Comic Radio Show

McKeevers Batman - Das Interview

Versprochen ist versprochen, hier das Interview im englischen Original:

Q: What do you think about the theory that in a special way YOU are Eustace in "Engines"?
A: The idea for the story came from my lack of knowledge about Batman, I always thought that he was so undefined in his contradiction of image and persona. He stood for good, but I always thought he visually came across as "evil". That was coupled with my belief that the process of aging and deterioration is a fascinating journey. Throw those in a pot and stir in some questions of morality, and self-searching, and redemption, and "Engines" was born. So in a way, his persona and belief is mine.

Q: Why do you use the inner monologue throughout the book?
A: Because Eustace is very aware of himself, and how he sees things. And for someone to be that introspective, there is very little spoken words coming from his mouth. So it seemed only natural to have an alomst "narrator" quality to it. And, that way, it brings you into his world totally. There is only "his" view.

Q: Is Batman really important for this story? Or is he just a brand name to sell something?
A: I feel he's very important to the story. That he is perceived as a media icon, gave me the idea to question who, and what he is. In a day when all is "super" this, and "super" that, it was a joy to display a character that is labeled a "superhero", and show that he is nothing less than a man. Batman is one of the few that has what we have: the capacity of being a "hero" with nothing more than a drive to do so. The story wouldn't have worked if it was Superman.

Q: Is "Engines" only a story to entertain the readers or is there a more personal morale in it?
A: Entertain, yes. But it was my way of saying that there's really nothing wrong in growing old. We're all going to do it, there's nothing we can do to stop it. Also, everybody has the the ability to confront yourself and the demons inside, and accept them, in a way. That being "human' gives us the right to be both good and bad, in union.

Q: Are you satisfied with the result of your work? And what kind of feelings did you want to induce in the reader?
A: Satisfied? Yes, in a way. When I finish a book, I never look back and think I should've done something different, because while I'm working on a particular project, it takes a life of it's own, and I work on it until it "feels" right. No matter whether it is the writing or the art. Each continues until it feels right, and it feels done. Also, I spend so much time before starting a new project, researching, thinking, rethinking, that by the time I start working on it, it's already half done. So, Yes, I'm happy with what I've done.
As for feelings in the reader, I want them to derive a sense of emotion that THEY feel inside. Either a personal similar experience to a character, or the sense of liking or hating a character, therefor caring (or not) what happens to them. I just want the reader to get inside the character, and in a way, make them their own. I basically want them to enjoy the ride.

Q: Do you think that your style (in writing and art) is better for Batman than the "usual" mainstream art (e.g. in the regular series)?
A: No, not better, but equal. I think that now having written "Engines", and then the Perpetual Mourning story for Batman: Black/White", I feel that Batman is one of the rare characters that's kind of like clay. Aside from his basic philosophy of "good", his image can be shaped and redefined endlessly. I mean, yes, his outfit is basically the same, but because of it's simplicity, it allows for interpretation in such a varied degree. I can't imagine my style fitting, say, Wonder Woman, but then again, there is something in the works for next year with her, actually. So you never know. I won't know until I do it. The same was for Batman. I didn't know how I'd work with it, until I did.

Q: Eustace isn't the first mass murderer in a Batman story. Would it work if Batman's opponent was e.g. a simple thief or can only comic stories with near holocaust scenarios be successful?
A: No, he's not. But then again, he does kill the "killers" of the innocent. Not the "innocents" as most "mass murderers" do. It could work if the story called for him to be a common thief. But because of the question I always have, of where does all the expounded evil, and spilt blood go, it called for the act of violence on Eustace's part to be more severe that just thievery. It called for him to, so-to-speak, keep up with the severity of the rest of the story. In contrast, a story like Perpetual Mourning is just that. Quiet, reserved, almost a whisper, and I think it works on the exact opposite level of a holocaust scenario. Just like the Batman character, I think comics can be just as varied, hopefully one day they will even more so.

Zur Rezension + dt. Interview-Übersetzunmg von Batman - Maschinen