your stuff? If this is too personal, no big deal.

cheers!


1) Yeah, I'm sorta working on one now!

2) Yes!

3) My family is pretty great, actually. They've been hugely supportive!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail, are there any "inter-universe" crossovers you'd be interested in doing?

I would love to see the Cobweb meet the BoP, for example.


Yeah, I love crossovers. So hopefully, I'll get to do another (already did Witchblade/Vampirella/Magdalena)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail is there any chance you might take up writing Nightwing?

Also how would a young comic script writer (myself) break into the industry if they have their own universe and characters and story arcs?

I was asked, but to be honest, it didn't feel right.

Having your own universe, man, that's tough. You're either going to have to self-publish, or probably prove yourself on a smaller scope project, to be blunt.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Ok, I know this sounds like a typical fanboy question, but how do you think is the best way to get my art noticed? Conventions? Or should I start submitting places, or a bit of both. I live in Tucson, so it's a little hard to get to the conventions, but I would gladly do it if you thought it would give me a legitimate chance of getting my work seen...


I really think your stuff has potential...hopefully you're already doing work.

I would say you need some samples of sequential storytelling, then put them up here and we'll take a look from there, okay?

Gail

[Gail Simone]

If you weren't so "on the inside" of the business. What would your pull list be!


Pretty much the same!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail, which story got you widely noticed by the whole comic book industry?

Which title really opened it up for you?


I'd have to say YABS got me noticed widely. And job offers started going nuts right around the time of Sensei and Student.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail, how many chapters of *52* will you be writing?

I'm hoping the number will be near 52. :D

Closer to ZERO.

:)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

hey gail have you ever read bitchy bitch?

Oh, yeah, great stuff! Also love Lynda Barry.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail is Devin leaving Nightwing? If so after which issue? Please say yes to first question and i'll be your best friend.

Devin did leave, obviously, which I think is a shame.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

Will you be attending WizardWorld Boston?

If so, I would love to speak with you about potentially being part of a panel on Superheroes & Mortality Wizard is having me assemble.

Contact me at dave at captionbox dot net if you should have the chance.

Thanks!
A. David Lewis


Ooops! As always, gotta be invited!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hello Gail.

Couple of Q's if you don't mind?

How old is Huntress?

Did you take any writing class'/courses?

How long did it take for you to get into comics and what was you first comics gig?

How you Doin'?


Hmmm. Mid-twenties?

In high school, yeah, nothing since.

I wasn't trying to get into comics when I got my first gig, which I believe was Simpsons #50.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hi Gail. Any chance of Jason Bard returning to BoP? He hasn't appeared since the Canary Cry/Ra's Al Ghul storyline in the mid-30's run.

He brought a great dimension to the book with his interactions with Babs (former lover) and Dinah (commrade-in-arms).


Probably not, I'm sorry to say...at least, not for a long time!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Didn't WIF have any impact? Yeah, it was years ago, but it did kinda put you on the map, didn't it?

How did you get YABS in the first place? I tried to sell Jonah on running the Fourth Wall, and wasn't having any.


Mac, I don't think WiR had any real impact on my career, to be honest.

And both Jonah and another site asked me to write columns, but only Jonah seemed solid.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Are you writing any episodes for this season of JLU?

Unfortunately, no. :(

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail, when did you start, how did you get into the comics scene? I've told you my story now it's your turn.

It's told on this thread a couple times...

Gail

[Gail Simone]

This is aimed a Gail the Writer for JLA and another DCU comics, now as a Writer myself with a idea for a comic series setting which I hope DC Comics will take. What your thoughts on Pulp era masked mystery men and women heroes?, you know those hard heroes that operated before the Golden Age before the the first superhero codes veris killing your enemies.



LW

I love 'em, but they're a tough sale at DC now.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Greetings, Gail Simone.

Long time fan of yours, and I'm quite happy to see that you'll be doing the upcoming Gen13 (Vol. 4) series. I did have a question in regard to that however. I was wondering if the DV8's will factor into the series at all? I always found them much more intresting than the Gen13'rs as a whole, and would love to see them pop up again. Especially Michael Heller (Evo), the trans-species shifter. :)

It won't happen right away, but I think eventually, yes.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hello, Gail.
My friends got me hooked on you and BoP. Then, you came over to Superman (who was the first character I collected). I'd like to start by saying a huge thank you for that. You're so the shiznit.

