Wagner Saws Madame Xanadu in Half with Vertigo

[andy khouri]

The creator of Mage and Grendel is bringing DC's modern mystic to Vertigo for a brand-new series staring in June. We spoke with Matt Wagner about Madame Xanadu, as well as forthcoming Grendel stories and a new secret project.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?p...ticle&id=15960

[Clea]

I'm glad to hear that Madame Xanadu will be out in June. I've been looking forward to this book since I first heard about it.

Matt Wagner describes her a sort of 'blank slate' character. So far as I'm concerned, that's true. I fall into the group of fans who know her primarily through the great Kaluta cover art way back when. I don't recall any of the stories she was in, only that artwork. I can't wait to see what Wagner does with her. I'm also looking forward to seeing more of Amy Hadley's artwork on the book. The previews I've seen so far have been lovely.

[Mr. Palmer]

...we do feature an appearance by a certain character that’s quite popular in the Vertigo side of things, but I’ afraid I’ve got to keep that one secret for now.”

Hmm. I wonder who that might be?

[abyss]

Hmm. I wonder who that might be?

I'm pretty sure it would be a certain Englishman since they do share a history together.

[Mr. Palmer]

I have a good idea that you're right.

[Craig M.D.]

I haven't read much on Madame Xanadu aside from her appearances in Millenium, Day of Vengeance and the Zatanna series (7 Soldiers). Still, she is a character I find intriguing, and I like the creative team for the book. Plus, based on this interview, and one I read previously, the concept of the series sounds interesting so I'm really looking forward to checking this out.

[the4thpip]

I love that the Phantom Stranger will be in it. It's like the old Vertigo days when you had those DC characters show up. You know, back when Vertigo books actually sold.

[Ryan Day]

I love that the Phantom Stranger will be in it. It's like the old Vertigo days when you had those DC characters show up. You know, back when Vertigo books actually sold.

Was there every any successful crossover stuff going on at Vertigo? I remember the birthday party issue of Hellblazer had a bunch of guest stars, but other than that? Most of Vertigo's hits have been pretty self-contained - Sandman (after the first story arc), Preacher, Transmet... heck, their only recent hits, Y and Fables, have been entirely self-contained.

Vertigo hasn't had a hit with a "Vertigo-verse" title in quite some time. Xanadu has Matt Wagner going for it, so maybe it'll break the trend.

[Dragondragonfly]

This is one of the few comics I am looking forward to.