Gail Questions And Answers!

[Gail Simone]

Pretty basic...ask anything you like. Kipster's idea, really!

Best,

Gail

[Deathstroke]

Any chance you'll convince DC to let you mysteriously allow Spoiler to be alive and part of Birds of Prey?

Pretty Please?

[the4thpip]

Hi Gail!
Any plans to ever do a Vertigo series or mini?

[YoGo]

Gail, any plans to support the Never Ending Thread?

[hellokittykat]

Hi Gail,

You are such a great writer. I said this about Peter David's writing too, but I would probably read the phone book if I heard you wrote it. (Please ignore that loud sucking sound)

Anyway, did you ever think about writing a non-comic book?

I'm sorry I missed your live chat. When will you do another?

Thanks Gail

[DLFerguson]

Gail,

Do you have any plans to write novels or screenplays?

[Blinky the Tree Frog]

Questions! Ooh!

Okay, I've gotta ask simply because he's one of my favourite ever characters. Do you like Azrael? Do you forsee him and Savant ever swapping hair styling tips and perhaps medication? :-)

Oh, and for the naysayers? Don't say Az is dead, because come on, there wasn't even a body. In a universe where there's no guarantee someone's dead even when there is a body, his demise is pretty damn flimsy. So there *pokes tongue out*.

Oh, and what was that I heard about an all Savant mud-wrestling issue? Come on, you know you wanna :-).

[TopJack]

I can't believe no one has asked this:

What will be your next project at DC?

[stealthwise]

I was gonna ask if she was ever going to go back and do work for Marvel, but I'm not sure if she's legally allowed to say so.

[YoGo]

I do believe Gail said in her chat transcript that her contract is up this/next(?) month and she's not sure whether it will be renewed. But if you were DC woud you let Gail go over to the competition?

I don't think so. :D

[matrix]

i know i ask this on the forum but do you have any favorite cartoons you use to watch and if so what are they? :D

[Paploo the Ewok]

Is you JLA Arc still underway?
Have you ever considered doing a Vertigo book? Fantasy perhaps?
Will DC release more Birds of Prey toys? [I'd like to see Rose/Thorn, a new Oracle, and Lady BlackHawk!]
Is it true the Huntress has webbed toes?
Have you ever thought of writing for DC's Cartoon Network books?
Any more writing for Television coming up?

[Mia]

Hello Gail;


I was wondering if you could tell us where you draw inspiration from for your writings and your stories.

Your stories are complex (without being pretentious) and are teeming with good ideas. Unlike a lot of other writers your stories don't read as if they were pilfered from night time soaps, The national Enquirer or Star Trek.




Dixon says that (amongst other things) he gets a lot of ideas from the Wall Street Journal and his wife. Could you tell us some of the places you draw your ideas from?


Also, it is my understanding, that this is a second job for you. How do you keep up with the heavy demand of writing such good quality stories each month?

Thanks in advance.

[the4thpip]

Hey Gail!
Who should succeed Tom Ridge as head honcho at the Department of Homeland Security? And how would that person be better qualified than I?

[Crowley]

Greetings Gail,

What female characters do you think fall into the "weepy warriors, and men with tits" category?

what female characters are/have been done very well and are the opposite?

what artist are you dying to work with?

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Wow..lots of questions...lots of questions.Ok heres a good one:


If you do decide to do work for Marvel and you mentioned Spiderman as a charactor.What Spidey book would you take?


Also If given the chance would you retcon the entire "Sins Past" arc In a way? (Love to see you do a version of The Jackel)

[Cream Filled Taco]

Hey Gail, where do I stick this?

[estee]

Gail,

Any chance you could take over Alpha Flight? With your reputation and drawing power, along with your talent, it would finally make the book a hit. How about it...Alpha Flight, Canada's superhero team? Please. Pretty Please. With Sugar on top. And good Canadian maple syrup. Please?

I'll stop now. ;)

[Gail Simone]

Any chance you'll convince DC to let you mysteriously allow Spoiler to be alive and part of Birds of Prey?

Pretty Please?


I wish.

Unfortunately, no.

Dangit.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hi Gail!
Any plans to ever do a Vertigo series or mini?


If all goes well, yes. :)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail, any plans to support the Never Ending Thread?


No, because...

[YoGo]

Hey Gail, where do I stick this?

Are you sure u want that question answered?

[Gail Simone]

Hi Gail,

You are such a great writer. I said this about Peter David's writing too, but I would probably read the phone book if I heard you wrote it. (Please ignore that loud sucking sound)

Anyway, did you ever think about writing a non-comic book?

I'm sorry I missed your live chat. When will you do another?

Thanks Gail


Aw, thank you, sweetie. :)

Yes, I'm working on one right now.

And yes, I'm sure I will!

Best,

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

Do you have any plans to write novels or screenplays?

I've written a teleplay, and may be doing more, and I'm working on a Young Adults novel. Thanks!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Questions! Ooh!

Okay, I've gotta ask simply because he's one of my favourite ever characters. Do you like Azrael? Do you forsee him and Savant ever swapping hair styling tips and perhaps medication? :-)

Oh, and for the naysayers? Don't say Az is dead, because come on, there wasn't even a body. In a universe where there's no guarantee someone's dead even when there is a body, his demise is pretty damn flimsy. So there *pokes tongue out*.

Oh, and what was that I heard about an all Savant mud-wrestling issue? Come on, you know you wanna :-).


I'm not actually that familiar with Az post-Knightfall, I'm sorry to say, but I'm all for beefcake being half-clothed and muddy.

:)

Gail

[Cam63]

Is there any chance you'd write an Australian character into one of your works ?

[Cam63]

Oh, and good luck with your future " non comic related " projects.

[kipster]

Gail,

Thanks for starting this thread, I hope it doesn't become too difficult to keep up with all the questions!

I was wondering if you've read much or know much about the character of Tempest, and if you would ever be interested in writing him. I think he's one of the most under used characters in the DCU, and would love to see what you could do with him!

[samdemeo]

What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?

--Sam

[stealthwise]

What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?

--Sam

African or European?

[Lunar Daydreamer]

Hiya Gail ! :)

I was wondering if further down the line you had plans to use The Ray.

And...um ... well i've read lots (and lots) of your comics and wondered ...um...whether I could send you some of my music in return?!

[Paploo the Ewok]

Is your JLA Arc still underway?

It jsut occured to me you announced that was gonna be in JLA Unclassified.... d'oh!
Just a few more questions that occured to me-

Have you ever thought about reviving some of the Golden Age Wonder Woman villans in Birds of Prey? I've read some of the comics, and they're pretty kooky, and would work well if revamped. I know Phil Jiminez did a little bit of it, as did George Perez, but there's a few characters like The Blue Snowman, Hynopta and others who haven't been redone? [I know WW's book'ld be more appropriate, but some of them'ld make great BC villanesses]


Ever thought of doing a manga-style OGN for the CMX line? I loved Killer Princesses, and would like to see more of your creator owned stuff. I imagine that's being covered by your confessed Vertigo hints though

[Nick Soapdish]

Deathstroke
Any chance you'll convince DC to let you mysteriously allow Spoiler to be alive and part of Birds of Prey?

Pretty Please?

I wish.

Unfortunately, no.

Dangit.

Gail

Nuts.

How 'bout resuscitating her?

It was actually her clone that died. No wait, that's been done - a lot.

