Jeff Parker and Michael Oeming Get Comic Booked!

As previously noted here on Comic Booked during a recent Comics Portal column, DC has been releasing digital Batman short stories called Legends of the Dark Knight each Thursday! Fans can read many stories from people not known for dealing with the hero, including Damon Lindelof and Steve Niles. You can purchase them at this link or via the DC Comics app on your mobile device (only $.99 each), or you can wait until the collected print edition comes out! Me, I buy them every week!

Recently, two creators of upcoming issues I can’t wait to read agreed to answer some questions for Comic Booked! I’m sure you’ll enjoy their answers below:

Jeff Parker from Hulk and Thunderbolts (September 20 – “Gotham Spirit” written by Jeff Parker with artwork by Gabriel Hardman)

What is it about Batman that appeals to you as a comics creator?

We don’t have enough room on the Internet to answer that fully! But to try: I like that he works in so many genres at once – he is a pulp hero at the same time as being a super-hero, but he works in detective, spy, horror, fantasy – several types of stories all while not changing as a character. His look is so iconic and enjoyable for artists to draw that he brings atmosphere to a story all by himself. He’s been my favorite since childhood.

Do you enjoy creating in a smaller-story format as opposed to monthly comics-length stories?

I like both, but when given the parameters of a short story, I like to show what’s essential about a hero like Batman. That’s why I focused on what is probably an ordinary day in his life, which would be the most memorable day in anyone else’s.

What can you tell us about your story without giving away spoilers? What’s the TV Guide-like description?

I wanted to show how Batman approaches what we’d consider an ordinary crime, that he doesn’t treat it with any less resolve and attention. He goes after this gang as hard as he would the Joker or Two-Face. And thanks especially to what Gabriel Hardman does telling the story visually, you get a real sense of what it’s like to live in Gotham and how Batman’s reputation affects everyone in the city. We made a point of not having him speak because I don’t think he would talk much while he works. He lets everyone else’s imagination fill in and work to his favor to bring down crime.

Do you have other Batman stories you’d like to tell?

You bet! In fact, I have a Clayface idea I hope to explore.

Michael Oeming from Powers and The Victories (September 27 – “Dungeons & Dragons” writing and artwork by Michael Oeming)

What is it about Batman that appeals to you as a comics creator?

Well, he is a legend, and a legend for a reason. He wasn’t the first pulp hero in tights, but he’s clearly one of the most impressionable, and with the multiple incarnations of him, timeless. He’s just a hell of a design!

You have experience with digital/web comics previously. Has that helped you with this project?

Yes, between 2009-2012 I’d been working full time at Valve Corp doing just that. We made the epic Left 4 Dead comic “wide screen” and multiple Team Fortress 2 comics which was quite a challenge, as it changed the storytelling aspect of a comic page. This Batman story was executed to keep both digital and print in mind. Ultimately, I think that is where technology will go. Five years from now, it won’t just be iPads and slates – there will be a multitude of ways to read your comics electronically that will compliment print. Right now there is a real gap in the formats. But there is room for both.

Do you enjoy creating in a smaller-story format as opposed to monthly comics-length stories?

I just recently started doing some short stories. I really want to do more. It’s a great way to hone your storytelling abilities both in writing and art. I’d kill for a Spectre short like the old Golden Age comics. So much fun!

What can you tell us about the D&D story without giving away spoilers? What’s the TV Guide-like description?

It’s the theme of “Man Vs. Animal,” Batman style. I wanted to do a story that takes Batman from the towers of Gotham and then travel down into the belly of the city, right into the sewers. Colorist Nick Filardi did an amazing job at giving the city a unique feel from top to bottom.

Do you have other Batman stories you’d like to tell?

Oh, indeed! I had a blast on this story! I’d love to do more. I’m really interested in his classic villains and Batman’s mindset. His world reflects his mind, and I find that endlessly interesting.

Thanks so much to Brandy Phillips from DC Entertainment for making these interviews happen!