Here are my questions:

1. Do you remember what the first comics you collected were? What got you hooked?

2. How can I get an autographed issue of anything by you? (I'll even trade you an issue of Motorbike Puppies :D )

3. What are your opinions on the whole Crisis and it's spin-offs.

4. What do you think about the Eric and Ray show?

Thank you, in advance.
Raymond

As a kid, I'd read almost anything, but I didn't read very many marvels. I loved the DC mystery and b-list stuff a lot.

2) It really is best to go to a con--I suck at sending things!

3) Well, I liked being part of it!

4) I haven't watched it yet, because I suck.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hi Gail!!!

You're awesome!!! I love your writing!! I written TONS of comics books since i was 10, and i truly truly love it. They are all sitting in my basement. What advice can you give to someone that wants to be an up and coming comic book writer? Things to do, people to talk to, tips, etc...whatever you can give...thanks!!

Thank you! I'm really sorry, but I'm the wrong person to talk to about this, since I didn't go through any of that process. I'd say the best thing is still making your own comics and getting those to editors.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I am a huge fan of your Villians United book as well as your Action Comics run . I also am loving your Birds of prey run.

Is there anyway Villians United will become a monthly title??? I heard something about this at Crisis Counseling session at Wizard World Chicago, so I thought I would ask. It would make a great monthly title.

One last question, were all the Villians in the comic already created or did you and the artist create some of them??? We will be seeing some of them in any of your other comics??? I see a few on the cover of an upcoming Birds of Prey.


Six issue mini, and I created Scandal, the new Ragdoll, and the new Parademon, and revamped Catman.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail,

Any more word on the next BoP trade collection. DC are really lagging on your issues now, and I'm fearful they'll jump from where they left off to a more recent story. Should I be hunting back issues to follow your run, or do I just need to be patient?

New one just came out, and we ARE getting caught up!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,have you ever considered making BoP VILLANS after IC/52? You asked people on this forum who they would like to see if there was a whole new team,but have you considered making them from the other side of the fence?


Also,can i still take you up on that offer on the SG on virtue? I usually play everyday but usually on alot during wed,thur,and friday pacific time(which you know already,since we live in the same state). My current SG only plays once a week and it gets lonely soloing alot.

And whatever you do..ALWAYS keep Zinda =).


Yes, on Zinda!

No on Bop as badgirls! :)

I wish I COULD play Coh more, but my workload has just gone up so much it's really hard. :(

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hi Gail, I love all your work.

A little continuity question:

In BOP 20-24 (and some Nightwings) Canary tells a group of villains that she's Oracle, in order to protect Babs, and Deathstroke is one of those villains. Does he remember that???
http://www.observatoriolaboral.org.sv/imagenes/BOP22.jpg
He might have at the time, but Calculator would have convinced him otherwise by now.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Although you haven't revealed yet where he came from, do you think that whatever the concept behind the second Luthor is, it will be used as a catch-all in the DCU the way Wanda is used in the Marvel Universe? (for example, the Max Lord in Countdown and OMAC is not the same Max Lord from the JLI)

--Sam, not looking for an answer to that specific example -- it was just the most extreme thing that fit what I meant

Hmm.

I think it may explain some things, but overall, I think it's going to be dealt with.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I think it is about high time that Power Girl appeared again in BOP as she is a great (and underutilised) character that was great in the recent JSA Classified story.

Is there much chance of this happening?


I think sometime this year, if all goes well!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail,

I just wanted to say that I am loving your run on Action Comics with John Byrne and I think your Villains United mini was great too. Any chance of seeing you write a Secret Six ongoing? If yes, I am there!

Is there any chance you will be attending the NYC comic con in Feb 2006?


Keep up the great work!


Pat Santangelo
Long Island, NY

six issue mini, and NYCC people never called me back! :(

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail -

Any chance of Shiva becoming more of a regular figure in BoP, One Year Later?

Just trying my luck here. :)

Heh.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Will we see More Huntress based Stories? And any chance of Betty Kane appearing in BOP? The Irony of the two Bat Girls meeting could be funny. OK well Betty doesn't know she was Bat Girl, still her crush on Dick Grason could be funny tension moments with her and Babs having to work together. Thanx For your time.

Definitely yes on one, I tried and failed on two, and...thank you back!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hi,

I have two questions, with the background info first:

I wondered about the arc Gail did a few months ago on Action Comics in which she re-introduced DC's Polaris as multiple-personality sufferer with a female side. #827-828.

One question relates to the new personality, "Repulse". I found Repulse to be far more interesting as a villain than Dr.Polaris himself. DC hasn't had any Magneto-class magnetokinetics to my knowledge. As a character, she's not a mastermind, she'd be more of what I'd call a psychotic-class villain. The Joker, Cheetah, they're some other examples of that kind of villain.