Time displaced? Dinah's had to muck with time travel before. Although I think Geoff just did that with Hourman.

Pulled in from a parallel universe? I'm sure that one hasn't been used before. :D

Maybe there's still a "fresh" Lazarus pit still laying around.

Hmmm.

[Dee3]

More then likely not Nick im sorry to say the editors despite the fans wanted this.

Hey Gail any plans to become an editor at DC?
your a fantasitic writer and it is wonderful how you commuicate with us fans
you rock.

[Paploo the Ewok]

RE- SPOILER--- howabnout a twin/younger/older longlost sister seeking vengeance on Batman as the New Spoiler ???

[Brenz]

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

(I thought I'd ask a spurious one) :)

[matterconsumer]

Is it truely true that you went exclusive with DC to avoid having to do reboots of Medusa, Thundra and Tigra?

And how would you approach the characters now in terms of hair and nails?

[JoshuaB]

How long, on average, does it usually take you to write the script for a single issue?

[Suzanne]

Hey Gail,

Concerning your episode of JLU, did the producers approach you first about writing it, or did you approach them?

Thanks :cool:

[kossori]

Hi, Gail,

What tv shows do you watch?
What comics (other than your own) do you suggest I be reading?
Do you think Annuals will ever make a comeback?
If you were to do a Defenders series for Marvel, who would you use as members?
Any chance that you'll ever go to a convention in Texas?

[Buzz Maverik]

Gail,

This Mexican crimelord wants me to bring him the head of Alfredo Garcia. Should I do it?

Buzz

[Buzz Maverik]

Gail,

Who would win in a fight between Governor Schwartzeneggar and Fred Flintstone? I'm talkin' mano a mano, no weapons, no help from Barney Rubble.

Buzz

[Buzz Maverik]

Gail,

In California children have to ride in carseats until they're 42 years old or 200 lbs. If carseats are so safe, and cars are so dangerous, why don't they just build giant carseats with engines and wheels?

Buzz

[Buzz Maverik]

Gail,

One last question. I've lost count myself. How many beers have I drank?

Buzz

[hellokittykat]

Hi Gail,

Just read that you search for Big Foot. My husband and I search for the Jersey Devil. Any interest in coming to south Jersey and looking with us? ;)

[Shades0077]

Hi Gail,

Just read that you search for Big Foot. My husband and I search for the Jersey Devil. Any interest in coming to south Jersey and looking with us? ;)

Woo! Yeah South Jersey! Anywhere near Mullica Hill/Glassboro?

And the Jersey Devil is in the Pine Barrens. We hang out sometimes. He's pretty cool.

[Gail Simone]

I can't believe no one has asked this:

What will be your next project at DC?


Ah, that IS the question.

Definitely exciting stuff. Can't wait to tell ya.

But can't yet. SOON!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I was gonna ask if she was ever going to go back and do work for Marvel, but I'm not sure if she's legally allowed to say so.


Someday!

I have a Spidey story I'm DYING to do. I think it would kick SO MUCH ASS.

And I want an Agency X book.

Someday!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I do believe Gail said in her chat transcript that her contract is up this/next(?) month and she's not sure whether it will be renewed. But if you were DC woud you let Gail go over to the competition?

I don't think so. :D


DC just offered way too much creative freedom to turn down. They have been amazing to me.

It's sad that I had to turn down a lot of cool stuff, but I'm glad I chose DC.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

i know i ask this on the forum but do you have any favorite cartoons you use to watch and if so what are they? :D


Hm. For classics, love the Disney and Loony Tunes stuff. Currently I love JLU and Teen Titans. Love Dexter's Lab, SImpsons and Futurama of course...

Hmm. That's all that's leaping to mind. Invader Zim! Ren and Stimpy.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Is you JLA Arc still underway?
Have you ever considered doing a Vertigo book? Fantasy perhaps?
Will DC release more Birds of Prey toys? [I'd like to see Rose/Thorn, a new Oracle, and Lady BlackHawk!]
Is it true the Huntress has webbed toes?
Have you ever thought of writing for DC's Cartoon Network books?
Any more writing for Television coming up?


JLA arc is done, waiting for Jose to finish.

Yes, but...not fantasy.

Don't know, would LOVE it.

No.

Yeah, actually pitched for them once before I got FAMOOOOOUS! ;)

Not sure, quite possibly!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hello Gail;


I was wondering if you could tell us where you draw inspiration from for your writings and your stories.

Your stories are complex (without being pretentious) and are teeming with good ideas. Unlike a lot of other writers your stories don't read as if they were pilfered from night time soaps, The national Enquirer or Star Trek.




Dixon says that (amongst other things) he gets a lot of ideas from the Wall Street Journal and his wife. Could you tell us some of the places you draw your ideas from?


Also, it is my understanding, that this is a second job for you. How do you keep up with the heavy demand of writing such good quality stories each month?

Thanks in advance.


Thanks, Mia.

Now it's my first job as I quit my shop this month. Yipes!

Okay, this is my stock answer, but it's also true.

I have this plan, and it's worked wonderfully so far. When I go to a bookstore, I go to the clearance shelves and buy all the history and reference books I can find, on virtually any subject.

It's really paid off. The Black Swan over in Deadpool was created based on King Ludwig II, the mad king of Bavaria. I did a Simpsons story in Scotland. I use my reference stuff ALL THE TIME because there's such a wealth of inspiration there.

That'd be my first advice to any writer.

Best,

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail!
Who should succeed Tom Ridge as head honcho at the Department of Homeland Security? And how would that person be better qualified than I?

Me, because I'm so sweet.

Gail

[chicainery]

I have a Spidey story I'm DYING to do. I think it would kick SO MUCH ASS.

Gail


Awesome. This makes me quite happy. In fact, this was the question I was coming on here to ask you: Are you interested in ever writing Spider-man? I think you'd do a wonderful job with everyone's favourite friendly neighborhood Spider-man.

[Gail Simone]

Greetings Gail,

What female characters do you think fall into the "weepy warriors, and men with tits" category?

what female characters are/have been done very well and are the opposite?

what artist are you dying to work with?

HA!

You'll never get me to say, but a lot of Image females did seem to start that way. It's gotten much better!

Jessica in Alias, the spy in Queen and Country, that sort. If you mean superheroines, Greg's rockin' Wonder Woman, and Dan Slott is doing the same with She-Hulk.

KUBERT.

PEREZ.

KUBERT.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Wow..lots of questions...lots of questions.Ok heres a good one:


If you do decide to do work for Marvel and you mentioned Spiderman as a charactor.What Spidey book would you take?


Also If given the chance would you retcon the entire "Sins Past" arc In a way? (Love to see you do a version of The Jackel)

I'm not familiar with Sins Past, but I'd hope to do a mini or a short run in AMAZING.

Gail

[YoGo]

Is it just by chance that the new haircut you gave Dinah is similar to haircut you have in the pic floating around lately?

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail, where do I stick this?


Is the sun still out?

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

Any chance you could take over Alpha Flight? With your reputation and drawing power, along with your talent, it would finally make the book a hit. How about it...Alpha Flight, Canada's superhero team? Please. Pretty Please. With Sugar on top. And good Canadian maple syrup. Please?

I'll stop now. ;)

I love those guys, but...

DC Exclusive. Sorry. :(

Scott's doing fun stuff with them!

