[BALTIMORE COMIC CON:] MEN OF STEEL

September 27, 2008 on 9:28 pm | In Baltimore Comic-Con | No Comments

The Superman panel rocketed off with Superman editor Matt Idelson introducing panelists Jamal Igle, Geoff Johns, James Robinson and Sterling Gates, who took the stage and talked about their various books.

“It’s going to be fun,” said Gates of Supergirl. “It’s going to be a cool book. We’re going to make Supergirl a big fun title. In the first issue you’re going to see a tussle between Silver Banshee and Supergirl and in the meantime Cat grant makes her opening shot on her media blitz against Supergirl.”

Idelson then moved the conversation to Robinson and the Jimmy Olsen Special, but Robinson wanted to speak a little about Supergirl and the new creative team.
“I guess he can’t say this because he’ll sound like an ass, but Sterling is a great writer. And Jamal’s artwork is fantastic. I think they’re going to be one of the great teams. Now let’s talk about me.
“He’s basically going to be the beginning of him as an investigative reporter,” said Robinson the special. “He has little pieces of the mystery of that went on during the four-part Atlas storyline. You’re going to see CADMUS. You’re going to see the Guardian. You’re going to see a golden age hero running around and kicking ass.”

Johns said that the ending of the Brainiac arc leads directly into the New Krypton Special. All of the threads of Action, Superman and Supergirl connect in the special.

Igle then spoke a little about Supergirl’s origin and the return of her parents in Action.
“You will see that it’s done for a reason,” said Igle. “We’re not going to get rid of anything that happens in the series, but we’re going to explain it.”

Robinson then talked about the Guardian Special. Robinson explained the character and his Golden Age origins and how the one-shot will reintroduce the character and re-fold him back into the Superman Universe.
“Everything we’re doing with the Krypton stuff is part of an even bigger picture,” said Robinson.

Robinson and Gates also mentioned that there will be a Nightwing and Flamebird as well as a new Superwoman.

Questions then opened to the audience:

A fan asked about what villains Johns would like to address.
“I have a story called the ‘Madness of Mxyzptlk’ that I want to do,” said Johns. He also added that Parasite and Metallo are big parts of the plan.

Another fan asked about the character of Steel.
Robinson said that they plan on introducing the character when the time feels right and talked about defining Metropolis as a city.
“We’re planning on explaining how the city grew and it’s direction,” said Robinson. “John Henry Irons will be a part of that very much in that we’re going to show what a crucial, intrinsic part of Metropolis he is.”

A fan asked if Bibo would be appearing the comics at any time. Robinson said that you never knew and that by bringing it up it could give them a challenge.
“You know what? I’m going to do it,” said Robinson after thinking about it.

A fan asked what the panelists would do if they visited Metropolis.
“I’d go to Centennial Park and see the Superman and Superboy memorial and get a little weepy,” said Johns. “Then I’d eat a hot dog. Then I’d go to the Daily Planet and try to expose Clark Kent’s secret identity as Superman.”
“I’d go to the Ace of Clubs and get wasted,” joked Gates.

A little girl dressed as Supergirl asked about Comet the Superhorse.
“James?” joked Johns.
“There’s a line in the sand you have to draw,” said Robinson.
The panel said that the horse may appear in all ages Cosmic Adventures of Supergirl in Eight Grade.

A fan asked about the return of Connor Kent, Superboy.
“I love Connor, obviously,” said Johns. “But, again, Black Lanterns.”

A fan asked about Lana Lang and her role now that she’s been fired from LexCorp.
Gates said that Lana will become a mentor type to Supergirl and guide her “through her tumultuous teenage years.”
Johns also stated that Lana plays a major role in the Superman books as well and acts a main cast member similar to Jimmy or Lois.

A fan asked if it was difficult to write a character with so much history and that is so recognizable.
“I think he’s the easiest character to write because he’s so well-defined,” said Johns. “You always know what he’s going to do. He’s Superman.”
“He’s right,” added Robinson. “You can’t go around scared to write a character because of what’s attached to them.”

A fan asked about clearing up Supergirl’s origin and Gates said Supergirl #35 explains her origin in “The Secret Origin of Supergirl.” Johns said that from here on out it can serve as the book future writers can read to know her origin.

Near the end of the panel, Johns noticed his uncle Roger in the back. Johns credits his uncle for getting him into comics to begin with, which led to rounds of applause from the audience.