1. Is it possible to keep Repulse as a villain and just utterly do away with Polaris's normal self? DC could use more alpha-villains.

2. Secondly, and this is completely unrelated, if you had the opportunity to write a Superman story with Darkseid, would you have him "job" to Superman? This question relates to a lot of fan sentiment that Darkseid has been a wimp post-crisis. (I don't count the Sacrifice story appearance as Darkseid, because it wasn't the real one)

Thanks, and congratulations on your recent opportunities

1) There's actually been some talk about that.

2) Not sure I understand that question, sorry!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

First of all, thanks for answering all of these questions.

Now for the question - I had heard you wanted to use Dr. Light - the cool, empowered Japanese Dr. Light - in BOP. And that it fell through? Is that true? I need to imagine what would have been.

I think it was in Action, but it didn't happen. :(

Gail

[Gail Simone]

How big an impact is Infinite Crisis going to have on Birds of Prey?
Particularly on Black Canary and Huntress?


Well...it comes out this week. I'll say it's INTERESTING! :)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Are you ever going to do anything more with Server Aja and Cross Christina from Teen Titans #27 & #28? I really liked them.


Thanks!

The villains didn't quite come across as I'd hoped, but it'd be fun to bring them back. Hmm.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Yo Gail,


I love your work. I picked up Birds of Prey: Of Like Minds and since then I was hooked. You are one of the best writers in comics today, without a doubt.

I just have one question; Any chance of naked mud wrestling between the BoP? You could even have Nightwing and Savant weight lifting (naked) in the background for good measure.

:)

Steel Spider

HA! You're either a girl or FANCY! :)

Thanks!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Whatever happened to Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld idea that was thrown around on the newsarama boards back in 2005?

Will this see the light of day in 06?


I'm not sure...I wasn't really involved, but it was a nice thought!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

Are you exclusive to DC or can you work on Marvel products as well?

Regardless, are there any Marvel characters you'd like to try?

--estee.


Can't work for Marvel yet. But if I could, AGENCY X, Iron Fist, Shang Chi, Spider-Man, maybe something X-ish!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail, how does it feel to be the scribe to take BOP to issue #100?


Well, it's cool, but really, you still have to give most of the credit to Chuck Dixon, who set the thing in motion and wrote a TON of issues.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail, what's your convention schedule for 2006? Coming to Toronto any time soon?

Seattle early next month, toronto, and Cape for sure. San Diego and Chicago are possibilities!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

The "Superior Five" in Villains United...any chance of seeing them again anywhere soon...?



Oh, the heck with it...why is this thread called "Gail Questions and Answers" when ya haven't been on here in five months? :)

It's possible! But I haven't got them slotted anywhere yet...

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hi Gail,

Please spill the beans on the Atom !!

It's AWESOME.

:P

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail...what is your favorite type of book? Novel? Novella? Novellete? Short Story? Essay? Poem? Graphiti?

Novels, followed by short stories, and historical books.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Would you ever consider writing a book for my amusement wherein Deadpool wins the hearts of Black Canary and Oracle and finally makes them realize that having a hangup for Nightwing and Green Arrow was soooo last year? Could this also include Deadshot in some way?


Why sure!

I mean, no!

:)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail, do you think access to the internet has hurt comics at all. We now have advance spoilers posted in many places and availability of solicitations to the public often gives away current storylines. Or do you think the good outweighs the bad since people now can preview and buy comics perhaps not readily availble at most stores?


Good outweighs the bad, but I do wish we weren't such a spoiler culture.

Gail

[xakko]

Can't work for Marvel yet. But if I could, AGENCY X, Iron Fist, Shang Chi, Spider-Man, maybe something X-ish!

Gailexclusives make me sad, but they are good for the creators (well, the ones who get them, I suppose)...

Off the top of your head, what would your team be, if you were given an X-book, and had your choice?

[Azrael52]

Gail, thanks so much for the answers. I really did mean what I said about this being such a great thread. You are so candid. It's refreshing. Also, I love your answer on writing the special story with Deadpool and the Bop with Deathstroke. I don't really have a question at this time, but I just wanted to gush and say thanks.

[Lester C.]

Do you create an outline before you write a script?

[YoGo]

Yogo!

Gail

Oh you! Teeheehee!

You make me feel all fancy!

[Imperious Tex]

Hi Gail!

Are there any plans for Catman beyond the Secret Six mini? Like, I don't know, giving him a regular ongoing series? Or making him part of a regular, ongoing series?

