Captain Atom - Origins and Endings

Tomorrow marks the release of Captain Atom #0, but it also marks the ending of the run that Freddie Williams and I launched as part of DC's New52.  First and foremost, I'd like to thank everyone who enjoyed and supported the book, which includes everyone at DC especially Rachel Gluckstern, Mike Marts, and Rickey Purdin.  From day one, Freddie and I had a strong vision of what we thought the book could be and that is exactly what you see in the finished product. 

In tackling a book with a hero possessing limitless powers, we knew that Captain Atom wouldn't be your standard superhero book.  He's a virtual god - indestructible, everlasting, and without equal.  It quickly became apparent to us that his biggest enemy would be himself.  As Captain Atom discovered and experienced the vast array of his abilities, it would be coupled with an estrangement from his own sense of humanity.  For how could anyone maintain that identity when nothing but memories of his life remained? He literally sees the world in a different way, through an atomic prism.  Sure, he's found things to punch and blast along the way, but that's not what lies at the heart of this book.  It's a personal story about a man isolated and alone, desperate to rekindle that human connection, all the while caught in the dilemma of not what he can do, but rather what he should do.  It's been an incredible journey for Captain Atom and for us as creators.

Working with Freddie has definitely been a highpoint of the series on a creative front.  He's an incredible talent.  Our credits on the book list us both as "storytellers" because from conception he brought so much to the table.  We built this world together from the ground up.  Jose Villarrubia added his own special magic in terms of coloring the book.  Throughout the run, we always presented Captain Atom in stark contrast to the environment around him.  He is the ultimate other and it shows.  Also, thanks to Rob Leigh, letterer extraordinaire, for making each had every word on the page sing with emotion and purpose. 

In the coming month or so, the first trade collection of Captain Atom will be released.  If you haven't read the book yet, I highly recommend checking it out.  It's the perfect example of creators pouring their heart and soul into a project - exploring new territory and letting the chips fall where they may.  Captain Atom has been among the most creatively fulfilling project of my career to date. 

Again, thank you so much to all the readers who have supported the book over this past year.  Without you, I wouldn't be able to do what I do - and for that I owe you immensely.

jt

ASPEN SIGNING in GLENDALE, ARIZONA

This Saturday, I'll be at Jesse James Comics in Glendale, Arizona for a big ASPEN SIGNING featuring a host of creators, including my partner for the new volume of SOULFIRE - Mike DeBalfo! 

Looking forward to it and I hope to see you all there!

jt

I Choose Empathy

In the wake of the Aurora shootings, I found myself sitting in the theatre waiting for The Dark Knight Rises to begin.  I couldn't help thinking of what had happened, of the victims and also of the man behind it.  How could he do it?  Why?

When the lights went down, the trailer for Man of Steel started and I heard the words of Pa Kent:

"You're not just anyone.  One day, you're going to have to make a choice.  You have to decide what kind of man you want to grow up to be.  Whoever that man is.  Good character or bad.  He's going to change the world."

In many ways, superhero tales are the myths of our lifetime - The stories we turn to for hope and guidance.  But unlike the ancient myths and legends, superhero stories morph and transform over time, serving different functions for our psyche - in essence giving us the hero we need for that moment in time.  Listening to Pa Kent, I couldn't help but feel that we are being given exactly that.  His words are not meant only for Clark - they are meant for all of us.  In times like these, we have to decide what kind of person we want to be.  How we want to live our lives.  It's a challenge in many ways - a challenge to be better. 

Whenever tragedy strikes, a wave of emotions erupts.  Sadness for those affected; Anger toward those responsible; Despair fearing that we as the human race are destined to destroy our planet and ourselves; and Hope that such senseless death and mayhem can be a teachable moment - that we can learn from the past and avoid making the same mistakes in the future.

The Aurora shooting wasn't the first such tragedy to strike.  It seems like part of a vicious cycle that appears throughout our lives...Columbine, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma City, the Norway Killings...just to name a few.  And last night, news broke of another one - a shooting at a Sikh Temple in Wisconsin. 

I am stunned with how horribly we as humans can treat one another.  Now, you can say I am naive or oblivious or living in some kind of fantasy world - that these things happen.  That's true, but it doesn't mean we should "get used to them" or "expect them."  I sincerely pray that these types of events never happen again; but the reality is that they probably will.  I hope I am always stunned by such events because the alternative is even more depressing - that my empathy would be replaced with apathy.

And this is simply one way in which we mistreat and abuse one another.  There are many others - taking place each and every day.  Some big, some small.  We could all use more empathy in our lives - be able to see the world from another's point-of-view.  To take such factors into account as we live our daily lives.  It's essentially the Golden Rule:

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

And this goes not only with actions, but with words.  I firmly believe that the way we treat one another is an extension of how we talk to one another.  Look at the poisonous discourse featured all-too frequently on our cable news, talk shows, and (sigh) reality television where train wrecks are valued over successful journeys.  Read the comments section of any blog, news story, or social networking feed and the vitriol can be overwhelming.   Often done in anonymity, the pure hatred posted on sites has reached epic proportions - to the point where people have been literally driven to suicide from the barrage of attacks hurled by a faceless "cyber-mob."

Let's stop rewarding this bile of society.  Let's focus on the light of the world instead of the dark.  The hope and not the despair.  This is not a call to lie down, to take abuse without responding, to be timid or weak.  Quite the contrary, be strong.  Say what you feel.  Stand up for what you believe.  But do so in a way by which you treat others with respect and compassion and even love.  Be a friend to your fellow man.  Empathize with those around you.  Basically, be a human being.

SOULFIRE VOLUME 4!