Gail

[Buzz Maverik]

Gail,

About a month ago, I forgot a gallon of milk in my car trunk and it soured. The car has stank to high hell since then. I've tried everything to get rid of the smell (does ignoring it count as everything?). Any ideas about how to get my ride smelling showroom sweet again?

Buzz

[YoGo]

Not to step on your toes here Gail, but Buzz:

Have you tried taking the gallon of milk out of the trunk?

Yogo

[Gail Simone]

Is there any chance you'd write an Australian character into one of your works ?


That's a very good idea. Hmmm.

Definite posskabiliky!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

Thanks for starting this thread, I hope it doesn't become too difficult to keep up with all the questions!

I was wondering if you've read much or know much about the character of Tempest, and if you would ever be interested in writing him. I think he's one of the most under used characters in the DCU, and would love to see what you could do with him!


Kipster...I actually had a conversation about him day before yesterday, with the wonderful Phil Jimenez. What an odd coinkydink!

;)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?

--Sam


Nine.

Gail

[YoGo]

What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?

--Sam
Nine.

Gail

And unladen?

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I'm not familiar with Sins Past, but I'd hope to do a mini or a short run in AMAZING.

Gail


Thanks Gail. Well maybe In 2 years you'll get a shot at It. And thanks for answering my question.




Will try a new question and hopefully this Isn't too hard.


What do you feel Is the biggest problem In comics now? Is It the lack of continuty by Editors on writers at times? Or Is It writers who are more haphazard and try to hard by doing "Huge Shocking Changes?"


Or Is It something else entirely that you have noticed?


Thanks Gail for the time and hopefully this one Isn't too hard to answer.

[Gail Simone]

Hiya Gail ! :)

I was wondering if further down the line you had plans to use The Ray.

And...um ... well i've read lots (and lots) of your comics and wondered ...um...whether I could send you some of my music in return?!
I believe the Ray will appear, but it'll be a while, sorry!

Sure! Send me a pm, okay?

Best,

Gail

[Gail Simone]

It jsut occured to me you announced that was gonna be in JLA Unclassified.... d'oh!
Just a few more questions that occured to me-

Have you ever thought about reviving some of the Golden Age Wonder Woman villans in Birds of Prey? I've read some of the comics, and they're pretty kooky, and would work well if revamped. I know Phil Jiminez did a little bit of it, as did George Perez, but there's a few characters like The Blue Snowman, Hynopta and others who haven't been redone? [I know WW's book'ld be more appropriate, but some of them'ld make great BC villanesses]


Ever thought of doing a manga-style OGN for the CMX line? I loved Killer Princesses, and would like to see more of your creator owned stuff. I imagine that's being covered by your confessed Vertigo hints though


Haven't thought about GA WW villains...who are you thinking of?

I'd LOVE to do something manga-esque. It may happen. Workin' on it. :)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

More then likely not Nick im sorry to say the editors despite the fans wanted this.

Hey Gail any plans to become an editor at DC?
your a fantasitic writer and it is wonderful how you commuicate with us fans
you rock.


Thank you, Dee, but I'd be a horrifyingly bad editor. I have no organizational skills and I'm terrible at critiquing people's creative output. Great editing is a very rare skill, and I don't have it.

But thanks!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

(I thought I'd ask a spurious one) :)


Oregon Trail, a local flavor, which has huckleberries, nuts and chocolate. Oh, my god.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Is it truely true that you went exclusive with DC to avoid having to do reboots of Medusa, Thundra and Tigra?

And how would you approach the characters now in terms of hair and nails?


Perm rods and a chainsaw.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

How long, on average, does it usually take you to write the script for a single issue?


Oooh, tricky one.

The truth is, the actual WRITING part is usually just a few days. But I spend, literally, most of my life working on things in my head. I'm never far from the characters, and I usually have most everything important figured out well before I start typing. That's the time-consuming part, but if you don't take that time, then you get bleah comics, I think.

Best,

Gail

[HynerianChef]

Any chance of having the new Supergirl do a guest-spot in BoP so we can have some sort of nod and wink to the Kara-Babs Pre-Crisis friendship?

Who would Deadpool drool over more, Dinah with the sonic scream that reminds him of his sweet irish love, or Oracle who has her red hair? For fairness purposes, please discount fish-nets from the equation.

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail,

Concerning your episode of JLU, did the producers approach you first about writing it, or did you approach them?

Thanks :cool:


Oddly and wonderfully, they approached me. Bruce Timm, I was told, was really enjoying Bop, and it was his idea, I believe. Dwayne McDuffie, the criminally under-rated comics writer and creator of Static Shock, works there as well, and I think he was part of the decision.

Don't know, but very grateful. It was a blast.

Gail

[Indy24LA]

Hey Gail, I've been racking my brain to try and come up with a good question, but alas the best I can do is "What did you ask Santa to bring ya for Christmas?" (yeah, I've been spending too much time with my daughters :) )

[Buzz Maverik]

Not to step on your toes here Gail, but Buzz:

Have you tried taking the gallon of milk out of the trunk?

Yogo

Out of the trunk, you say?

I'm all over it!

Thanks, YoGo!

[Crowley]

Someday!

I have a Spidey story I'm DYING to do. I think it would kick SO MUCH ASS.

I think you're trying to make me cry...

[Crowley]

Gail,

As the current Alpha Female of DC...

If you had to pick one to become the definitve DCU?

DCU
or
DCU Animated

[JoshuaB]

How many issues ahead of the newsstand are you usually, writing wise? For example, issue #77 comes out this week, so what issue are you writing now? I would assume it's something like a 3 or 4 month lag, but I have no idea!

[chicainery]

Gail,

With Dixon and Beatty doing a Nightwing: Year One type deal over in Nightwing, are their any plans on doing an Oracle: Year One?

[matterconsumer]

What's the status on the Killer Princesses trade?

(Please no Texas Chainsaw Tigra Manicure.....)

[kipster]

Kipster...I actually had a conversation about him day before yesterday, with the wonderful Phil Jimenez. What an odd coinkydink!

;)

Gail


Aaarrrgghhhh!!!!! You're killing me!

Phil is one of my favorite creators. His Tempest mini series a few years ago was the BEST Garth has ever been treated. Then it seems like he just faded into the woodwork :( (Tempest, not Phil) And then his Titans project with Devin was wonderful as well. You two should team up for something!

So, any interest in writing something with Tempest? He really needs someone to give him the respect he deserves.

[stealthwise]

Gail,

With Dixon and Beatty doing a Nightwing: Year One type deal over in Nightwing, are their any plans on doing an Oracle: Year One?

Wow. That would be really frigging cool.

[YoGo]

Heya Gail,

When would the BOP story set in Singapore that you have mentioned be coming out? Im ordering copies for my friends!!! :D

[Beastfan07]

Who are some characters that you would like to write?

What are your opinions on these writers: Geoff Johns, Kurt Busiek, Mark Waid, Grant Morrison, Chris Claremont, Brian Bendis, Peter David?

[Lunar Daydreamer]

I believe the Ray will appear, but it'll be a while, sorry!

Sure! Send me a pm, okay?

Best,

Gail

Have done! And thank you for answering the question too! :)

[Dee3]

Thank you, Dee, but I'd be a horrifyingly bad editor. I have no organizational skills and I'm terrible at critiquing people's creative output. Great editing is a very rare skill, and I don't have it.

But thanks!

Gail
Oh well...

