I was probably the wrong guy for this assignment. Since Helltown is part of a series by DC Universe I figured, incorrectly, it was a graphic novel, with illustrations. But instead it was a straight novel, only with superhero characters. I didn't know quite what to make of it and still don't. The book has received mixed reviews.
Helltown provides the back story to the character The Question as he deals with problems in Hub City. I have to admit to being pretty ignorant of this genre. That said, despite questions which bordered on the rude, he was a pleasant enough fellow in this e-mail interview:
Scott Butki: First, what’s the best part about writing books about superheroes?
Dennis O’Neil: You have more freedom, usually, than you do in writing comics. It’s also a chance to undo some of the comic book mistakes you may have made, and a chance to delve a bit deeper into pure character.
What’s the worst part?
Thinking, when the project is finished, that you could have done a better job.
Do you feel limited or constrained by using a character, like The Question or Batman, in that his history has been written by others? Or does that make it more interesting in that you get to build on an already well-developed character?
In the case of the characters you mentioned, I did a lot of the developing. So in some ways, it was like rewriting myself, which is a pretty neutral experience. I use the version of the characters I’m most comfortable with and that serve the story best, and trust editors to correct any howlers.
Batman TV series: campy classic or something you’d rather forget existed?
There’s no right and/or wrong with this stuff. Camp humor is not my humor, but for those who do enjoy it, blessings.
Article comments