How did you break into comics?
The industry left the back door open, so I just walked in and found someplace to sit.
Seriously, though…I was unemployed and living in Portland, Oregon in 2001. Figuring I’d never have another chance to pursue my dreams, I sat down and wrote two scripts: one was a super-hero submission to Dark Horse and one a G.I. Joe two-issue script that I sent to Devil’s Due. By early 2002, DD had committed to a 4-issue run on “G.I. Joe: Front Line”, their anthology book. Shortly after my debut hit the stands, I was picked as the new regular Joe series writer. I stayed on that book from issues 23 – 43, did two “Master & Apprentice” mini-series along the way and wrapped up the whole affair with “Snake-Eyes: Declassified”. Now I’m doing “Highlander” and “Battlestar Galactica: Zarek” for Dynamite, and have several new books hitting in 2007.
Obviously having worked on both Highlander and GI Joe you’re dealing with quite vocal and active fanbases - how do you approach that as opposed to other sorts of writing?
I guess the main thing is to keep one ear out for the voice of the people. When you have a vocal fanbase, it’s best to pay attention to their wishes and see how you can make them work with what the licensor and publisher want. Sometimes you’re lucky enough to get your own desires in, too – something I’m finding it’s pretty easy to do with the Dynamite editorial staff. They put a lot of faith in their writers, and that’s really liberating.
How did you first come across Highlander?
I think a friend sat me down my junior year of high school and demanded I watch the first movie after I admitted I’d never seen it.
What do you think of Highlander 2?
As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t exist. I find that the fans usually tend to agree on that point.
Both GI Joe and Highlander have extremely rich backgrounds. Is there a specific character in either that you’d like to focus on besides the traditional protagonists?
Well, it’s been a year since I’ve done any G.I. Joe writing, so that’s sort of out the window. As for Highlander, I’m content shedding light on the supporting characters as we move along. The world of the immortals…how they react to one another, the alliances and vendettas…that’s pretty intriguing and really wide-open space for a writer.
Highlander’s unusual both for having a broad span of history and for that history to be remarkably defined. Are there any areas or times you’d like to explore with either of the Mcleods?
I knew I wanted to get the Old West in there at some point, something we pulled off with issue 6…I’d like to see some Victorian-era action, a little feudal Japan…maybe even go back to that old Scottish battlefield that we all know so well.
What first attracted you to Highlander as a concept?
For me, it was the challenge of taking something that has so much established continuity and then filling in the blanks, making new revelations. Plus, I already had a bit of experience with sword-wielding warriors, so that seemed like a natural fit…
It’s had a remarkably storied history both as a movie franchise and a TV series. What have been the high points for you and what have been the lows?
Let’s just say that I think the first movie and the TV series have earned their place as the most beloved interpretations for a reason. Everything is someone’s favorite, so far be it from me to trash the hard work of other creators. That being said, I am relieved that we don’t have to consider certain aspects of the film sequels to be canon.
You have unlimited budget and resources. What do you do with the series and why?
Well, I *do* have unlimited budget and resources in terms of storytelling. That’s the beauty of comics, right? Any special effect is achievable.
GI Joe is one of those franchises that has always occupied the middle ground between jingoistic tub thumping and pure action. How do you approach the political aspect of the work?
I don’t know that present-day politics really enter the picture when it comes to G.I. Joe, at least from what I see. Sure, you can mirror certain things, but ultimately you’re dealing with something that Hasbro considers a delicate balance between a child’s toy and an adult collector’s obsession. It was a tightrope when I was writing it, and I doubt that’s changed much.
Similarly, how do you feel GI Joe has changed? Have the success of series such as 24 been an influence on it?
They were during my tenure, although I really wanted to “ground” the Joes even more into real life than I did.
It comes down to it - Snake Eyes vs a Macleod - so who wins?
Uhhh…I’d have to give that to the guy who can only be killed one way. Blasphemy, I know…but Clan MacLeod’s got this one.
What’s the geekiest thing you have in the house?
Ha! My entire home is a shrine to geek worship. I guess the G.I. Joe action figure that Hasbro used my likeness for (Dragonsky) would have to be the Holy Grail.
Any new projects coming up you can tell us about?
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: ZAREK has now debuted, and I have four confirmed projects in 2007 thus far, in addition to continuing my work on Highlander. I think it’s going to be a very good year!