I gotta fever and the only prescription is more Catman!

Thanks

[Night Swordsman]

As a Fan of Agent X,Iron Fist,and espcially Shang-Chi(believe it or not,HE is my first Super-Hero comic,way WAY back before his book got turned into Master of Kung Fu),i was wondering...what kind of take WOULD you,if you were able to do these books,do to them?


PS, Outlaw got a entry in the X-Men 198 Files one shot,with a short history and threat rating. Just thought you should know.

[thetechnocrat]

Hi.

Any plans for Deadshot post Secret Six?

thanks.

[Azrael52]

Gail, any plans for the Birds of Prey after last issue? ;)

[Sabrinaset]

Actually, Imperious Tex made me think of something...why Catman? And by that I mean, why did you decide to use HIM instead of, oh, The Prankster, or Firefly, or Crazy Quilt, or Colonel Computron...Was there an actual list of characters you started off thinking you were going to use and then slowly whittled it down to him, or did you just say, "Okay, let's revamp Catman" ...and what did you see in him that you didn't see in the others? Why were the others whittled out, if they were? What is the creative process like when you decide who you're going to use?

[NickThompson]

Any chance of you writing Captain Cold or The Riddler in the near future?

[Pwnz0r]

Next time you write Superman, could you bring back Zha-Vam?

He was one of the coolest and my favorite Pre - Crisis Villain.

Here's a link to an article on him: http://supermanica.info/wiki/index.php/Zha-Vam

Maybe have Captain Marvel guest star and help fight him.

[Azrael52]

Gail, may I have all of your comp issues after you've read them? I'm running out of body parts to sell (both my own and vagrants), and my buylist keeps growing. So . . . please?

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

Well, it's cool, but really, you still have to give most of the credit to Chuck Dixon, who set the thing in motion and wrote a TON of issues.

Gail

Yeah, I guess you could definitely say that about Chuck. Thanks, Gail!

[LittleCanaryMin]

Hi Gail,

I've scrolled through these various pages, just reading along. Finished reading the interview with Birdwatching a.k.a Canarynoir, for those of you who don't know. Canarynoir has a wonderful site dedicated to the Birds of Prey.

http://www.canarynoir.com

There, you gave a good description of Dinah and Barbara's personalities. I just wanted to ask you some similiar questions.

What is your take on Helena when you first got on board Birds of Prey, and what she's like now, I know she's sort of grown as a female superhero, and as a person.

I also, want to ask about Zinda, would Zinda given the choice, rather chance. Would she, want to be back in her time, living her life out from the '40s into the '50s etc.

How do you... or how are you taking Shiva & Cassandra's relationship in spite of recent events. They are Mother & Daughter, and yes I'm sure there will be conflict based on beliefs and generational idenity alone, but how much conflict will there be between them, and is there any love from Shiva to Cassandra and vice versa.

Speaking of Mother/Daughter relationships, do or did you view Babs/Cassandra's relationship as a Mother/Daughter, or was it more big sister/little sister?

There have been so many, so many questions about Nightwing and Green Arrow, obviously both have some very... very close ties to the Birds. But as far as romance, what do the Birds have, if any? Will they remain solo or on the see-saw of love.

We know that Dinah, has the biggest heart in the DCU, she's very compassionate, and in light of the events in the Gulf, do you think she would be down there now? Helping out? If so, would she be there alone... would Babs be with her or who would her "team" be so to speak.

I think I want to get back to Zinda, she's a great addition to the Bird's line-up but I really do want to see her be a little more active, I get the feeling now with Shiva... it's like adding a huge star to the list and sadly shoving Zinda further off the panel, pardon the phrase. Is there any chance for Zinda getting more room on panel? I mean in 92 she was driving, I understand she's basically the driver/pilot. I would enjoy her taking on more a "transporter" role, or something a little more active.

Thank you for time and effort, continue the excellent work. Be safe, take care!

Bird is the word!

-Jessie-

[MissThang1979]

Gail I have some questions for you. You are currently writing 4 series Atom,Secret 6 mini, tranquility and Gen 13 when are these title coming out??

1 Chronos who is a major atom foe and has a huge comeback in both identity crisis and and the crisis of conscience JLA tpd will he also play a major part in the new atom series??

2. When the secret six 2 spots been filled one by knockout the other still vacant will it be a man or woman who fill the spot

3 How long do you plan to stay on BOP(I am sure you get this a hundred times I just curious

4. Do you plan to ever use transgenderd characters in your books

[Matt Adler]

Hi Gail,

I'm reading the Villains United trade, and I'm a bit confused. I know Talia from the Batman Animated Series, but how did she get to be in charge of these HIVE and Kobra groups? I kinda feel like I walked in during the middle of a movie. Thanks for any light you can shed.

