I recently caught up with DC Comics artist, Brett Booth, to talk about his new project, Batman/Superman, written by Greg Pak. Check out the interview below and enjoy!
The first thing to ask about is your upcoming project, Batman/Superman. What's it like to be drawing two of the greatest comic book characters of all time at the same time?
A lot of fun! I wasn't sure how it would go. I usually have problems when I first start working on the more iconic characters. And I did, but after that it's been mostly smooth sailing. I'm really enjoying Superman, I don't have to hold back, I can go as big as I want!
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| Batman/Superman #5 Cover |
Your first issue on the series is horizontal, why was this decision made?
Right before I started the first cover, [editor] Eddie Berganza called me up and pitched me the idea. I thought it was a fun idea so I said cool. When I started the issue wasn't sure. After the first Double Page Spread I hated it, but after that I started to love it! It's like drawing 22 double page spreads in miniature!
And to let you know ALL 3 are this way. I liked working this way so much it seemed odd to just do one this way so the whole arc is now sideways!
What are the advantages of drawing an issue that way?
The big one is it's easier to read, you naturally read from left to right so you automatically follow the flow of most of the pages. Also, for some reason vertical panels are faster to draw... I have NO idea why, but they are, so I save a bit on time which I needed for 6 and 7, holiday deadlines are killers!
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| Batman/Superman #6, with Mongul |
Is there a particular villain for your arc, if so what can you say about them?
Mongul! He's trying to take over the world! OK, not exactly, but I don't want to spoil it!
If you could draw any other duo of characters, who would you pick?
It would be a toss-up. Wally West Flash and Nightwing OR Blue Beetle (Ted) and Booster Gold.
What's your favourite part of drawing this series?
Bruce and Clark’s relationship... It's not exactly what we've seen before but it feels quite real, Greg's done an excellent job with them! And of course the action!
Which of the two characters do you think is more challenging to draw?
Superman. When in doubt you can simply cover Bats with his cape, close him off. With Clark, he needs to be open, larger than life. So it's big and bold, you can't skimp and toss him in a shadow.
What can you tell us about what's to come for the series?
From what I've been told it will be about exploring the greater DC U so expect lots of guest stars! Eddie and I had talked about doing an undersea arc with sea monsters.. only time will tell!
When both characters are together do you have to exaggerate an aspects of them separately to make them both stand out in different ways?
Nope, they are basically opposites so they seem to automatically do that.
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| Batman/Superman #1 cover, by the second series artist, Jae Lee |
You've said in a previous interview that you and your fellow Batman/Superman artist, Jae Lee, would be taking turns with the art duties for this series, is that still happening and if so, what will be the difference between your two arcs, apart from the obvious?
Yes and no, I can' really say more. The arcs will be more tailored to the artist so the ones I'll be doing are action oriented.
If you had to sum up this arc of Batman/Superman in one word, what would it be?
3-D. Not sure if that's one word or not. But it's the feel I'm trying to give the pages.
The last time we did an interview it was on Justice League of America, the time before that it was Nightwing, can it be refreshing have short runs on loads of different projects?
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| Batman/Superman #7 cover |
Yep, it's fun to draw lots of different characters, that way you never get bored with anything. BUT I do miss the longer run, getting to really know the character/s!
Can we expect to see some other projects after this?
Since I'm not doing the next arc, I'll be doing a few issues on another book then back to Batman/Superman!
Brett Booth took over the art duties on Batman/Superman ( along with Inker, Norm Rapmund and colourist, Andrew Dalhouse ) with #5, which is in stores now! You can also check out his blog and his twitter page.