[the4thpip]

Dear Gail,

will we ever see a storyline dealing with Babs' past in the Suicide Squad?

[tangentman]

I'm impressed with each new issue of BoP that I read, and feel an excitement about the series that I haven't felt since Butch Guice pencilled!

While I'm aware of your history on DEADPOOL, I'm curious about which Marvel heroes (particularly women) that you would write if given free reign?

I don't want to pidgeonhole you as someone who only writes women; however, your BoP offers some of the best scenes with women in comics today. So which Marvel characters would you take on if given the chance?

[Aggie]

hey gail...who's your favorite golden girl, rose, blanche, dorothy, or sophia??

[chicainery]

Gail,

When you are thinking up stories, do you ever bounce your ideas off your comic book friends (like Mr. Waid) to see if they think they're good ideas?

Have you ever or would you ever credit an unofficial collaboration in your book? An example would be if you were throwing around an idea for a new character and someone in the comic biz helped you out.


Would you ever credit a fans contribution in your book? An example would be if you needed some information about a particular location or some kind of local slang.

Have you ever had someone make a hair appointment with you just because they were a fan of your work?

[Paploo the Ewok]

Haven't thought about GA WW villains...who are you thinking of?

I'd LOVE to do something manga-esque. It may happen. Workin' on it. :)

Gail


I'll dig out my assorted reprints, but off the top of my head-

Hypnota- a crossdressing magician who specializes in hypnotism. She wears a fake beard, and genie pants and a vest, with a turban. Though obviously female. Her sister was constantly trying to stop her evil plans/save her from herself.

Bryna Blue- Haven't seen much of her, but I like her. Like an evil version of the Red Tornado, a plump woman who poses as a male supervillan, with Ice Powers. Her costume is literally a SnowMan!

Dr.Poison- Already revamped for Modern WW, she's more or less the same as her original version- a female psycholgist gone mad who wears a really tight mask and likes needles and poison and really big smiles.

Giganta-- I think Phil Jiminez revamped her after a revamp by Morrison where she was literally a real gorilla [ie- Grodd]

Clea- Queen of Atlantis, a witch.

There's others, but I'll have to look em up..... revamped versions of some [but not all] popped up in a story arc of Jiminez's Wonder Woman as the Sinister Syndicate, who were an actual team of female villans in the GA.

[Gail Simone]

Hi, Gail,

What tv shows do you watch?
What comics (other than your own) do you suggest I be reading?
Do you think Annuals will ever make a comeback?
If you were to do a Defenders series for Marvel, who would you use as members?
Any chance that you'll ever go to a convention in Texas?

Lost, SNL, Sopranos, Real Time, Survivor, lots of Animal Planet and Discovery channel...oh, and Crossing Jordan.

Plastic Man!

Hmmm. Doesn't seem likely right now. But I'd like to see annuals come back in some form.

Probably the classic members.

They have to invite me first! :(

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

This Mexican crimelord wants me to bring him the head of Alfredo Garcia. Should I do it?

Buzz


I think you completely misheard him.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

Who would win in a fight between Governor Schwartzeneggar and Fred Flintstone? I'm talkin' mano a mano, no weapons, no help from Barney Rubble.

Buzz


Ted.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hi Gail,

Just read that you search for Big Foot. My husband and I search for the Jersey Devil. Any interest in coming to south Jersey and looking with us? ;)

We should combine them and hunt for Jersey Foot.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Is it just by chance that the new haircut you gave Dinah is similar to haircut you have in the pic floating around lately?

It's just the angle of the shot...they're not that similar. :)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Thanks Gail. Well maybe In 2 years you'll get a shot at It. And thanks for answering my question.




Will try a new question and hopefully this Isn't too hard.


What do you feel Is the biggest problem In comics now? Is It the lack of continuty by Editors on writers at times? Or Is It writers who are more haphazard and try to hard by doing "Huge Shocking Changes?"


Or Is It something else entirely that you have noticed?


Thanks Gail for the time and hopefully this one Isn't too hard to answer.


Ooh, lots. I think we need to be mindful that comics aren't just a doorway to hollywood, but have to be entertaining in and of themselves.

And I think we have to bring back some optimism.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Any chance of having the new Supergirl do a guest-spot in BoP so we can have some sort of nod and wink to the Kara-Babs Pre-Crisis friendship?

Who would Deadpool drool over more, Dinah with the sonic scream that reminds him of his sweet irish love, or Oracle who has her red hair? For fairness purposes, please discount fish-nets from the equation.


Would LOVE to have Kara visit. We'll see!

The way Deadpool looks, he'd be lucky to get Aunt May.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail, I've been racking my brain to try and come up with a good question, but alas the best I can do is "What did you ask Santa to bring ya for Christmas?" (yeah, I've been spending too much time with my daughters :) )

A new kitchen!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I think you're trying to make me cry...


Boy, I got a lot of mail from saddened Marvel fans, but the truth is, I'm not even sure much would happen there even if I wasn't exclusive. They haven't talked to me much for a while. Everyone ELSE has, and some really cool opportunities were offered. Exclusives are a tough choice to make, but I'm really happy with this one because of the creative opportunities DC is giving me.

Best,

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

As the current Alpha Female of DC...

If you had to pick one to become the definitve DCU?

DCU
or
DCU Animated

I'm not the alpha anything. :)

DCU, baby! I don't need perfection...I LIKE it messy!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

How many issues ahead of the newsstand are you usually, writing wise? For example, issue #77 comes out this week, so what issue are you writing now? I would assume it's something like a 3 or 4 month lag, but I have no idea!

Currently doing #82, so I'm usually between 3-6 issues ahead.

Best,

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

With Dixon and Beatty doing a Nightwing: Year One type deal over in Nightwing, are their any plans on doing an Oracle: Year One?

I do think this is a great idea, we've talked about it some.

We'll see!

Best,

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Aaarrrgghhhh!!!!! You're killing me!

Phil is one of my favorite creators. His Tempest mini series a few years ago was the BEST Garth has ever been treated. Then it seems like he just faded into the woodwork :( (Tempest, not Phil) And then his Titans project with Devin was wonderful as well. You two should team up for something!

So, any interest in writing something with Tempest? He really needs someone to give him the respect he deserves.


We SHOULD, shouldn't we?

;)

Gail

[kossori]

Lost, SNL, Sopranos, Real Time, Survivor, lots of Animal Planet and Discovery channel...oh, and Crossing Jordan.

Plastic Man!

Hmmm. Doesn't seem likely right now. But I'd like to see annuals come back in some form.

Probably the classic members.

They have to invite me first! :(

Gail

What are you doing April 21 thru 24 (http://aggiecon.tamu.edu/index.html)?
I saw Neil Gaiman there in 2002, and met Marv Wolfman there in 2003.

[ElvisGuy]

Hey Gail,
When you've gone to Coos Bay, have you ever stopped by Chuck's Seafood for the incredible salmon sticks and shrimp cocktail they sell there?


Forrest

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Thanks Gail for answering my question. :D



Ok heres an easy one.


Could you bring back "Blue Devil ?" And Is DC have any plans to bring him back ?

[Kyuubi]

Since I came here in the middle of this whole J-Bolt situation, I always wondered, how did this whole thing with J-Bolt start? How did you find out about him?

[Cam63]

Since I came here in the middle of this whole J-Bolt situation, I always wondered, how did this whole thing with J-Bolt start? How did you find out about him?

