Mike Johnson On Newsarama

Last week we got to hear from K. Perkins, one half of the new writing team on Supergirl. This week, the other half, veteran Supergirl writer Mike Johnson also was interviewed on Newsarama. And I have to say, after reading the two interviews, I feel like some of my concerns have been answered. Here is the link to the interview: http://www.newsarama.com/22587-supergirl-goes-to-sci-fi-hogwarts-that-s-what-co-writer-says.html

As always, I advise reading the interview in its entirety on the site. Here are some of the questions that grabbed me though.

Nrama: How is Supergirl different since last time you were writing the character?
Johnson: She's had to deal with a lot since I last "saw" her, especially her experiences as a Red Lantern. She's more comfortable with her powers, but she's not a veteran yet. She's still finding her way in our world, and figuring out how to fit in going forward.

Nrama: I remember you and Michael saying, when you launched the comic, that Kara didn't even know if she was on the side of the people of Earth. Is she now?
Johnson: I think she's definitely willing to fight for humans who can't fight for themselves, but as we see in the first issue of our arc, she's not entirely sure that her help is always welcome.

It is amazing just how much of a soft reboot the Red Daughter story arc and the subsequent Tony Bedard issues were. I think back to those issues where Kara might not be 'on the side of the people of Earth' and cringe at that characterization. The New 52 universe is a place where Superman's help isn't always welcomed, so I'm not surprised Kara is running into that.

But I like that she is finding her way. As I always say, one of the things I love about Kara is that she is on the hero's journey. 

Nrama: Your first storyline begins in November. How many issues is the story? And are you on the book past the first storyline, or do you know yet?
Johnson: Currently the "Crucible" story will be five issues, and there have been discussions about where to take the book after this story concludes. We're introducing characters that we hope to follow beyond the end of this arc.

Nrama: Where does the story take place? What's the setting of Crucible like?
Johnson: The story will take place both on Earth and at Crucible. We don't want to say too much about Crucible lest we give away the surprises in store for the readers. Suffice it to say it's a unique place within the DC Universe.

Interesting that Crucible is five issues. My sense is that it was going to be longer, almost a permanent setting. Who knows, if readers like it and sales improve maybe it will be. And certainly Maxima, Comet, and the others sound interesting enough to keep around longer than one arc.

But I am thrilled that it also takes place on Earth. After all the progress made in Red Daughter and beyond, I want Kara to think of Earth as home, to be based on Earth. Heck, I wouldn't mind her fighting a super-villain at some point. And maybe this means some of the other characters we have met ... Michael, Siobhan ... will be part of this mix eventually too.

Now what I done want is for DC to give us another team after 'Crucible'. Let's get a stable team!


Nrama: We've been told that the issue also guest stars Superboy, whom we haven't seen in regular continuity since he came "back" from allegedly dying. Does that part of his history play into the comic at all?
Johnson: Without spoiling things too much, that's definitely something that can't be ignored when it comes to Kon.

Nrama: What's the relationship between Supergirl and Superboy like now?
Johnson: It's certainly better than it was early in the New 52, when Kara's suspicion of clones meant she was unlikely to consider Kon an ally. After what they've been through, both separately and together, their relationship has changed for the better. How much better is still to be seen.

I will admit I am kind of Kon'd out. I soured on the New 52 Superboy a while ago. So I am hoping that maybe Perkins and Johnson can rehabilitate/resuscitate him.

Glad Supergirl isn't going to look down on him with disgust and try to kill him.

Nrama: That's good to hear. Then to finish up, Mike, is there anything else you want to tell fans about what's coming up for Supergirl?
Johnson: Just that we hope anyone who hasn't read Kara's adventures before will join us for this new arc, and that current and past readers enjoy this new direction. Most of all, we're blessed to be working with our brilliant artist Emanuela Lupacchino, who is a rising superstar. She makes the writers look good.

I love Lupacchino's art and glad she is still on the book. Her art is really shining here.
And these interviews have made me much more interested and optimistic of the arc.