-Matt

[Dooby Doo!]

Gail you think you'd be interested in writing a Power-girl ongoing?

[d newton]

Where will we see your fill-in issues? (e.g Teen Titans 27 / 28 & Legion 35 to 38). ;)

[Sharpandpointies]

Okay, it never was answered on the DCU board or here, so I'll ask in this thread (one last time). :)

Gail, will Shiva's character in BoP possess the 'Body-reading' ability she had in Batgirl? Seeing as it seems to be part of her canon, now.

[Papervolcano]

Hi Gail - Just a couple of questions about Canary's family

Given her closeness to the Arrowkids, is there a possibility of them guesting in the Birds?

also, I've noticed that Canary's grandfather was a Gotham detective called Richard Drake - any relation to Tim?

[Cayman]

Gail, was the Luthor in the VU special Lex or Alex?

Cay

[stealthwise]

Hey Gail, if I write some crappy fan-fiction will you read it and critique it, so that I can sue you over some very superficial similarities between the crap I churned out and what you end up writing? :)

[Rhydaman]

Gail

A colleague of mine is going on a site visit to a sewer on Monday. Lucky girl. The disclaimer that they have to sign states that people without a sense of smell aren't allowed down the sewer. Why is that?

Thanks.

(I was hoping that you'd know something about dangerous gasses and safety measures from your research into Canaries, obviously.)

[Teh m0nk3y]

Hi Gail, just a question concerning Gen13.

I was wondering if it would be possible to ask you how you're treatment of the characters will be. Brandon Choi portraid the gen13 kids in a way that made them likable. John Arcudi made Grunge more human by showing his more sympathetic side. The character in general was maturing under his writing. They all were developing as characters.
Scott Lobdell went back to the old formula but focused more on the laughter then the drama. The same with Adam Warren, though he did a much better job on the series. I was wondering if your plans for the series will perhaps go in the direction of Brandon Choi/John Arcudi or Scott Lobdell/Adam Warren?

[kevrhon]

Who would win in a battle between you and your evil twin, if your evil twin was conflicted about her morality and had her hands tied behind her back and had one eye poked out with a pointy stick BUT had Mike Ditka when he was the coach of the Chicago Bears in her corner, and you had a Big Freakin' Gun but no instruction manual and you were made of anti-matter and covered in molasses and a giant brown bear was approaching and there was a tree but you couldn't climb it because the first branch was too high over your head and you're weighed down with molasses?

Oh, and don't try to use this in BoP or Secret Six or anything, because I've copyrighted it.

©2006 Kevin Wilson. gail, gail's evil twin, Mike Ditka, Chicago Bears and giant brown bear copyrighted by their respective copyright holders and used without permission.

[stealthwise]

Gail, was the Luthor in the VU special Lex or Alex?

Cay

It was Alex, heck, it showed him manipulating the heroes and claiming that if he couldn't have a perfect Earth (Alex's original goal) he'd use the villains to take the DCU.

[Cam63]

Who would win in a battle between you and your evil twin, if your evil twin was conflicted about her morality and had her hands tied behind her back and had one eye poked out with a pointy stick BUT had Mike Ditka when he was the coach of the Chicago Bears in her corner, and you had a Big Freakin' Gun but no instruction manual and you were made of anti-matter and covered in molasses and a giant brown bear was approaching and there was a tree but you couldn't climb it because the first branch was too high over your head and you're weighed down with molasses?

Gail would probably use her uncanny charm ability to persuade the bear to tear her evil twin a new one.

[Ms. Kinnikufan]

1. What is Creote supposed to mean?
2. Do you think having a formal education (i.e. a degree) makes one a better writer?

[Lanowar]

How's Tomb Raider Legends coming along?

OH a comic question err hold on...

How's it feel to be one of the most beloved shall we say comic writers.

I've never seen people say mean things to her, over say Kirkman gets from Ultimate X-Men fans or Bendis does for... hell Bendis could cure cancer and someone will still say he sucked.

Not your typical questions but they'll do...for now....

[LittleCanaryMin]

You're going to hate me afterwards, I know I could simply edit my original post and add this on, but this is for my ongoing research about writers. I've interviewed two already and now its your turn. These are simple questions, and I am writing a paper on the 'Mind of the Writer' originally this was for a psychology class but I realized the potentail of it and all that I could with it. So here goes.