In the middle of one of her many searches for Bigfoot, she found him shivering naked under a mossy rock deep in the forest.

She nursed him back to health, taught him how to use eating impliments without stabbing himself in the eye ( that took a while ) and showed him how a mullet hairstyle is supposed to be long at the back and short at the front, not the other way 'round.

Then, after some years back in civilisation, he repays her kindness because he thought she didn't do enough to help promote his non existant comicbook.

[Red Berens]

I was wondering what you had planned for the Huntress in the future. In the last year and a half, you've made several references to the Huntress sleeping with different characters. In issue #68, we see her waking up in bed next to an unidentified person. I was just wondering if you plan on explaining this in the future. Most people aren't aware that some women who act out sexually, or are promiscuous as adults were sexually abused as children. I think it's pretty safe to say Huntress was sexually assaulted as a young girl in Huntress issue #1. I have too many girls at my school who were victims of sexual assault that go on to fall in this trap as young women and adults, and have difficulty developing healthy relationships with men. Maybe a character who has gone through a similar incident would speak to these girls in ways their friends or adults can't. We now have a character with HIV, why not someone trying to cope with an unbelievably horrible and difficult event in their lives, and eventually becoming successful with it?

By the way, I replied to your thread "introduce yourself", and just wanted to again thank you for giving us such strong female characters.

Ron.

[Calamas]

A common question most writers get, so why should I be different: Who are your writing influences? From comics and other outside medium as well. Though the characters are nothing alike, I think I see in your approach a little of the way Mark Evanier approached Blackhawks. If wrong, wouldn’t be the first time, but--Just wondering.

[Santanico]

Hi Gail,

Since it's not gonna be coming our way for a while (and for even longer here in Australia), any chance you could give us a spoiler or two regarding the "Double Date" JLU ep? Even a hint? Pretty please?

[stealthwise]

Gail,

After reading what you did in BoP with good ol' *spoilers for those who haven't read that far yet* Brainiac are we gonna see her/him/it in Action?

[The Batman]

here's a question that i'm always curious about,

as a creator with a heavy online presence have you ever had any really good experiences interacting with fans and any really bad or even just annoying experiences as well? any pet peeves like people complaining about stories they don't actually read or criticizing you personally rather than the work?

i'm not asking you to name names or to gossip, please don't think that i am; i'm just curious about the creator's point of view when dealing with ans now that the internet has made interaction between the two alot more frequent and annonymous.

[OzBat!]

Were you ever a pokemaniac in a past life?

[matterconsumer]

Is Lea interested in doing another Killer Princesses?

While I enjoy BoP, I have to say that KP is a duty that I'd like to see you both returned too.

Are you muff enough?

Or are DC lawyers holding you down for another two???

[the4thpip]

Gail, if you could write any "Secret Files and Origins" special for a character or team or mineral you currently do not write, who or what or when would it be?

[Briareos]

How many books do you think you could write on a monthly basis?

[Gail Simone]

Thanks Gail. Well maybe In 2 years you'll get a shot at It. And thanks for answering my question.




Will try a new question and hopefully this Isn't too hard.


What do you feel Is the biggest problem In comics now? Is It the lack of continuty by Editors on writers at times? Or Is It writers who are more haphazard and try to hard by doing "Huge Shocking Changes?"


Or Is It something else entirely that you have noticed?


Thanks Gail for the time and hopefully this one Isn't too hard to answer.


The biggest problem in comics is distribution. Very few comics problems would not be affected positively by an increase in readership.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Any chance of having the new Supergirl do a guest-spot in BoP so we can have some sort of nod and wink to the Kara-Babs Pre-Crisis friendship?

Who would Deadpool drool over more, Dinah with the sonic scream that reminds him of his sweet irish love, or Oracle who has her red hair? For fairness purposes, please discount fish-nets from the equation.


I love Supergirl. If there's any chance, I'd love to see that happen.

And Deadpool would go NUTS for Josh.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

As the current Alpha Female of DC...

If you had to pick one to become the definitve DCU?

DCU
or
DCU Animated


DCU, and I'm not the alpha anything of anything, but thanks!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail, I've been racking my brain to try and come up with a good question, but alas the best I can do is "What did you ask Santa to bring ya for Christmas?" (yeah, I've been spending too much time with my daughters :) )


Santa was great to me and brought me a big screen tv. :)

Gail

[Indigo Al]

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

Thanks!

[Reptisaurus!]

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

Thanks!

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...)

[Gail Simone]

How many issues ahead of the newsstand are you usually, writing wise? For example, issue #77 comes out this week, so what issue are you writing now? I would assume it's something like a 3 or 4 month lag, but I have no idea!

4 issues ahead or so, depending!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

With Dixon and Beatty doing a Nightwing: Year One type deal over in Nightwing, are their any plans on doing an Oracle: Year One?

Don't think so, not that I'm aware of.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

What's the status on the Killer Princesses trade?

(Please no Texas Chainsaw Tigra Manicure.....)

It's out, you silly goose.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Heya Gail,

When would the BOP story set in Singapore that you have mentioned be coming out? Im ordering copies for my friends!!! :D

Starts with 81, YoGo. And THANK YOU!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Who are some characters that you would like to write?

What are your opinions on these writers: Geoff Johns, Kurt Busiek, Mark Waid, Grant Morrison, Chris Claremont, Brian Bendis, Peter David?

Spider-man, The Marvel family, a straight Batman story, Wonder Woman, Nightwing, Plastic Man, The Blackhawks, tons of others. Every assignment is fun, really. Not that I could match what the people doing those books have been doing!

Love Geoff, Love Kurt, Love Mark, Adore Grant, Think Chris changed my live, Love Brian, Love Peter.

Jeez, that was easy.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Dear Gail,

will we ever see a storyline dealing with Babs' past in the Suicide Squad?


Gee, now THAT is a darn good question.

Hmmm.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I'm impressed with each new issue of BoP that I read, and feel an excitement about the series that I haven't felt since Butch Guice pencilled!

While I'm aware of your history on DEADPOOL, I'm curious about which Marvel heroes (particularly women) that you would write if given free reign?

I don't want to pidgeonhole you as someone who only writes women; however, your BoP offers some of the best scenes with women in comics today. So which Marvel characters would you take on if given the chance?


Thank you...let's see, I think most Marvel females really stink. They just do, it's a weakness in their line, aside from the X-titles and She-Hulk (which Dan Slott is rockin' BIG time).

Storm, Rogue, DEFINITELY Outlaw...uh...let's see. Hmmm.

Kitty Pryde.

For guys, Spidey, Sub-Mariner...I have a Cap story I'd like to tell sometime.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

When you are thinking up stories, do you ever bounce your ideas off your comic book friends (like Mr. Waid) to see if they think they're good ideas?

Have you ever or would you ever credit an unofficial collaboration in your book? An example would be if you were throwing around an idea for a new character and someone in the comic biz helped you out.


Would you ever credit a fans contribution in your book? An example would be if you needed some information about a particular location or some kind of local slang.

Have you ever had someone make a hair appointment with you just because they were a fan of your work?


I don't bounce ideas off of others terribly often, in fact, mainly because I really like to keep the surprises in a story surprises. Sometimes even my editor doesn't know what's coming.

In general, I want every comic I write to be written by me. Like everyone, once in a while a friend will have a great suggestion, and I do the same for them. You'll never have a book with my name on it that was ghost-written.

