JOSS WHEDON interviewed by Mark Peyton
Joss Whedon should need little introduction. Oscar winning writer (for Toy Story), creator of the fantastically successful Buffy the Vampire Slayer and spin off Angel, and now movie director with the forthcoming Serenity and then Wonder Woman. Oh and as a sideline he’s been writing Astonishing X Men for Marvel Comics with John Cassaday on art. On with the questions as Joss talks about men, women and his deep dark secret that only this interview could pull from his tortured soul.
Mark Peyton: What characters/runs shaped your perception as a comic reader?
Joss Whedon: Howard the Duck was my first grown-up. He taught me absurdism, satire and bestiality. And what other comic had ever opened with the lead character attempting suicide?
Kitty Pryde was every girl I went to school with, if they were slightly more awesome. She was one of us — a Peter Parker for my generation (hey! I’m actually younger than someone!)
Cody Starbuck taught me much of what you’re not supposed to teach kids, that they desperately need to know. Actually, this applies to much of Chaykin’s work.
M.P.: Are there any rules you won’t break in approaching characters you didn’t create?
J.W.: Every character, yours or not, new or very old, has a list of rules. You always know which ones not to break. For example, Gwen Stacy would never have sex with Norman Osborn and give birth to super-powered twins (Obviously). But the fun is always examining the rules and seeing which ones will bend, because that’s where the character’s true dimensions lie.
M.P.: What prompted you to take on writing the X Men? What did you/do you aim to achieve?
J.W.: Morrison and Quitely got me loving it, Cassaday got me wanting it, and Kitty Pryde sealed the deal. My aims are modest: to tell good X-Yarns, that are compelling and moving. Not to radically alter the X-Verse, just to poke at it for a spell. And make Kitty have sex with Norman Osborn and give birth to super-powered twins.
M.P.: As a writer how do you approach working with an artist?
J.W.: Did you just call Cassaday an artist? That’s so cute.
All being a prick aside, I just write exactly enough to make sure the effect I’m looking for will be achieved. In Johnny’s case I write less than I ever have and never see roughs, because Johnny has a wire stuck into my brain that’s attached to his pen. In 11 issues, I think I’ve asked him to change an eyebrow. Usually I’m somewhat more controlling, since I think visually when I write.
M.P.: What are your plans in terms of comic writing?
J.W.: To finish the next issue. This is actually a grander and more unrealistic plan than you think.
M.P.: Where do you see the comic industry going?
J.W.: I’m not a businessman. Everyone says the monthly comic is doomed, but they’re still here, so I write ‘em.
M.P.: When a new superhero film is announced your name is the one that the online comic community seems to regard as the right pair of hands to take on virtually any property. How does that make you feel and how does it effect choices and approaches to work you might do?
J.W.: I definitely have a ‘comic book’ sensibility. And I love superheroes. I’ll always be a fantasist. But I have yet to make a superhero film, so Wonder Woman is gonna be a mitzvah for me.
M.P.: What’s the planned approach for the Wonder Woman movie?
J.W.: Just be myself. Take equal parts James Cameron and Vincente Minelli, add 1/2 cup Miyazaki, a dash of Spielberg, two teaspoons of Frank Borzage, and stir.
M.P.: Where do you see comic book films going? Will we ever break free of the Biff Kapow of the Batman TV show?
J.W.: I think we have. Comic book films are always necessary, whatever the trend. Sometimes they’re in disguise (see my Wizard piece on Batman movies) and sometimes they’re in your face. They’re certainly better than they used to be. Even Daredevil (At last! Something controversial!). I thought a lot of Daredevil was nicely told. And David Letterman was a really good Oscar host. Seriously.
M.P.: With reaction to the test screenings so positive for Serenity what does the future hold for the series/characters?
J.W.: Serenity is a film, and I’d like to continue in that medium (God and the Box Office willing), but I like every idea that has those actors in my life.
M.P.: Any dark secrets you feel the need to tell the world about?
J.W.: I’m pregnant.
Mark Peyton – has a MA in History and Research from the University of Hull specialising in the Hundred Years War. In a complete departure from that he now runs communications and membership for a UK based Trade Union as well as being a part time writer/journalist. He is a founding member of Millarworld acting as a moderator and as an editor for the magazine.