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Chris Claremont whistles softly as he takes his seat. It is a few minutes before the doors have officially opened. Before the interview is over however, the crowd arrives.
Though at this point, the convention hall is open only to retailers, creators and the press. He takes a soft breath to enjoy the quiet. He knows the lines will be long soon. Where most fanboy reporters would tremble in fear, Collector Times's staffers are made of sturdier stuff. We just wobbled at the knees like a character in a Hanna-Barbera cartoon character.
CT:
Why after 30 years are you still drawn to writing The X-Men?
Chris Claremont:
Kids in grade school. No, in all honesty Marvel wants me to. When you're a wage slave you do what you're asked. If Marvel wanted me to write Spider-Man or The Hulk I would. In honesty, I don't think I'd be very good at it. X-Men Forever is what maximizes my - and Marvel's - image with the fan base.
CT:
Who's your favorite artist you've worked with?
Claremont:
Pick one. It's a stock answer I always use. When you work with the level of talent I have: Dave Cockrum, John Byrne, John Romita Jr, Walter Simonson, Salvador Larocca, Tom Grummett- how do you pick? They're all fantastic artists.
CT:
Why did so few of your non X related projects catch on?
Claremont:
If I knew that . . . I guess it really came down to right book, right place, right time. I mean - Why Star Wars and not Logan's Run? Marvel had most of its money on Logan's Run. They just lucked out with getting Star Wars.
CT:
What is the worst thing you've ever written?
Claremont:
CT:
Okay - then how about your best?
Claremont:
CT:
What's your greatest weakness as a writer?
Claremont:
(pauses long and hard): These days - probably stamina. In my mind I want to write 30,000 words a week but it is not as easy as it used to be.
CT:
Who are your favorite characters to write?
Claremont:
Without a doubt - absolutely - any character I own. Though if you mean Marvel's - then the X-Men. The X-Canon.
CT:
So - What would Lockheed the Dragon do for a Klondike Bar?
Claremont:
What makes you think he eats them? He's a dragon. He's got a much more sophisticated palate than that.
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