Susan Hillwig
Staff 
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
Posts: 1,612
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Post by Susan Hillwig on Apr 15, 2007 13:15:31 GMT -5
 As you all know, I try to have this column relate to whatever issue it’s attached to, so it’s only natural that I talk about the Vigilante this time around...but not just the one you read about in the story (You did read the story, right? ‘Cause if you just skipped ahead to the lettercol, that’s weird). Until recently, there was another fella by that moniker over in NEW OUTSIDERS: Adrian Chase, a man out for vengeance against the mobsters that killed his wife, and before I got this cushy gig, his was the name I thought of when I heard “Vigilante.” Like Hex, I met him while perusing that now-infamous pile of comp books when I was a kid, and manoman, he was a mindblower back in the day, just blasting bad guys away like it was going out of style. A mite too hardcore for my tastes at the time, but he did make an impression, and that caused a bit of confusion when I first heard about Greg Saunders, “the other Vigilante”, around the early ‘90s. When I saw this white-haired, pudgy cowboy’s entry in the old looseleaf Who’s Who, I honestly thought they made up a new character and slapped Adrian’s codename on it! Then again, I also thought Lobo was the greatest character ever back then, so excuse my brief myopia.
I got my facts straight eventually, but I still held Greg in slightly less regard than Adrian -- hard to shake that first impression, y’know? Then I got involved with this madhouse called DC2, so I sat down with my DC Encyclopedia to pick out who’d be good to use here in WWQ, and just for the heck of it, I read Greg Saunders’ entry. Now, the old looseleaf one just glossed over his crimefighting career, and definitely made no mention of him visiting the Old West, so this new info intrigued me. I dug around, and was surprised at not only his past exploits, but also the high regard some held the fella in -- I’d equate the whole experience to finding out the quiet, kindly old man that lives down the street from you stormed the beaches at Normandy and won the Medal of Honor. “Oh, I’ve gotta use this guy,” I decided, and onto the wish list he went. I found it somewhat funny that, as I laid out plans to introduce the old Vig to DC2, the newer version was running around with the New Outsiders, being just as hardcore as I remembered back in the ‘80s -- two men with the same name, but in two completely different eras, and with different ideas of how to get the job done. I wondered what they’d think of each other, and actually had a germ of an idea to bring the two of them face-to-face somehow, just like Flash and Green Lantern have both met their Golden Age counterparts. Would Greg demand Adrian give up the name? Would Adrian kick Greg’s ass? Would the Seven Soldiers of Victory and the New Outsiders get dragged into this?
Then NEW OUTSIDERS #16 came out. I figure by now everybody knows what happened there, so I won’t go into detail. It was a heck of a shock to me -- I thought Adrian would end up in jail, not dead -- and it was with a sense of irony that I realized Greg Saunders was slated to debut in WWQ#6 just a few weeks later. Fate had intervened big-time, and the two Vigilantes would never meet (at least not in this world). So before we move on to the comments about this issue, let’s take a minute to reflect on what might have been, and raise a toast to a man who went out a hero, while we welcome in another who’s just getting warmed up.
The Vigilante is dead. Long live the Vigilante.
- Susan Hillwig |
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Post by HoM on Apr 15, 2007 13:44:02 GMT -5
I read this issue as Mark posted it. I couldn't wait. And when I got to that final moment?
I smiled. Then I realised you'd dragged me through the issue, and there wasn't any real action. Romance, yes, drama, yes, but action? None. Nada.
And it didn't matter.
Because once again, you're blown me away with your writing! I can't wait for #7, and I can't wait for #1 of you-know-what!
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Post by Mr Clown on Apr 18, 2007 13:21:26 GMT -5
It worked very well, even without action. It's funny though, when I first heard Vigilante was on the New Outsiders for DC2, I thought of the cowboy. Then I found out about Adrian Chase, and that was my first exposure to the new Vigilante... Well, the newer Vigilante since theres another one running around in the DCU nowadays... Anyways, I think this is the best issue so far. I'm curious who's going to get the spotlight next... (I'm hoping for Batlash though!  ) |
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Post by starlord on Apr 18, 2007 21:30:32 GMT -5
Before I comment on this absolute awesome issue, I have to say that you're words in the letter's thread was very touching. I hadn't realized any of your idea's for the two Vig's or else... well... it would have been fun.
This is my favorite issue to date. Hands down, bar none. As much as you really sold me on Jonah, what you did here with Greg was emotionally satisfying in so many ways. I couldn't stop, once I started. A man out of time is not a new story, but the emotional depth that you gave Saunders made it a rich and unique telling.
I hope that you revisit him, again... soon. Because I think I've found the western character that really sang to me, and that's all thanks to the exceptional talent that you bring to this book.
Long live Vigilante! Long Live WWQ!
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Post by arcalian on Apr 18, 2007 22:38:12 GMT -5
Hey guys, the only Vigilante I used to know was a woman--Pat Trayce, former lover of Slade Wilson. Crisis probably wiped her right off the map.
I had heard of Adrian Chase before I read NO, and knew his eventual fate in regular DC, but I didn't know him. I didn't know this Vigilante at all.
It was a good story, but more than that, it was a good time travel story, which hold a special place in my heart.
