DC Comics and Flaming Sword Productions have announced a new crossover series starring the two publishers' best selling characters, Batman and Michael Netzer. Slated for release beginning later this year, Washington DC is a four issue mini series, written, penciled, inked, colored and lettered by The Crusty Bunkers - famed creative team from the 1970's.
Dan Didio and Michael Netzer stopped by to interview each other at the unveiling of the first cover for the series in Madison Square Garden, to the cheers of 75,000 comic book fans waiting anxiously for the news. Comics reporter Tom Spurgeon, who hasn't been too hot on the Superheroes lately, was there to give a glimpse of the event and said that a new era has begun again for the spandex-clad warriors. The interview was transmitted by Tom, live from the Garden:
Michael Netzer: Hello Dan. It's great to work with you on this project. Can you tell us what compelled DC to do such an off-beat series?
Dan Didio: Well, Mike, let's face it. You're the hottest property in comics right now. When I saw the mock-up you did at Flaming Sword, I knew this series would sell. But I have to ask you, was that Time cover for real? I mean, are you serious about this Anti-Christ thing?
MN: Dead serious, Dan. Now, can you tell us something about Washington DC?
DD: It's an epic undertaking that introduces 3 major villains to the DC Universe. They'll sell a lot of comic books and change the way we look at the world. There's The Legislator and The Crucifier, who both work for the arch villain, Top Dollar, who makes Darkseid look like Winnie the Pooh. Anyway, the trio brainwashed everyone in Washington and plans on enslaving all of civilization. Batman gets a whiff of the dastardly plot from you - and that's when the action begins. So tell me, does that staff you use for a walking cane really have special powers? I mean, like it does in the comic book?
MN: Absolutely. It brings down lightning from the sky and can split the earth in half. I really have to be careful with it. But let's get back to Washington DC. This is the first time that a comics creator stars in the DCU. Is this something DC plans on doing more of?
DD: Looking at the advance orders on the book, I have no doubt. We are the most creator friendly company out there, after all. Don't let Uncle Joe fool you. Just ask any creator working for us and they'll say it's true. We're trying to convince Neal Adams to do a team-up appearance with Deadman and intend to announce that series as soon as we work out a deal. There's a rich reservoir of creators we can exploit for this line and we intend to do so with every one of them. By the way, do you think there'll be room for me too on that spaceship to Titan that Paul is going on?
MN: It'll be a big spaceship, Dan. I'm sure there'll be a lot of room on it for everybody. Our readers are really curious, though. DC Comics killed Superman, broke Batman's back, killed off long loved characters and even killed its own universe several times in recent history. How do you intend to top all that?
DD: We're going to kill you, Mike. That's what you get for being in one of our comic books. Then we'll wait to see if you come back to life after 3 issues. I hope you know what you're doing.
MN: Piece of cake, Dan. Thanks for the interview and the great project.
DD: Thank you, Mike.