The Mind of the Writer:


What is your muse, what inspires you to write?
Do you let your mind wander, and what does it wander too?
Writers block, what's your cure for it?
How powerful are your emotions when you write?
What kind of material do you write?
How do you juggle life and writing?
How does the real world influence you?


Now being an actual professional writer I'll ask these additional questions.


How do you decided on where to take your characters?
When creating a brand new character i.e. Black Alice, what your steps?
Do you have any, any advice for those who just enjoy creating new works of life?
Now how would you differentiate between you and say someone who writes books for example Kathy Reichs or even Isabel Allende?
When you do write do you think of the potential success or failure the story will have?
Speaking of which, since you are in the comic book industry and you are working with 'veteran' characters, is it hard or easy for you to keep the characters true to themselves?
[I ask because some have the most horrible time keeping characters true to the books]

[The Cool Thatguy]

I'm just curious, how hard do we have to beg you to undo the character murder of Cassandra Cain/Batgirl in Robin's series?

[Azrael52]

Gail, should I go to Cape III next year or San Diego Comic Con?

[Sabrinaset]

Why DID you shoot YoGo?


...and why not Sonic?


Great. Now he's got ME doing it.

[Azrael52]

Yeah, he'll infect you with that if you're not careful.


And with a little bit more, too.

[Francis]

Hi Gail,

Any chance of a BoP cameo (or better yet team mascot - unless Sin fills that role) for Arrowette?

Do you mind if I use Angel of the Bat as the plot for a fanfic story? (I will, of course, disclaimer it appropriately).

[fuaak]

Time to spit it out, Gail. Is she, or is she not?

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/8978/sin8ux.png (http://imageshack.us)

[neutronjockey]

The answers to both are the same!

PORK FAT!

Gail
...actually in order to answer the first part you need to inquire as to weather the original poster wanted orbital velocity at perihelion or aphelion as it applies to the new orbital eccentricty. The answer is faster at aphelion and possibly slower and perihelion with a much larger value for eccentricity of orbit.
And stuff.

[Larry Dixon]

See why I nominated Neutronjockey for the Poindexter YABSIE?

Bless his pointed little head. :) (bless his diminutive conical cranial configuration)

[NickG]

1.) What do you think of Ben Templesmith, would you ever consider working with him on something?

2.) Any thoughts on doing some future Teen Titan issues?

3.) If this has been asked before apologies but, um what's the deal with Oracle and Nightwing, I mean on Nightwing it seemed like they were gonna get married and then BAM, one year later and they both have gone their separate ways there. What be the backstory?

[Brannon]

1. Speaking as someone who has never read one of your works, but is interested, what would you say is your best work to date?
2. I'm not sure on what side of the fence you sit in regards to how most female characters are depicted in comics. (But I have a good idea...) That being said, would you refuse to work with certain artists that you feel portray female characters unrealistically?
3. Did you ever get to touch John Byrne's beard?

[cactusmaac]

Gail:

Why do you have sunglasses on in so many of your photos?

Did Joe Casey influence you at an impressionable age?

[Deeranged]

am I pretty gail???

[sabongero]

Hi Gail. After a decade and a half of non-comic book exposure I have restarted in reading them again this past June. A couple of weeks ago I came across your Birds of Prey comic book back issues. And I started buying up the back issues. I am a loyal reader of this comic book now.

My question is, will there be an arc where Shiva would be the main focus of the story ? She just oozes dangerous with a capital "D".

- Ken
'Carpe Diem'

[sabongero]

Gail I like the basement poker interaction scenes in The All New Atom. It's funny and adds meat to the supporting cast. My question is simple. Will you have these basement poker scenes with the supporting characters in every issue of The All New Atom ?

- Ken
'Carpe Diem'

[sabongero]

Alright Gail there is only one question I have for you after reading the most recent issue I have purchased from Birds of Prey.

QUESTION: Will Babs assume the role of Batgirl at Birds of Prey issue number 100 ?


- Ken

" Carpe Diem "

[EspanolBot]

I have a quick question. I heard that you had originally intending to have Oracle in your episode of Justice League Unlimited 'Double Date', but you couldn't due to the embargo set up around characters related to Batman. Is there any truth to this?

Thanks,
Lewis.