And I sold my salon, but no, so far, thank goodness, never had the two occupations meet.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I'll dig out my assorted reprints, but off the top of my head-

Hypnota- a crossdressing magician who specializes in hypnotism. She wears a fake beard, and genie pants and a vest, with a turban. Though obviously female. Her sister was constantly trying to stop her evil plans/save her from herself.

Bryna Blue- Haven't seen much of her, but I like her. Like an evil version of the Red Tornado, a plump woman who poses as a male supervillan, with Ice Powers. Her costume is literally a SnowMan!

Dr.Poison- Already revamped for Modern WW, she's more or less the same as her original version- a female psycholgist gone mad who wears a really tight mask and likes needles and poison and really big smiles.

Giganta-- I think Phil Jiminez revamped her after a revamp by Morrison where she was literally a real gorilla [ie- Grodd]

Clea- Queen of Atlantis, a witch.

There's others, but I'll have to look em up..... revamped versions of some [but not all] popped up in a story arc of Jiminez's Wonder Woman as the Sinister Syndicate, who were an actual team of female villans in the GA.


Wow. I think I'd have to know more about them. Definitely an odd bunch!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

hey gail...who's your favorite golden girl, rose, blanche, dorothy, or sophia??

Edmund.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

What are you doing April 21 thru 24 (http://aggiecon.tamu.edu/index.html)?
I saw Neil Gaiman there in 2002, and met Marv Wolfman there in 2003.

As I say, they have to invite me for me to consider it, I'm afraid!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hey Gail,
When you've gone to Coos Bay, have you ever stopped by Chuck's Seafood for the incredible salmon sticks and shrimp cocktail they sell there?


Forrest

No, huh...where IS that? Not sure I've been there.

We generally eat at Kum Yon's there. GREAT food.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Thanks Gail for answering my question. :D



Ok heres an easy one.


Could you bring back "Blue Devil ?" And Is DC have any plans to bring him back ?


This was actually semi-offered to me once. HA! It didn't work out, and I'm not sure of DC's plans for him. Sorry!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Since I came here in the middle of this whole J-Bolt situation, I always wondered, how did this whole thing with J-Bolt start? How did you find out about him?


He sent out this BIZARRE, barely readable 'press release' to every comics columnist he could find. We all ignored it, until he kept pestering us with more lunacy. The rest is history.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I was wondering what you had planned for the Huntress in the future. In the last year and a half, you've made several references to the Huntress sleeping with different characters. In issue #68, we see her waking up in bed next to an unidentified person. I was just wondering if you plan on explaining this in the future. Most people aren't aware that some women who act out sexually, or are promiscuous as adults were sexually abused as children. I think it's pretty safe to say Huntress was sexually assaulted as a young girl in Huntress issue #1. I have too many girls at my school who were victims of sexual assault that go on to fall in this trap as young women and adults, and have difficulty developing healthy relationships with men. Maybe a character who has gone through a similar incident would speak to these girls in ways their friends or adults can't. We now have a character with HIV, why not someone trying to cope with an unbelievably horrible and difficult event in their lives, and eventually becoming successful with it?

By the way, I replied to your thread "introduce yourself", and just wanted to again thank you for giving us such strong female characters.

Ron.


I think Huntress clearly has things in her past, and I think she was clearly acting out some recently. We will be exploring some of this very soon.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

A common question most writers get, so why should I be different: Who are your writing influences? From comics and other outside medium as well. Though the characters are nothing alike, I think I see in your approach a little of the way Mark Evanier approached Blackhawks. If wrong, wouldn’t be the first time, but--Just wondering.

No, that's a very good guess, LOVE Mark Evanier.

As dumb as this sounds, I'm not sure who is influencing me. I'm really just trying to stay true to the characters and follow my instincts. I'm guessing it's a thousand influences jumbled together and funnelled through my goofball brain.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hi Gail,

Since it's not gonna be coming our way for a while (and for even longer here in Australia), any chance you could give us a spoiler or two regarding the "Double Date" JLU ep? Even a hint? Pretty please?

Uh...someone gets a weird crush on someone. :)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail,

After reading what you did in BoP with good ol' *spoilers for those who haven't read that far yet* Brainiac are we gonna see her/him/it in Action?

Heh. SHUT UP!

:)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

here's a question that i'm always curious about,

as a creator with a heavy online presence have you ever had any really good experiences interacting with fans and any really bad or even just annoying experiences as well? any pet peeves like people complaining about stories they don't actually read or criticizing you personally rather than the work?

i'm not asking you to name names or to gossip, please don't think that i am; i'm just curious about the creator's point of view when dealing with ans now that the internet has made interaction between the two alot more frequent and annonymous.


Oh, very few really annoying ones, and the good ones outnumber those a thousand to one.

I can't tell you how many times something a reader said has brightened my day. They've sent gifts they've made, they spread the word to their friends...

How can I complain? I feel like the luckiest woman on Earth most days.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Is Lea interested in doing another Killer Princesses?

While I enjoy BoP, I have to say that KP is a duty that I'd like to see you both returned too.

Are you muff enough?

Or are DC lawyers holding you down for another two???

I'm not sure about it...dc might possibly allow that, but it's VERY hard on Lea's paying schedule, unfortunately. I'd LOVE to do another, in fact.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Were you ever a pokemaniac in a past life?

No.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Gail, if you could write any "Secret Files and Origins" special for a character or team or mineral you currently do not write, who or what or when would it be?

THE MARVEL FAMILY!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

How many books do you think you could write on a monthly basis?


Four.

Gail

[pood]

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

[JeffreyWKramer]

THE MARVEL FAMILY!

Gail

I'd buy this one!

Who would you ideally want to do the art?

[Briareos]

Oh, very few really annoying ones, and the good ones outnumber those a thousand to one.

I can't tell you how many times something a reader said has brightened my day. They've sent gifts they've made, they spread the word to their friends...

How can I complain? I feel like the luckiest woman on Earth most days.

Gail

Am I good one or a annoying one? ;)

[f. chong rutherford]

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

[stealthwise]

Heh. SHUT UP!

:)

Gail

: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? :)

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Thanks for answering my questions again , Gail. Damn I'd love to see ya do the Blue Devil. Maybe you can smack Dido around and go , "Give Joe Kelly or me Blue Devil now Damn It! "


I'd buy It. ;)

[the4thpip]

I love Supergirl. If there's any chance, I'd love to see that happen.

And Deadpool would go NUTS for Josh.

Gail
I knew it!

Actually, I didn't. :eek:

[the4thpip]

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

[Cam63]

Four.

Gail

That's a sane amount. You'd probably have to relinquish sleep and a social life to do more.

[Cam63]

Santa was great to me and brought me a big screen tv. :)

Gail

Good for you. All I got was unwanted reindeer droppings, loose roof tiles, beer bottle emptys and my cat scared out of his wits.

[Crowley]

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?

[The Batman]

Oh, very few really annoying ones, and the good ones outnumber those a thousand to one.

I can't tell you how many times something a reader said has brightened my day. They've sent gifts they've made, they spread the word to their friends...

How can I complain? I feel like the luckiest woman on Earth most days.

Gail

well that's great to hear, i'd really suck if anyone let people on the internet complaining get them down.

[Aggie]

Edmund.

Gail

<eh-heh>... :D

[matterconsumer]

It's out, you silly goose.

