GEOFF JOHNS: DC'S NEW GOLDEN (AGE) BOY
For a guy whose name is still relatively unknown to comic fans, Geoff Johns is doing an awful lot of work with some historic DC Comics names.
It starts with him dusting off the old Star-Spangled Kid name and creating a 1990s incarnation of the classic Golden Age character. This Kid is the stepdaughter of the original Kid's sidekick Stripesy and together, they're the stars of the new "Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E." monthly series, the second issue of which (#1, after premiering with a "zero" issue last month) just hit stands.
"I've been happy with the response," Johns told the Comic Wire on Thursday. "I've gotten a few comments on how 'unheroic' she is. They're in for a surprise or two.
The zero issue featured this Star-Spangled Kid encountering the heir to a hero that her predecessor was something of a sidekick to, the current Starman, Jack Knight. They didn't hit it off.
"That relationship will develop -- into more of a older brother, younger sister thing," Johns said. It'll get plenty of chance to develop soon, when Johns begins co-writing the new Justice Society of America series with issue six. Both the Star-Spangled Kid and Starman are members.
1999 is shaping up to be a good year for team books at DC Comics, with the return of the Titans, Justice Society of America and soon the debut of the Living Assault Weapons. So what sets the JSA apart in a field that also includes the Justice League of America, Young Justice and Legion of Super-Heroes?
"I think the difference is JSA centers around legacy. Tradition. Upholding that is the main focus of the book," Johns said. "The difference with the JSA (which will be stated in 6 actually!) is that the JSA carry on the legacy of HEROISM. Not just the predecessors, but all heroes -- fighting for and protecting their world. It's more epic in scope than Titans."
Speaking of bigger in scope, Johns has taken over the writing chores on this year's big crossover event, "Day of Judgment." It's a high-profile assignment for a new writer, especially given the rumors swirling around who may or may not return to the DC Universe as a result of the story.
"I'm not really nervous about it anymore. I was when I first got assigned it but things are working out and we're in the home stretch. As for the ending, I can't give away anything right now. In broad strokes, it's the search for Jim Corrigan when the Spectre's power is used to freeze Hell -- which erupts onto Earth. Meanwhile, another team of heroes go to Hell to relight the fires -- which isn't as easy as it sounds. You'll see long-lost faces -- some obscure, some not. It's going to be fun. As fun as a trip through Hell and back could be. The coolest thing about it I think, is seeing a lot of magical heroes that haven't been involved in the DCU much for some time."
For an encore, Johns is bringing back another classic character, one who didn't make the cut earlier this year for the "Titans" series.
"'Beast Boy' comes out in November. It's the same fun type of book as 'Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E.' when Gar 'Changeling' Logan comes to L.A. to pursue an acting career. It guest stars Flamebird and introduces one of Gar's relatives."
The four issue miniseries is co-written by Ben Raab with art by Justiniano.