Q&A 004 – THE ANSWERS

Once again, thanks to everyone who sent in questions on this go ‘round. Now it’s time to do my part. The fourth official Q&A kicks off now…

VJ Philogene starts things off with -- whaddya know? -- a BEN 10 question: Will we see Dynamite Ben grow and age over time like with the previous series or is he eternally locked at 10?

Okay, well… let’s see who I can piss off with this answer. The truth is, we haven’t quite decided how we’re going to handle/acknowledge the passage of time. Comicbooks tend to have a different sense of time, in general (as evidenced by over 60 years of the Marvel Universe in publishing… but the characters have only aged a relatively handful of years in the stories themselves). In other words, Ben’s summer vacation could go on for quite a while. Having said that, we are interested in moving the story forward at points where it would make the most dramatic sense. But that’s still a good way away.

Surebrec313 follows up with these queries: 1. Do ya’ll plan on introducing Ghostfreak and or Kevin in the comic? 2. Can we expect to see aliens like Big Chill and others from UAF and OV in the comic?

1. Stay tuned. There are plans in the works. 2. I really don’t want to spoil the fun of what’s going to be revealed in the future of the series. All I’m willing to say at this point is that everything -- and I do mean everything -- is on the table.

From Neil: With the coming tpb reprint of Automatic Kafka (Finally!) via Image any chance you and Ash have some more stories to tell in that world? Or for a more Deluxe edition like Ash did for Popbot?

Is there going to be a TPB reprint of AUTOMATIC KAFKA? I haven’t heard that…

Hyacinth Macaw asks (on behalf of others, apparently): Hi Casey, thank you for the Q&A. I’ll be asking on behalf of the members of r/Ben10 who don’t have Substack accounts. The first and second one is from Successful-Hat-2154: “Will aliens with similar powersets could appear later on like Swampfire or Water Hazard, or will MoA keep the alien powers unique?” “Will original aliens appear later on?” TheHorrorFright asked: “Will Michael Morningstar be in the comic?”

Possibly, potentially and never say never.

A welcome return from jwparrishiii, who asks the following: I feel the theme of many of your comics is “transcendence” from Godland to Automatic Kafka to The Bounce to Catalyst Comix to All-America Comix. Do you consider yourself a spiritual person, or is there something about comics that just lends themselves to reaching for meaning. Ala Jim Starlin and Warlock? Or Jack Kirby’s “deeper” stuff. Makes me think of PKD’s quote about truth being found in the garbage. Are you actively trying to convey some truth or do you feel it’s usually up to the reader to fill in the gaps? Sometimes you talk hint at the underlying reality of the universe. Would this reality be the same with All-America Comix and the Velocity comic?

I suppose there’s a somewhat spiritual aspect to my personality. But more importantly, I’ve always believed that comicbooks are one of the greatest mediums -- if not the greatest -- in which to explore all manner of ideas. In my own work, I’m more inclined to ask the question and leave any answers for the readers to come to on their own. That’s part of the interactive nature of comicbooks. But the “truth” -- whatever that might be -- is completely subjective. Me, personally… there are certainly times when I stop to ponder what exists behind the curtain (so to speak), but I would never claim to know exactly what that might be.

Elzi Felzi asks an interesting question: Also will the page count for Dynamite Ben 10 remain the same or is it possible to get longer issues in the future?

It’s easy to say that anything is possible… but, for the moment, the economics of producing monthly comicbooks -- not to mention the sweat equity involved -- keeps the page count at 20 pages a pop.

Abdullah junaid asks: 1) With Kevin being amongst memorable side characters in the franchise that have been a staple in both prime and reboot continuity, what can we expect from the new Dynamite comic in regards to his role? 2) out of the 5 iterations we have of Ben 10, which version of Kevin is your favourite?

1) All I can really say at this point is… stay tuned and keep reading. 2) My personal favorite is the version I originally conceived back when I came up with the character, which finally found its purest expression in the “Reboot” series from 2016 (I guess all the Reboot haters out there can choose to spend their time chewing on that for a while).

Anthony_Bismarck chimes in with these questions: I have two question about the 2016 reboot series: 1. What is the name of Bashmouth’s species/homeworld? 2. What are the other DNA halves/components of the Antitrix transformations? And one about the new comic series: 1. Why did you choose Dynamite to produce it and not DC (which is owned by Warner) or Image?