Gail

And thus we were urged to take a gander at this newest character creation originating from Canada destined to take an unparalleled alpha flight into comics. (Because nobody thought of it before. The demand was silencing...)

Silly Goose -- some get bumps when they hear the honk! Some get feathered when they feel the bonk!

Will this result in a pillow or a comforter or will it simply bring us down???

-------How would Silly Goose become a bird of prey and by extension how would others join the BoP crop?

[Pixies Chick]

I was wondering what you had planned for the Huntress in the future. In the last year and a half, you've made several references to the Huntress sleeping with different characters. In issue #68, we see her waking up in bed next to an unidentified person. I was just wondering if you plan on explaining this in the future. Most people aren't aware that some women who act out sexually, or are promiscuous as adults were sexually abused as children. I think it's pretty safe to say Huntress was sexually assaulted as a young girl in Huntress issue #1. I have too many girls at my school who were victims of sexual assault that go on to fall in this trap as young women and adults, and have difficulty developing healthy relationships with men. Maybe a character who has gone through a similar incident would speak to these girls in ways their friends or adults can't. We now have a character with HIV, why not someone trying to cope with an unbelievably horrible and difficult event in their lives, and eventually becoming successful with it?

By the way, I replied to your thread "introduce yourself", and just wanted to again thank you for giving us such strong female characters.

Ron.

Hey, just in case you hadn't heard, this is an issue being explored in Outsiders.

[Pixies Chick]

It's kind of an odd way to describe a florist, but Dinah seems rootless. She doesn't seem to have a connection to a community except the superheroes she grew up with.

At the Seattle Sherwood Florist, she was a neighborhood fixture. They acted locally to clean up the city. Other heroes patrol, initiate. Dinah seems like a cross betweeen a missionary and a mercenary - warm and good, but fighting other people's battles. It makes her life less complicated, but it lacks real intimacy.

Is it intentional? Is she afraid of more losses? Will she develop a purpose that's exclusively her own?

Or am I once again off my nut?

(*edit*)= Nevermind! Just saw the April previews, and I would rather watch and wait. Ooh, you're just so ... man, don't ever leave me, okay? If you're ever off the book (puh, God forbid), get Beezer to illustrate it and I'll still read it.

[Red Berens]

Thank you, I don't read that book, but I will now. Do you know what issue this storyline started with?

[Pixies Chick]

Thank you, I don't read that book, but I will now. Do you know what issue this storyline started with?

It's been subtext since the start of the book and really came to the forefront in #17. (*spoilers*) One of the new characters, Grace, was a heavily-tattooed bouncer who likes fighting, drinking, and men. She's got a mean temper and is a little ostracized by the younger, female heroes, who think she's a bitch. Turns out, the tattooes are to cover scars. She's more complicated than she seems at first.

[matterconsumer]

Mask of the Oracle.

Finally read the first 65 issues of BoP.

I'm going to call it the Oracle Mask but it appears throughout the Dixon run as a real mask, on the Viking runes, as a computer graphic (a digital Bat signal?), on a few covers, in some of the letter pages.

After Dixon (I believe) it's only displayed on the computer.

Not going to ask that you explain the significance of it as presumably this will one day be answered.

When Oracle dons the mask it's clearly moving into new territory.

Do you know if readers asked Dixon about the mask and/or have fans been asking about this over time?

[hellokittykat]

Hi Gail,
When does your run on Action Comics begin?

I checked the April solicit to see if you were writing yet and the blurb said that Captain Marvel is going to a guest. Is this a lead up for your run since I know you like the Captain Marvel family?

As always, thanks so much for taking the time to play with us :)

[ChildOfTheDarkholde]

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?)

[Joe no Sleep]

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?

[Dry Observer]

Gail,

About a month ago, I forgot a gallon of milk in my car trunk and it soured. The car has stank to high hell since then. I've tried everything to get rid of the smell (does ignoring it count as everything?). Any ideas about how to get my ride smelling showroom sweet again?

Buzz

Try sticking an apple in a cup, and the cup in a cup holder in your car for several days. I kid you not.

(Remove if apple utterly disintegrates, obviously. =) )

Ralph

[The Xenos]

Mask of the Oracle.

Finally read the first 65 issues of BoP.

I'm going to call it the Oracle Mask but it appears throughout the Dixon run as a real mask, on the Viking runes, as a computer graphic (a digital Bat signal?), on a few covers, in some of the letter pages.

After Dixon (I believe) it's only displayed on the computer.

Not going to ask that you explain the significance of it as presumably this will one day be answered.

When Oracle dons the mask it's clearly moving into new territory.

Do you know if readers asked Dixon about the mask and/or have fans been asking about this over time?


Wasn't there a story in one of the old issues of the quarterly Batman Chronicles about the orgin of Babs working as Oracle after her attack by the Joker. I remember her having a dream about a mask and the Oracle at Delphi, hence how she got the name. I forget who the author was, maybe it was Chuck, but I definately remember the art was beutifully done by Brain Stillfreeze. Dear crap I love that guy's art and his work on Babs and the Bat characters.

-Xenos

[matterconsumer]

Xenos, you've got me there.

I don't have a Batman background...

[Jeff Brady]

http://www.rasalghul.co.uk/database/comics_details.asp?id=1978

Howard Chaykin wrote that story. And yes, Brian Stelfreeze is EXREMELY good at what he does. I'd love to see him back on the covers, and maybe some interiors!

For other early Oracle work, check out the Suicide Squad (1989, #23), and issues 5 & 6 of the Hacker Files miniseries.

http://www.canarynoir.com/main.php?page=collecting_oracle
http://www.canarynoir.com/main.php?page=oracle

[mgs]

Dear Mrs. Simone,
I was wondering if you were still pissed/disgusted with me.

Thank you,
Michael

[SuperGodGinrai]

Gail,

Do you regret creating this thread yet ?

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

Gail, did you get that e-mail I sent you? I sent it on December 23rd, the day before I went offline for Christmas. If not... ah, Merry fuckin' Christmas anyway. LOL :)

[abbas.khan]

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.

[Securitron5k]

Gail,

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

[BlaqueBolt]

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?

[perfect_Cell]

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

[Jared_Humpherys]

http://images.comicbookresources.com/solicits/dc052005/dcu/large/VillainsUnitedCv1.jpg

Who is the shorty and who is the professor-looking guy with the glasses? It's been bugging me since JSA 70. :confused:

[Crowley]

guy with the glasses is Calculator

[stealthwise]

Shorty looks like the Psycho Pirate.

[perfect_Cell]

The real question is who is the Black Widdow look alike..

[Justin Davis]

Shorty is most definitely not Psycho Pirate, but may be Dr. Psycho, a Wonder Woman villain, or maybe someone called Culp, whoever that is. The woman is most likely Thalia, Ra's daughter.

[stealthwise]

Shorty is most definitely not Psycho Pirate, but may be Dr. Psycho, a Wonder Woman villain

Ah. I mistakenly thought that they were one and the same.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Psycho Pirate's taller, wears a golden mask, and as far as I know, is still in an asylum.

As for this Doc Psycho, exactly what can he do? Is he a mentalist of some sort?

[Reptisaurus!]

The real question is who is the Black Widdow look alike..

Talia, mebbe?