This Wednesday the 4th volume of SOULFIRE premieres in stores with a brand new issue #1.  This time around we've really raised the stakes of the book and brought on board a kickass new art team in Mike DeBalfo and Nei Ruffino.  It's my first time working with both of them, and if things keep going this well, it won't be the last. 

With every volume of Soulfire, we've been putting the action and adventure into overdrive, and this time, it's even bigger.  That's not hyperbole.  It's fact.  Malikai has been through tough times as he's accepted his role as the Samusara - the catalyst for bringing magic back to the world.  But along the way, he's always had Grace protecting him and guiding him.  But what will happen when the chaos takes a hold of her body and soul?  What will happen when Grace herself becomes a harbinger of doom?

Here's a taste of what's in store:

As you can see things go bad very quickly.  This volume of Soulfire promises to be huge in scope.  We'll be seeing plenty of familiar faces and some new ones, and Malikai and his motley crew will be confronted by dragons unlike he's ever imagined.  The story will uncover the secrets of the very foundation of magic in the Soulfire universe.  It's an epic tale of mythic proportions.  Don't miss out!

jt

The Lost Spark

I've been writing most of my life.  I can still remember one of the first short stories I wrote in middle school for Mrs. Hund's class called "The Girl with the Golden Eyes."  It was about a daughter of Medusa who didn't want to end up like her mother.  Yeah, my love of all things mythology goes back a long way.  I wish I still had a copy of that story, though I am sure my memory of it is WAY better than the actual words on the page. 

Now years later, I will do something I've dreamed of my entire life.  I will publish my first novel.

THE LOST SPARK is the story of Angie, a teenager girl thrust into danger in order to help her aging grandfather, Mac.  You see, while most people around Mac think he's lost his marbles, Angie learns the truth.  He didn't lose them.  They were stolen from him.  And, these weren't just any marbles.  These were Mac's sparks - relics from his past with magical powers that only a child could dream up. 

In our youth, we all had that one special thing - be it a blanket, stuffed animal, toy or whatnot  - that one unique spark that held a special place in our heart.  With it, we imagined the great things we could do.  Unfortunately, as we get older, we lose that connection.  Our sparks get thrown away or lost or broken.  We forget about the magic.  We become lost ourselves in the reality around us, burdened by the stresses of life. But if we can maintain that precious bond to the power of our youthful imagination, then the magic of our sparks can become reality. 

Without his marbles, Mac's mind is failing him, and it's up to Angie to save him.  But in order to face the challenges that await, Angie must first reconnect with her own spark and rekindle the power it holds.  

THE LOST SPARK is an adventurous tale of fantasy and wonder harkening to such works as Peter Pan, Harry Potter, and The Wizard of Oz.  It celebrates the magic of childhood imagination that must be cherished or lost forever.


I'll be talking more about this project as its release later this year approaches.  Stay tuned.

jt

SDCC Schedule

Okay everyone, here is my schedule for San Diego Comic Con.  I've tried to be available as much as possible.  Hope to see you all there!

Wednesday

ASPEN SIGNING 7pm-8:30pm (Booth #2321)

Thursday

DC COMICS SIGNING 11am-12pm (Booth 1915)

ASPEN SIGNING 12pm-1pm (Booth #2321)

ASPEN SIGNING 4:30pm-6:30pm (Booth #2321)

Friday

ASPEN PANEL 12pm-1pm (Room 9 - I believe)

ASPEN SIGNING 1:30pm-3pm (Booth #2321)

ASPEN SIGNING 4:30pm-6pm (Booth #2321)

Saturday

ASPEN SIGNING 4pm-5:30pm (Booth #2321)

Sunday

DC COMICS SIGNING 10am-11am (Booth #1915)

ASPEN SIGNING 11am-12:30pm (Booth #2321)

ASPEN SIGNING 1pm-2:30pm (Booth #2321)

Remembering Michael Turner

Four years ago today, Mike passed away.  Without a doubt, one of the saddest days in my life.  I don't think I've ever cried as much as I did that night.  Mike was truly a unique spirit - a charismatic guy who you just couldn't help liking (even when he kicked your ass at every sport, game, contest imaginable).  We've all heard the expression about someone "lighting up the room" when they entered it.  Well, for Mike is wasn't quite that.  He didn't light up the room as much as he lit up those around him.  It wasn't a spotlight thing for Mike.  He simply brought out the best in people.

I've said it time and time again that the story of Malikai in Soulfire is in many ways Mike's story.  A special soul that serves a beacon for others - showing them the magic the world has to offer.  He did this all throughout his life, and I'm not just talking about his art.   Look at the lasting impact he had on friends, family, and fans.  Aspen is a family in itself, and a lot of that is because of Mike.  He brought us together, and though he's gone - our family remains.

I have so much to thank Mike for.  Some I was able to tell him, and some I wasn't.  His friendship meant the world to me, and there's no denying how much he helped my writing endeavors.  Mike, Frank, and Peter gave me a hell of an opportunity when they invited me to play in their worlds. 

But the biggest gift Mike ever gave actually came on that same sad night that he passed.  Four years ago today, he gave me a better sense of faith.  Faith that there is something more beyond what we know.  Faith that there is more to this story - more to this journey.  When he passed, I truly got the sense that he was going onward.  It wasn't an end.

So, on this day, cherish those around you.  Tell them what they mean to you.  Spend time with them.  Talk about what matters to you.  Live with love and meaning. 

And, create.  Dig into your mind and build something from your heart - draw a picture, write a poem, plant a tree, bake a cake, make a chair.  Anything that comes to mind.  

And tomorrow...repeat.  Because that's what Mike did. 

jt