If you don’t mind, I’d prefer to avoid acting as some kind of Ben 10 Wiki and limit my answers to the question related specifically to the comicbook series. So, the thing is… we didn’t choose Dynamite. They went after the license from Warner Brothers all on their own and, when they finally secured it a few years ago, that’s when we sprang into action (no pun intended) to make the comicbook actually happen.

The curiously named Tron Travolta really gets into it: If Dynamite sees the success of the comic, is it possible that they’ll greenlight some tie-in mini-series? Could we expect an annual? Do you think this Max have still fought Vilgax back in the 1960s? I loved the Thunderbirds sort of vibe of the original Plumbers. If we saw Max celebrating his 80th birthday instead of his 60th I think that could be a fun way to keep that Silver Age vibe! I understand if MoA want the comic style timeline to always be moving up too. Cartoon Network would have to get involved in a Generator Rex comic, but could Dynamite be the home to an M. Rex comic? I loved how the first issue implied a consciousness to the Omnitrix. I think a Blue Beetle scarab style story of conflicting motives between Ben and the Omnitrix could be an interesting direction. Was the 2000s Blue Beetle, or any other comic that’s been released since the original series, an inspiration? When could a collected trade paperback be on shelves, and is Dynamite/Warner Bros looking at sales? Personally hoping for a revival like Adult Swim’s Samurai Jack, or HBO Max’s Adventure Time sequels.

In terms of overall publishing plans, we’ve been talking to Dynamite about various things but, for now, we’re committed to maintaining the quality, the consistency and the schedule of the monthly BEN 10 series. Regarding anything M. Rex-related, you’d have to ask Joe Kelly and Duncan Rouleau specifically about that. While I’m sure a lot of comicbook inspirations have come into play, nothing specifically post-2005 comes to mind. And I can’t imagine that the fine folks at WB aren’t aware of the series’ sales figures, but how that data might influence decisions regarding the IP going forward, I couldn’t say.

Hyacinth Macaw arrives with another question on behalf of a third party: Hedgewitch250 asked: “Will we get more focus into other aspects of Ben’s character? Things like bullying, his school life’s lack of friends, and just his general thoughts beyond the watch and aliens were never focused on he was a superhero before he was anything else. Could we see how these things play a larger role in this new continuity?”

Keep in mind, we’re only two issues in (when this newsletter has gone live). We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of the inner lives of these characters. And writing these characters as more three-dimensional people is one of the joys of this gig.

Fizzgiggling asks a simple question: In one word, can you describe Vilgax and Ben’s (or if possible, Kevin and Ben’s) first encounter?

Apocalyptic.

Alec asks: Who are your favourite artists outside of comics?

Well, that depends on what you mean by “artists”. That word can cover a pretty wide spectrum. Is anyone who works creatively -- or in a creative field -- considered an artist? I would say go back to a previous newsletter (from a few weeks ago) where I specifically delve into my influences. There’s a list at the very end of it that directly answers your question.

Sebastián Amar had this to say: I Want To See The Final Designs of Kevin 11 (human & monster), Doctor Animo & Hex in Ben 10 Comics by Dynamite Entertainment........¡¡¡NOW!!!

Not really a question, is it? I guess all I can say for now is… patience, grasshopper.

Francis Davis asked: Joe, I do not know if you have answered this question, but in the spirit of Swamp Thing 1989 would you be willing to do a Wildcats 3.0 revisit that would allow you to tie all the old plots up? I have been thinking about what that would look like since 2004.

First of all, I wanna say that I’m thrilled that Rick Veitch was able to finally finish his story after all these decades. The guy’s a legend, no doubt about it. But when it comes to Version 3.0, I really don’t think DC would be willing to pay the money it would take to finish it. But now that I think of it, there may be other ways to get some of that story material out into the world…

Daniel Brown shifts gears with this question: When I saw the art team for Terminal, I was on board. I’m not asking for spoilers or anything, but I am curious - about how long this book as been in development? Any interesting things you can share about the creative process with multiple writers and artists on the same project?

No great insights to roll out here, Daniel. It’s been a pretty good gig, not just because of the concept… but specifically because of the collaborators involved. I can tell you that Kirkman and I started talking about TERMINAL right before the Covid-19 pandemic dropped onto our collective heads and I started writing on it not long after. Hell, there wasn’t much else to do in those lockdown days. And the fact is, I’m so much deeper into this series than anyone on the outside could possibly imagine. What readers will be seeing when the series debuts in July is just the tip of a very large iceberg.