[curefreak]

dear gail i was wondering how much say you have in the artists that work on birds of prey? it seems like you practically own the book in some ways and i hope you never leave it :D

[Larry Dixon]

dear gail i was wondering how much say you have in the artists that work on birds of prey? it seems like you practically own the book in some ways and i hope you never leave it :D

It is much creepier than that. Gail now actually owns the artists, thanks to arcane rituals involving clumps of their hair, and effigies of them made from HeroClix. They obey her from fear and adoration, in a twisted, shambling, twitching thrall, and are but puppets in her plans for domination. Many times, in the lower chambers, Gail has been heard to shriek, "It puts emotion on the page, or else it feels the writer's rage!"

[Azrael52]

The Fans (Well, I) Want Larry To Do A Cover For BoP.

[curefreak]

It is much creepier than that. Gail now actually owns the artists, thanks to arcane rituals involving clumps of their hair, and effigies of them made from HeroClix. They obey her from fear and adoration, in a twisted, shambling, twitching thrall, and are but puppets in her plans for domination. Many times, in the lower chambers, Gail has been heard to shriek, "It puts emotion on the page, or else it feels the writer's rage!"i wouldnt slight her for that;)

[Erebus]

Dear Gail,
Who's your favorite super-villain?
Do you play any video games? If so, what games?
Is there any chance the Birds of Prey tv series might launch again?
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

[Cayman]

Hi Gail.

Can you give us a OYL timeline for Giganta? Where do her BoP, All-New Atom, and Wonder Woman appearances fall in relation to each other?

I have Giganta on my mind.

[Deadpooligan]

Hi Gail, longtime reader, first time writer (you know how it is).

I loved your stuff at the end of Deadpool and Agent X. Two questions though:

1. Was writing Taskmaster interesting and enjoyable?

2. Why couldn't Taskmaster copy Agent X's technique? (as seen during their training/sparring sessions)

Thanks! I anticipate your answer (very much so).

[Arawn]

Gail quick question, and I appologise since this probably isn't the most apropriate place to ask it. But is there anyway you could put me in touch with whoever ends up with the cover to Gen13 #3. I'd really like to add it to my personal collection. I'd be willing to pay any reasonable price they wanted for it.

Again I appologise since I know this isn't the place to ask this sort of thing, but I am rather limited in my ability to travel or make more than local conections.

[TG Black Canary]

Hey Gail, I've only gotten into comics recently, but I love your work and your attitude, and your articals are inspiring.

I picked up Secret Six just because it had the Doom Patrol written by you in it (wanted to see how you handled them... a lot of writers just don't get the DP), and it was great. They were all I wanted out of the Doom Patrol, and Cliff was spot on.

So, my questions:
How familiar are you with the Doom Patrol? Which characters interested you the most? And will you be writing them again?


(If you haven't read it and have time to, you might like to read John Arcudi's short, recent, but sadly forgotten run, btw. It was almost better than Morrisons, had me in tears at the end, and (as the last Doom Patrol before the reboot) offers a very, very bizarre direction the series could've gone in)

[TG Black Canary]

E: This post was supposed to be in the introduce yourself thread, what's it doing here...

[Zeb Oswalt]

If BC is leaving BOP will Huntress still be on the team? And does that make her now the Archie to Barb's Nero Wolf? As BC was Archie to Babs Nero Wolf before?

[estee]

So Gail, are you going to be a good girl at Jinxworld once your banishment is over or are you keep things real and not give in to power-mad mods from hell? :D

[thespianphryne]

Not to be a smart arse or anything...But shouldn't the title of this thread be something like "Gail: Questions And Answers", or "Gail - Questions And Answers", or "Gail-Questions, And Answers"? Because "Gail Questions And Answers" just sounds like you're talking to yourself. Not that there's anything wrong with that.;)

[Guardian]

Hello Gail
I have a quistion in Batgirl#45 Soul. Barbara says that she was 18 when her career starts as Batgirl i quote:Are you kidding ? of course i miss it some days i'd give anything i the world to be 18 again.
So that means she was also 18 in Batgirl year one.

Oh and do you know perhaps if Barbara Gordon origin gonna be changed because of te Infinite Crisis.I hope not because Batgirl year one told us everything we know about Barbara.

Please reply

[The Spirit]

Not a question.

I just wanted you to know I've been listening to some of the DC podcasts lately, I haven't kept up with DC or Marvel or many comics in the last few years as my 3 small kids and tight funds don't allow me to. I have to say tho thanks to the podcasts and 52 I'm jumping back into DC as much as I can.

Your panels and Grant Morrisons really make me excited about the directions comics and DC in particular is going. DC should give you a big fat raise because the podcasts and your natural interview style is enough to make me want to start picking up back issues and follow some new stuff.