[kash]

Talia, mebbe?


hmmm could be but what would she be doin hanging out with all these folks(plus im sure Lex has a lil hate one for her right now)

but then Nyssa may have made her go all big bad so maybe just shmaybe

[Boris]

RE: the huntress

Whatever happened to the checkmate storyline?

[LoneWolf21]

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

Well Gail has said he'll be appearing in BoP at some point, so it should be interesting to see these two interacing again, given their uh...history.

[Joe no Sleep]

http://images.comicbookresources.com/solicits/dc052005/dcu/large/VillainsUnitedCv1.jpg

Who is the shorty and who is the professor-looking guy with the glasses? It's been bugging me since JSA 70. :confused:

Dr. Psycho...with a new look?
Lex
Calculator (man in glasses)
Deathstroke
Black Adam
Talia Head (woman in green)? Maybe

It's also hinted that Gargantua (current JSA), Ruin (current Rucka Superman comics) are in the lineup. Also expect to see Catman and a new Doll-Man.

[Joe no Sleep]

RE: the huntress

Whatever happened to the checkmate storyline?

It's probably been ignored... The new Project:OMAC mini-series features Checkmate, but there's no sign that this story will be referenced and will instead follow-up on Rucka's last stories from Detective Comics.

[CMCRESEARCHER]

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!

[steeler80]

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?

[pood]

We need a Gail look-a-like to answer all these questions!

Or the great mysteries of the comic universe will never be answered :(

[Trench]

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?

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...

[steeler80]

Thanks for the response and I hope your cold gets better!

[Gail Simone]

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

Thanks!


Not TOO much, because I do hope to be able to do something with it all at some point (although I'm not allowed to use the hospital part...urgh).

Basically, it was a hospital for supernatural beings. It was a mix of ER and, say, American Werewolf in London. There were some really sparkly characters.

Joe wanted something a lot more imitative of Buffy, to sell to Hollywood. TOTALLY his right, and that IS what they asked for originally, but both my editors encouraged me to go a different way, saying they'd convince Joe.

They didn't. He was absolutely in the right to cancel the project, but it's a shame. It would have absolutely been a blast.

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...)


Mark, I strongly doubt it, but Bendis WAS classy enough to wait to do a Night Nurse story til I was exclusive with DC.

Best,

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


I sort of reject some of the initial premise, here. The market's actually been stable, or a little improved in recent years. But yes, I think some lighter comics could do quite well.

Best,

Gail

[Gail Simone]

I'd buy this one!

Who would you ideally want to do the art?


Hmm.

Scott Morse, maybe, or...if we went a different way, Rags Morales?

I don't know, those were the first names in my head.

Best,

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 answer is the same in both cases.

A.


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? :)

Would love to, but DC says no crossovers with Marvel right now.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

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


Ian, Barenaked Ladies, SCTV.

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?


Hate Howard Stern. I think he's a completely unfunny, bullying piece of shit.

Love Diana, would write her any TIME.

Don't know, probably one of the Punisher clones.

Possibly.

Spider-man, X-men, maybe Witchblade...uh...it'd be fun to do a Star Wars.


John's been nothing but a pleasure to work with, and that's the truth.

Best,

Gail

[Gail Simone]

It's kind of an odd way to describe a florist, but Dinah seems rootless. She doesn't seem to have a connection to a community except the superheroes she grew up with.

At the Seattle Sherwood Florist, she was a neighborhood fixture. They acted locally to clean up the city. Other heroes patrol, initiate. Dinah seems like a cross betweeen a missionary and a mercenary - warm and good, but fighting other people's battles. It makes her life less complicated, but it lacks real intimacy.

Is it intentional? Is she afraid of more losses? Will she develop a purpose that's exclusively her own?

Or am I once again off my nut?

(*edit*)= Nevermind! Just saw the April previews, and I would rather watch and wait. Ooh, you're just so ... man, don't ever leave me, okay? If you're ever off the book (puh, God forbid), get Beezer to illustrate it and I'll still read it.

Dinah's roots are in her people, not her place. I see Dinah as unique among DC characters...she's travelled the world on the power of her own feet. That's an AMAZING thing that we've only touched on. It's affected her in every way.

But her heart is in the people she loves, like Babs, Huntress, Wildcat, and Ollie. Yes, Ollie. :)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Mask of the Oracle.

Finally read the first 65 issues of BoP.

I'm going to call it the Oracle Mask but it appears throughout the Dixon run as a real mask, on the Viking runes, as a computer graphic (a digital Bat signal?), on a few covers, in some of the letter pages.

After Dixon (I believe) it's only displayed on the computer.

Not going to ask that you explain the significance of it as presumably this will one day be answered.

When Oracle dons the mask it's clearly moving into new territory.

Do you know if readers asked Dixon about the mask and/or have fans been asking about this over time?

Not really sure, but it IS picking up from elements in the entire run. More will be shown.

Best,

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Hi Gail,
When does your run on Action Comics begin?

I checked the April solicit to see if you were writing yet and the blurb said that Captain Marvel is going to a guest. Is this a lead up for your run since I know you like the Captain Marvel family?

As always, thanks so much for taking the time to play with us :)

#827, and no, that story's by Judd, but thanks!

Gail

[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?)


Thank you, sweetie!

I love Luke Cage, I do. Don't know much about Spider-woman, sorry!

Best,

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'd have to say no, not right now, although anything's possible!

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.

abbas, you are ABSOLUTELY right, and I plan on doing something about this next year. Hope you like.

Best,

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.


Liked it a lot, and was very grateful to Fabe for acknowledging Alex and not killing him.

Best,

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?

No. ;)

Flight, flight, that's it, flight.

I don't know. I need a Mushu avatar, I guess.

Gail

[Gail Simone]

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

Don't know...maybe they just snuggled. :)

Gail

[Gail Simone]

RE: the huntress

Whatever happened to the checkmate storyline?

We WILL get to it, and it'll be discussed elsewhere. I promise!

Gail

[Kyuubi]

No. ;)

Flight, flight, that's it, flight.

I don't know. I need a Mushu avatar, I guess.

Gail


Why didn't you say so earlier?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/overt/mushuhead.gif

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/overt/mushu.gif

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/overt/mushu01.gif

[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!

We actually went through a phase where badgirl comics showed female books could top the charts. unfortunately, most of them lacked the quality to keep an audience.

I think it all comes down to the character and the creative team. If those are cooking, people will buy, even if the lead character is a nutjob.

:)

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?

True. Some crazy jokes I'd written to friends circulated on the net, which led to a column here at cbr, which led to Scott Shaw!, bless him, helping me contact Bongo for my first pro work.

Best,

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!

Gail

[Jeff Brady]

One thing I always like to ask on Q&A threads with creators is this:

How are you? Everything cool?

[Cam63]

She's getting rave reviews for the work she loves to do, she loves her family, she can afford overseas trips and she has Bigfoot living in her backyard.

I'm guessin' things aren't too bad.

[Crowley]

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?

[stealthwise]

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

[Doug Strange]

And that's when everyone started reading it as "You'll All Be Sorry". Title sugegsted by our very own Doug Strange.I want everyone here to keep in mind that they could've been posting on the KEFLARNK Board if it weren't for me.

[boolean]

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.

There is one example I can think of:

Josiah X from The Crew (http://phonogram.us/comics/crew/start.htm).

Written by Christopher Priest, published by Marvel in 2003(I think?)

[Static-Pulse]

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?

[Staredcraft]

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.

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

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. :)

[reillyd]

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,