This panel discussed the art of DC and how it looks now. They also talked a lot about storytelling. The panel brought in big names in DC comics of Amanda Conner, Pat Gleason, and Doug Mahnke. I wrote up some of their fun quotes and comments from the panelists. I will try to set it up and give you some background.
There was a discussion about bringing back of the red trunks for Supeman. Pat wanted to go back to it with the Rebirth but was told no . He thought it would never happen. “Then Bendis comes along and the red trucks comes back.”
There was a discussion about how Patrick Gleason was an assistant to Doug Mahnke. Mahnke helped get him into comics and let him do some pages. Manke got a compliment from one of the editors on a page but it was Pat’s page. Doug told the editor right up front that it was Pat’s page and should take notice of it. This led to Pat getting regular work with DC. It is still an important relationship today between the two. Pat shows Mahnke most of the art he is doing before turning it in.
Amanda stated she re-designed Harley without permission. “I hate neck ruffles.” She also didn’t like the red and blue. She wanted to back to the red and black. Asked if it is easier with Harley since she is always changing costumes. She replied with yes that is true and Harley had the “Hot Nun Look. I mean hot nurse outfit in the video games.” As Amanda redesigned it she realized, “It kind of looks like a roller derby outfit. That is so a thing Harley would do so I had her join a roller derby team.”
Doug statted that “It is fun to play with their oufits and give the characters some contract with their costume and their street clothes. He likes to put tough female characters in frilly blouses. ”
A question was asked to all of the panelists, “Who has the final say, the writer, the artist, or the Editor on their art in the comic.” This started an interesting discussion.
Pat said, “It depends on the team on how the dynamic is. Most of the time, people are really open and goes with it. I have only had to redraw something twice in my time in DC. It is best when everyone is on the same page and no ego in the room.”
Doug stated, “We are all professionals and they usually let us be professionals and work together. If the right people are in place, it is like an assembly line and should just work without an issues. Over editorializing will make sure you don’t get your comics out on time and no one likes that.”
They were asked, what DC Characters you would like to be the artist on that you haven’t had a chance yet.
Amanda replied, “I would love to draw Big Barda.”
Pat: “I have always wanted to draw Clayface. Every time I thought i would get to do Clayface, something happened where I couldn’t. He is my White Whale.”
Doug said “I don’t know I have an answer but as soon as I give an answer, then I would realize I did do that. I have always wanted to do a run on Wonder Woman run. I have always liked teams. Maybe something with Powergirl. Maybe a teamup with Lady Frankenstein. ”
Pat stated “We have talked about always wanting to do a Powergirl and Lobo team up. ”
Doug talked about Pat as a writer and growing into it. Pat continues to share ideas with Doug and he encouraged Pat to write these ideas. Pat really brings out the familiar moments and emotions. He made my kid burst into tears over the death of the brothers to say Damon.
There were a ton of other KOOL discussions in this panel. I wasn’t able to get them all down. The panel was a ton of fun. It was well worth attending.
Stay Geeky!
