Leo Johnson: We’re sitting down to chat because of your big announcement, which we have the exclusive on. This is arguably the biggest book in your career so far. How excited are you?
Michael Moreci: I’ll be honest, I never thought I’d get this opportunity, but it is a dream come true. This is the moment, as a writer, where things really dovetail and all the work, sacrifices,
and—
(interrupting) Sounds great! Hey, why don’t you try for more Marvel work? Like The Hulk or something? Would you write Hulk as smart or dumb? I never like smart Hulk.
MM: Yeah, I’m with you on that. I’m more a Hulk Smash guy myself, the whole primitive, unleashed id thing always appealed to me. This new book that I’m working on, it kinda taps into a similar character psychology by introducing a fan-favorite villain, D—
I’m an aspiring comics writer myself, you know. But I’m having a really hard time breaking into the industry. How did you break in? Who gave you your first big break? Can I get their email?
MM: That’s an interesting question. I guess I owe most of my career to Tim Seeley, who let me, and his brother Steve, run Hoax Hunters as a backup in Hack/Slash. I’m not sure I can give away his email though…
You know, I’ve really got a great story idea. Who’s your editor on this book? Think you could give me their email?
MM: Um, probably not publicly, no. Did you want to talk about the book I’m working on, because there’s some really cool–
(interrupting) Oh, well, do you want to hear it? My Idea? You won’t rip me off, will you? It’s really good.
MM: I’ll take a raincheck.
It definitely seems like you’re rising quickly in comics. I’m concerned when I make it big in comics, it’ll be tough since I’m a man. What’s it like being a man in comics?
MM: Oh boy. Look, Leo, I’m not sure I want to dive into this particular topic right here and now. How about that announcement?
Where do you get your ideas, man? How do I come up with better ideas?
MM: Well, I’m not sure how to answer either question. I think ideas come from life experience, your political views, spirituality, things like that. What I write is definitely informed by who I am and where I’ve been. As for you coming up with better ideas…do some crazy things, and then write about them?
It seems like you’re in pretty tight at Image. What’s your trick? What sort of secrets can you tell me about Stephenson.
MM: Easy: I submit all my comics under the name “Matt Fraction.” Been working so far.
We’ll get to that BIG ANNOUNCEMENT in just a minute! But first, What’s up with Stilt Man?
MM: Stilt Man? For real?
Yeah, Stilt-Man! You know, with the stilts and the suit and all? C’mon, you have to know Stilt-Man! Maybe this is why you haven’t had more Marvel work.
MM: For all I know, that actually might be the real reason.
Well, looks like that’s all the time we’ve got. Thanks for answering my questions! Looking forward to reading the book when it comes out