Soon as I can I'm going to pick up some Birds of Prey and get into that, the interview really made me want to read them.

Thanks.

[WC Brooks]

I'm new to these boards so bear with me.

What are your feelings toward the Marvel Family?

I read your thoughts about Superman (I agree), Black Canary(best unsung super-heroine on the market), and others but I would really enjoy reading why you enjoy the Marvel Family.

Thanks

[TomStillwell]

Gail, do you know where Tillamook, Oregon is?

Supposedly one of my ancestors was instrumental in founding the city. I've heard there's is a section of city named Stillwell's Addition.

I just wondered since Oregon is your home state if you've ever been to Tillamook. I think they make cheese there too.

[TheLazy]

Hi Gail:)

I know you're meant to plug your stuff, but in all seriousness, I was wandering what your new direction on BoP is going to be like. I Use to follow it until about issues 50, then I stopped getting monthlies and I guess I just dropped BoP altogther (soz) which I regret now because I continued reading other shite in trade form. So now i've been enticed back to monthlies, I'm shocked to read in an interview with Newsarama (http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/BoP/100/simone.html) that you are changing the team, so my question is, do you have any intention in the future to return to black canary, because I really liked the way you developed her into a a strong characrter.

[Daneault]

Hey Gail,

When are you coming to Phoenix (http://phoenixcomicon.com)?

[CAT-DAL]

I dont know if this has been asked and answered but is it true Brian Bolland is going to become cover artist on BoP.Thanks.

[Gregatron]

(deleted.)

[Matthew E]

Not a question:

Gail, I said some nice things about your Legion work here (http://legionabstract.blogspot.com/2006/12/legionnaires-for-no-better-reason.html).

[Agnew420]

Gail,
I gotta say I love Gen 13. Have since the 90's. But I was wondering two things.

1) What is your favorite body of work?

2) What advice do you have for a writer who wants to have a character development driven story?

Thanks
Agnew420

[DoctorDoom]

Gail,

Any plans for new Secret Six stuff?

Thanks, DD

[Daneault]

so, gail, when are you gonna answer this thread? ;)

[DrewEdwards]

How long is Giganta gonna stuck around in "the Atom?"

[Killer Bee]

Gailster:

Why did you alter the Campbell origin of Gen13?

I'm personally not complaining, I love it, but I've run into others at the local shop who say they dislike it.

Don't worry, I defend you by letting them wonder if it would've been better if you recycled a story over ten years old, thus defeating the purpose of even reading a new Gen13 series. :O

[Linkara]

Gail, I'm sorry if this was answered in one of the previous pages - it's hard to sift through 30 pages. ^_~

As someone hoping to be a comic writer someday and due to the fact that a lot of the comics industry can be a matter of "Who you know," I sometimes hope to have a creator find my webcomic and say, "wow, this person can write!" As such, that's what always makes me try to give business cards to creators at conventions. ^_~ But then, webcomics take up a lot of time for someone to read and actually like, so this brings up the actual question - do you read any webcomics, and if so, which ones?

[stealthwise]

Gail, I'm sorry if this was answered in one of the previous pages - it's hard to sift through 30 pages. ^_~

As someone hoping to be a comic writer someday and due to the fact that a lot of the comics industry can be a matter of "Who you know," I sometimes hope to have a creator find my webcomic and say, "wow, this person can write!" As such, that's what always makes me try to give business cards to creators at conventions. ^_~ But then, webcomics take up a lot of time for someone to read and actually like, so this brings up the actual question - do you read any webcomics, and if so, which ones?

There's a whole thread on webcomics here, just do a quick search for it and you can see. :)

[Linkara]

Found a few threads on webcomics, actually, but sadly I could only discover the fact that Gail likes PvP Online, no other answers. As such, the question still stands. ^_~

[Ugoff]

I have a few ideas for some interesting original comics but I am no way a professional writer. Is it possible to get my ideas out there somehow? Thanks I love your work.

[d newton]

Gail, when will we see the origin of Misfit and how she got her powers? ;)

[stamen]

Gail,

1) How can GA and BC be together after Winick wrote a deliberate cheating Ollie into the relationship? (Before Judd, all of Ollie's extra-Dinah coital exchanges were left open enough to assume he wasn't directly cheating on her.)

2) Will BoP be affected by this rumored relationship?

3) Finally, why did I need to see a panel of a naked midget placing his unit into his hat? :eek: I'm still losing sleep over that.

[gothamstar06]

Gail,

When will Ryan begin interacting with the rest of the DCU?

Will he encounter any of the big 3 soon?

Any chance of Ryan being in Br