|
Hey folks! This month, we've got something special for ya! To celebrate the
incoming X-Men: Revolution, we're bringing to you an interview with the new
writer of Cable, and another upcoming X-Project, Robert Weinberg. This is
his first comics work, but he's written several horror novels so far. Enjoy!
Bourgeois:
I'm a big Phoenix fan, and it's almost expected of me to ask this...
Considering the connection between Cable and Rachel Summers, do you have any
ideas about having her pop up anytime soon in the book?
Weinberg:
Rachel will be reappearing in "The Hunt for Rachel Summers" beginning in
Cable # 85.
Bourgeois:
Every new writer on Cable seems to take him in a different direction.
What's your take on the character, and where do you see him going?
Weinberg:
Cable's always been a man with a mission. Now that mission's over and he has
to find some reason for living. He's heroic but realistic enough to know he
can't change the world on his own. But that's before he encounters three witches
who seem to think he's a prime mover involving events today that will shape the
future. I plan to keep Cable busy dealing with menaces from the past, the
present, and the far future. And have him fighting forces that seek to
control his destiny, whether he likes it or not.
Bourgeois:
There have been numerous mentions to him losing the war with Apocalypse.
Since Apocalypse is still alive, how can that be?
Weinberg:
The war with Apocalypse is over as far as I am concerned. The Age of
Apocalypse was based on Apocalypse gaining the power of the Twelve. When that did not
happen, the future was changed. It didn't matter whether Apocalypse survived
the event or not. What matters was that he did not harness the power of the
Twelve, and thus, the future was no longer the one in which a super-powerful
Apocalypse brought about the Age of Apocalypse. It's a misconception that
many fans have had a hard time understanding. The future hinges on certain events
--not people, but events -- happening. When they do happen, or do not happen,
that's when history changes.
Bourgeois:
You're an actual novelist, and if I remember correctly, have even won a
few awards. So, why comics?
Weinberg:
I've always been a fan of comics, and have been reading Marvel Comics since
the days of Lee and Kirby. Most writers like to try new and different things.
I'm no different. So far, I'm enjoying every minute of it.
Bourgeois:
What differences do you find in writing comics and writing novels?
Weinberg:
Comics today have ongoing storylines, so the story continues month after
month. Novels have a definite end, a closure. Otherwise, I find the writing pretty
similar.
Bourgeois:
Who are some of your influences in writing?
Weinberg:
I'm close friends with Dean Koontz, and he's the biggest influence on my work.
Other writers whose work I admire are Dan Simmons, Raymond Chandler, Mickey
Spillane, A.E. van Vogt and Robert van Gulik. In comics, I've been friends
with Roy Thomas and Jim Steranko for many years, and their work undoubtably
influences mine.
Bourgeois:
How long have you been reading comics?
Weinberg:
Bourgeois:
What comics are you currently reading?
Weinberg:
All the X-titles, Fantastic Four, Avengers, Tom Strong, Planetary, JSA, JLA,
Usagi Yojimbo, and a bunch of others. Whatever looks interesting in a given
week.
Bourgeois:
I've noticed that Cable has two different costumes, one in his own book,
and one in X-Men. Was this an accident, or something planned, and what's
your explanation?
Weinberg:
Two different artists, two different costumes. I had no input on this at all.
Bourgeois:
It was just recently announced that you've also got a
supernatural-related X-Men project in the works for October. Anything more
you'd care to give us about that?
Weinberg:
I'm doing a four-part limited series in October featuring the X-Men. Have not
gotten all the final details myself but I should know more shortly. The X-Men
are going to fight a very dangerous, very horrifying group of villains who
have monstrous plans for all mankind. Since the story is aimed for the Halloween
season, and I've written ten horror novels, I hope to make it scary, though
not filled with gratuitous gore. My working title for the story is "Citadel of
Night."
Bourgeois:
Do you find yourself having to tone down the horror side of your writing
for Cable?
Weinberg:
No. I'm pretty aware of what you can get away with in comics and what you
can't. I try to keep on the right side of the line. I don't like gore for
gore's sake. And I'm very aware of the age differences among my audience.
So I have no problems keeping violence at a certain level.
Bourgeois:
After reading Cable, and being very impressed, I'd like to go out and
find some of your books. What else have you written?
Weinberg:
I've written fifteen novels, six non-fiction books, and edited around 130
anthologies. For people who like my work on CABLE, the books they would
probably enjoy the most are my vampire trilogy, The Masquerade of the Red
Death. The three novels are BLOOD WAR, UNHOLY ALLIES, and THE UNBEHOLDEN.
These books are all available on Amazon.com and have all been reprinted a
number of times since their original publication. They've also been published in
French, German, Spanish, and Hungarian editions. Amazon.com lists most of my
books but unfortunately most of my earlier novels are out of print. (and as
there are three different Robert Weinbergs writing books, I am not the one who
writes about Cancer Research!!)
Bourgeois:
Weinberg:
I love croutons. I eat a salad for lunch 5-6 times a week, and croutons are a
necessary part of a good salad!
|
