Today on Artist August, we are honored to have Keith Giffen in the spotlight! Giffen has been a superstar artist for just about as long as he’s been a professional, having done iconic work at Marvel (“Defenders”) and DC (“Legion of Super-Heroes,”), as well as having drawn just about every character in both company’s histories. A fantastic artist
and writer, Giffen is still going strong at DC, writing two series (“Larfleeze” and the upcoming “Justice League 3000”) and contributing pencils every now and then as well. Check back later for an Art Feature, showcasing some of Giffen’s best work.
So, Keith, what was the first time that you realized “holy cow, I’m pretty good at this drawing thing?” Who was the first character you felt you really mastered?
Keith Giffen: I’m still working on the whole “mastering” thing. I think I got Dr. Fate down pretty good, but mastered? I dunno … Once you’ve mastered something, aren’t you supposed to move on?
What sort of training did you have as an artist? Where did you hone your craft?
KG: The Little Falls public library. I’m kinda self taught … and it shows.
Take us through a typical day of work drawing a comic – typically, what sort of hours do you keep? Are there certain things that happen the same way, day after day, or does each project dictate how you work?
KG: Up at 7:00, at the computer or board by 7:30 (after a run to Dunkin Donuts – Starbucks be damned), work until two or three… X-BOX TIME! Oh, and that’s work, as in, whether it comes easy or hard… you do it.
You’ve acted as breakdown artist on a few of DC’s bigger event books in the past decade – “52” and “Countdown to Final Crisis” – how is that experience different than being the regular penciller? Do you find it liberating to focus solely on crafting interesting panels and pages, rather than having to get that damn lamp post or wind-blown cape right? Or, is the process frustrating, since you don’t get to see your work to a natural completion?
KG: It’s pure storytelling and I love it. So much so that I’ve returned to plot / breakdowns on all of my projects. Oh, and I’ve never given much of a damn about that windblown cape. Does it look like a cape? Yes? On to the next panel!
Throughout your career, the cosmic side of superheroics has always seemed to appeal to you (or, at least, you’ve worked frequently in that style). What is it about drawing futuristic characters, in space, that appeals to you? What can drawing those types of stories allow you to do that others simply don’t?
KG: World building. I’m a slave to it. That, plus you don’t have to keep tons of location reference handy. Yes, I’m THAT lazy.
Although you got your start as an artist, you’ve been extremely prolific as a writer as well. How do these two jobs inform one another? Does your background as an artist help you produce better scripts? Does your experience writing make it easier for you to communicate with a writer on a project?
KG: To be honest, it all boils down to an epiphany I had some years back; it’s easier to write CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE than it is to draw it. Lazy, remember?
Who are some artists working today that you are particularly enjoying?
KG: Well… Scott Kolins and Howard Porter naturally. Let’s see now… there’s also Chris Batista, Joe Bennett, John Romita Jr (fantastic story telling), Paul Pope and others.
You’re returning to the 31st century, the site of some of your most iconic work. Is it difficult to return to that time, for fear of having to live up to what you’ve done in the past, or is it exhilarating to get another chance to return to that world?
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KG: Exhilarating would be closest. It’s world building on a cosmic scale and I’ve already gushed over that.
How large will the cast for the book get? The solicitation for #1 indicates a 5 person team – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and the Flash. Will we see more heroes join the team in the future?
KG: Not for the foreseeable future. First lets get to know the primary players.
How important is it, to you, that this book, while feeling more like a “Justice League” title, still has a “Legion” feel to it? I know that you guys have been adamant that this isn’t a Legion title, but any title taking place in this era of DC’s future must share some of the DNA of the Legion – do you embrace that, or try to distance the book from it?
KG: Both books take place in the 31st century BUT… to my mind, the Legion started in 3034, JL3000 takes place in 3011. No Legion. None. Well okay… I DID steal one name because its got to be the coolest name for a planet… EVER.
Finally – what is one reason that hasn’t been stated already in another interview that people should pick up this book?
KG: Really absorbent paper. Perfect for house training puppies. Internuts,… start your engines!
