Q1. Firstly, Geoff, sorry to hear about the (unfortunate) cancellation of "Stars and STRIPE". What can we look forward to in the final issue, #14?
GJ: An appearance by the JSA, Courtney's biological father and some extra surprises or two! I would've liked to have a #15 to expand this issue, but it's all there. Lots of wrap up.
Q2. With the new STRIPE (see preview for #14), are there any plans to put him/her/it in a team, as with Courtney (e.g. JSA)? And following the cancellation of Stars and STRIPE, where will the new STRIPE make appearances?
"New" S.T.R.I.P.E.? I think the PREVIEWS may be misleading everyone a bit...stay tuned for more details in #14! I hope STRIPE does pop up in some other books -- specifically Young Justice but that's up to them. He will be seen in JSA from time to time.
Q3. Also, are there any plans for a modern-day Seven Soldiers of Victory comic, considering you featured some relevant characters in Star and STRIPE #9?
Nothing firm right now. If enough people keep requesting it, I'm sure we'll do something. I have talked to another creator who I might be working on this with me if it happens.
Q4. So what will happen to lingering plot-threads from Stars and STRIPE? Any chance of back-up stories in JSA, perhaps?
Thankfully there's really only a few plot-threads that will be left over. Most of them are wrapped up in S&S except for a handful. Out of those one is already spinning over into JSA (See S&S #13!). The rest, I'm sure, will eventually follow.
Q5. Onto the future, with you now writing the Flash, what can we look forward to there?
A new look at Keystone City, new and revamped rogues and a lot of shake ups regarding his supporting cast. But the focus will still be on Wally West, the Flash. The tone will be slightly darker than previously. I don't want to give much away just yet.
Q6. Is The Flash one of your personal dream projects? And what do you hope to achieve, following Mark Waid's run?
Yes, it's my personal favorite -- as far as what I hope to achieve. Hope to keep having fun on the book.
Q7. Are there plans for you to write any more series/mini-series in the near future (other than your current projects)?
There may be a Flash one-shot, it's in the editorial approving hands right now. If it's given the green light I hope to see it out late 2000, early 2001. Beyond that, JSA is keeping me busy!
Q8. Going back to 1999's "Justice Society Returns!" event, are we likely to see Stalker or King (from Star-Spangled Comics) in the ongoing JSA comic?
No plans for either. I have some interest in the King down the line, but not really for the Stalker.
Q9. Recently, it was mentioned that you and David have completed JSA scripts up to around #25, correct? So what do you have planned for the JSA in the next year, or so?
Well, really we just finished #20. We have it plotted through #25. As for the next year, after Extant we have the return of the Injustice Society and then the return of Hawkman. Beyond that, we'll see. We're in the process of nailing down our next arcs as I type this.
Q10. The #12 'team-up' between Dr Mid-Nite and Mr Terrific was well received by fans. Are there more plans for these two to work together in the future? Perhaps in a mini-series (as suggested in the past, by Goyer)?
No plans for a mini on these two just yet. They will be interacting quite a bit over the next year.
Q11. With the trimming of the JSA roster, how many members will be left? And will the others ever guest-star or return to the team?
No hints on the membership. There will be 9 members as of #15.
Q12. Are there any Times Past issues planned in the near future? If so, will you be dealing with the King of Tears affair, mentioned in JSA: Secret Files?
A Times Past sort of issue will be in JSA #19. The King of Tears will play a big part in the Injustice Society arc: INJUSTICE BE DONE.
Q13. With the new Injustice Society, can you give us any hints about their (updated) roster? Will there be many real surprises?
The roster will include 4 new members. A new female and three new males. All the members, I think, will be surprises. One was sort of mentioned in JSA Secret Files #1.
Q14. Regarding the return of Hawkman, who worked on the story that would bring him back? Was it a combined effort from yourself and David (Goyer), or were there others involved?
Originally, we were going to team with Mark (Waid) to do a JLA/JSA crossover. Unfortunately, schedules didn't work out and we didn't want to delay Hawkman's return anymore. David and I hashed most of the story out with the input of Peter Tomasi.
Q15. Recent fan speculation has suggested that we could see the return of two Hawkmen, or a NEW Hawkman, or two Hawkman plus Hawkwoman, or Northwind as Hawkman........do you have any comments on those suggestions?
Northwind as Hawkman? No. I don't think so....
Q16. Regarding the "new member with no previous ties to the JSA" (mentioned by David Goyer at the DC Message Boards), any clues there? And approximately when will they be joining?
There isn't a new member with NO previous JSA ties that I'm aware of....
Q17. Considering the 'legacy rule' of the JSA, what made you want to add a non-legacy character? Is that part of 'the mark' that you and David hope to leave on JSA?
Again, we don't have plans for any non-legacy member to join at the present.
Q18. In the next year or two, will be seeing appearances by any of the following?:
Obsidian......?
Eventually, yes. If I read one more post about him I'm going to explode.
Fury (I or II)......?
TBD... I really want to see her.
The Spectre (Hal Jordan)......?
TBD......
Captain Marvel......?
Nope. But I know there are the rabid "Marvel should join the JSA fans" and I love the Marvel Family but for us he doesn't belong in the JSA. He has his own place out in the DCU, and it's not with the JSA.
Jesse Quick......?
Not yet. She'll be seen in Flash in my second arc.
Power Girl......?
Maybe. Everyone wants to see her, but I hate her yellow/white costume. I'd love to see her and Courtney team-up with the Huntress.
The Ray......?
I'd like to use him but we'll see. You can see him in Titans Secret Files #2 very very briefly.
Red Tornado (Ma Hunkel)......?
Nope. She's dead (see Young Justice recent issues).
JJ Thunder/Johnny Thunder/Kiku......?
See The Ray.
Q19. Are there plans for the JSA to team-up with any other DC teams? e.g. the JLA, or the Legion of Super-Heroes?
Not at present. We've done some talking with another team book about a crossover since JLA won't work right now, but we'll see.
Q20. Finally, what are you looking to do in the future, regarding comics? Do you hope to stay on JSA/Flash for as long as possible? Or could you end up heading towards movies, or something else?
I already keep busy with tv/film but I hope to stick around on JSA and Flash for a long time -- as long as I'm having fun and the reader's are happy.
Many thanks to Geoff Johns for once again taking part in an interview for "JSA Returns!". Many of us enjoyed Stars and STRIPE, and I wish Geoff every luck on the Flash, as well as JSA. Thanks, Geoff.
Petar G
JSA Returns - http://zap.to/jsa