William actually spooked me a little with this particular question: Joe, during your time at Wildstorm did you ever pitch a run on any of the other major titles? Gen13, Authority, Stormwatch, etc. Were there any books you were developing for WS during or around the end of the Intimates that never saw the light of day? I’m super excited for Terminal too! I’d love to hear more about the development process in future posts.

What’re you, some kind of mind reader? Check back here very soon…

Sebastián Amar chimed in with another one: What actor is the inspiration of the New Look of Grandpa Max Tennyson in the Comics of Ben 10 in Dynamite Entertainment??? - Ted Danson - Andy Serkis - Michael Douglas – etc

Bruce Willis, of course.

Paul had a question that got straight to the point: More Sex please?

You mean the comicbook, right?

The familiarly named Ben had this question: Finally had a chance to read your series with Paul Fry, Blood Squad Seven. I really loved it, is there any chance of seeing more of it any time soon? I’m sure you’re busy with Terminal, Ben 10 and other yet to be announced titles. But I’d really love to see more of The Squad.

So would I, Ben, so would I. And I’m really glad that you read it and dug it. The series was a ton of work that everyone on the creative team put their heart and soul into. And even though we told the story we set out to tell, as anyone could see from the last page of the YEARBOOK issue that came out a couple of months ago, we left the door open as to where things could go in the future. Luckily, Paul Fry and I co-own BLOOD SQUAD SEVEN so it’s completely up to us as far as when we decide to come back to it.

Bryan Washer asked the following query, pulled from the mists of time: Hey! I really liked INFANTRY with Clément Sauvé. What was the process of working with Devil’s Due for the Aftermath line? I remember a lot of cool creators working on projects and I liked Chuck Dixon’s BREAKDOWN.

Talk about a deep cut! Nice to hear that you liked INFANTRY but, to be honest, I don’t remember anything truly remarkable about that gig or that period. The whole Aftermath line was initially laid out by publisher, Josh Blaylock, and he was easy enough to work with as I took his basic idea and ran with it. I think my big brainstorm was to develop the character of Infantry into a role that approximated, basically, a Native American Captain America (which I thought was thematically fitting). My own personal takeaway from the experience was that Clément was an amazing artist and it was a tragedy to lose him so young. Besides that, it was my first gig working with Devil’s Due and it led directly to me signing on to launch the G.I. Joe: America’s Elite monthly, which I ended up writing for about two years.

Evan asks: Have you and the other men of action discuss the possibility of spinoff miniseries for BEN 10? I remember Dynamite Thundercats having some before its first year was done.

Believe me when I say… a lot of things have been discussed. As much as we might wish otherwise, we don’t quite have ultimate power over the IP. Not yet, anyway. Having said that, I’ll just reiterate that, at the moment, we’re much more concerned with maintaining both the schedule and quality control of the main series.

Another one from jwparrishiii: Oh, also--congrats on Blood Squad Seven Version 3.0! Will this take some cues or “unfinished business” from Wildcats or be its own unique thing?

If and when we dive into the tornado that would be BLOOD SQUAD SEVEN VERSION 3.0, it will indeed be its own thing.

A couple of questions from Davis: Hey, Joe! I’m a big fan of Ben 10 and have been for most of my life. Loving the comic! I was wondering if MoA would be interested in doing different comic runs in the same continuity as the new Ben 10 comic published by Dynamite. I think a Plumbers Comic could be cool (assuming they exist in this continuity). On the main cover for #4, Ben is wearing a jacket. Does Ben wear a jacket in future issues or is that simply a stylistic choice for the cover?

Glad you’re digging the book, Davis. See my answer to Evan’s question above. As for Ben’s wardrobe… I would remind you (and anyone else who’s had this particular thought) that comicbooks don’t operate under the same production limitations as animation does (one of many reasons why comicbooks are the better medium). So the idea that characters -- human characters, no less -- would wear the same clothes each and every day of their lives is illogical, not to mention patently ridiculous.

Whew! Okay, that seems like a good place to end this latest Q&A. My thanks to everyone who took the time to post a question. I sincerely hope I’ve provided the answers you were hoping for.

Until next time…

Joe Casey

USA