I really loved our lovely so much more than a whore, too.
The whole Reconstruction era south was also well done. He was lucky when, on announcing he had been in Philly, they didn't toss him right over the side!
This boy from the Philadeladelphia suburbs salutes you.
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Susan Hillwig
Staff
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
Posts: 1,612
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Post by Susan Hillwig on Apr 19, 2007 0:40:18 GMT -5
Glad to see the story's been well-received, despite the lack of action -- I tried to put some in, but it didn't play right, so I chucked it out -- I have a weakness for time-travel and "fish out of water" stories, and approached the whole thing with the notion of "If you were REALLY stuck in the past, how would you manage?" Thank God Vig has a marketable talent, eh? Greg will indeed be seen again in WWQ (though not for a while) and he'll also be featured in a little something coming out later this year called (gimme a drumroll, Charlie!) SEVEN SOLDIERS OF VICTORY: GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. There's no official posting date set, as it's not finished, but it should be in stores in time for Christmas.
As for my little pipe dream of the two Vigilantes meeting up, Brian, I'd held my tongue on it because I didn't know when the miniseries would be out, and didn't want to flummox up any plans of yours because I write so damn slow. I think it was a reasonable sacrifice, though, considering what you did with Adrian over on NO. But don't worry, I've got another idea now...and I ain't about to spill it here.
Okay, we've got one vote for Bat Lash to show up in WWQ. Lucky for you, Clown, a story is in the works, and unless I hear back from someone very soon (I'm talking to you, Alexi!) I think Mrs. Lash's baby boy will take over the #7 slot. After that, keep an eye out for a tale of the early frontier, featuring Hawk Son of Tomahawk, Firehair, and...nah, I ain't tellin'. It's more fun to make you guys guess!
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Post by HoM on Apr 19, 2007 9:20:24 GMT -5
*Drum roll*  |
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Post by Romans Empire on Apr 19, 2007 19:31:59 GMT -5
Damn that was good! Really freakin' good. I have to admit that I have fallen behind on this title and will have to catch up on Hex's adventures soon but this was a great chance to pop in an check out Vigilantes tale. I wasn't disappointed in the least.
The story was told by one of the best writers around whether it be here or damn near anywhere else. At first I was reminded of a time travel movie I saw as a kid called Timerider. The movie wasn't all bad and I am always a sucker for time travel. But this story was so much more then that. I was blown away by how much characterization was packed into one issue. I barely remember Saunders from the JLA/ 7 soldiers tale from way back when but like Jonah I will take a closer look now.
You always manage to do the one thing every writer should do, you made the reader care about the characters so much that they can't wait to find out what happens next. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The action was there it just a different type of action. Intense right up until the end!
I can't wait to find out what happens next and I hope the upcoming tale with the 7 soliders explains all! Best issue of the week or 5 st*rs just isn't enough here. You deliver like no other Susan. Thanks for not only being a writer I look up to but for sharing your world with us through those stories.
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Susan Hillwig
Staff
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
Posts: 1,612
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Post by Susan Hillwig on Apr 21, 2007 12:36:01 GMT -5
"Timerider"? Was that the one with where the guy times travels with a motorcycle and accidentally becomes his own great-grandfather or something? I have only a vague recollection of seeing it as a kid...wasn't very impressed. I've seen and read a bunch of time-travel stories over the years, and my husband and I love to pick them apart and point out where they screwed up (he's got issues with "Back to the Future Part 3", while I bang my head over "Kate and Leopold"). One of the best I've read recently is "Guns of the South" by Harry Turtledove -- time-travel and the Civil War, you can't go wrong with that!
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Post by Romans Empire on Apr 21, 2007 15:28:41 GMT -5
"Timerider"? Was that the one with where the guy times travels with a motorcycle and accidentally becomes his own great-grandfather or something? I have only a vague recollection of seeing it as a kid...wasn't very impressed. I've seen and read a bunch of time-travel stories over the years, and my husband and I love to pick them apart and point out where they screwed up (he's got issues with "Back to the Future Part 3", while I bang my head over "Kate and Leopold"). One of the best I've read recently is "Guns of the South" by Harry Turtledove -- time-travel and the Civil War, you can't go wrong with that! That was the movie I was referring to! It isn't all bad and worth a second viewing on late night cable. I love time travel stories when they are well thought out. Never saw Kate & Leopold but I am sure my wife has. I will keep an eye out for Guns of the South though. |
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Post by starlord on Apr 21, 2007 22:36:19 GMT -5
I was remiss not to also acknowledge the great cover by Roy! It was really an eye catcher! Great job!
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Post by Romans Empire on Apr 22, 2007 0:37:23 GMT -5
I was remiss not to also acknowledge the great cover by Roy! It was really an eye catcher! Great job! Ditto! Roy has never delivered anything but the best! |
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Susan Hillwig
Staff
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
Posts: 1,612
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Post by Susan Hillwig on Apr 24, 2007 11:40:32 GMT -5
Whatever I ask Roy for, he delivers big-time. That's why it's so great to have him for the main artist on this title -- guest artists are fun, but you can't knock having someone reliable always standing by. I sent him a picture I'd clipped out of the local paper of a guy sinking in the water and basically said, "Duplicate this"...and he did! The fishies were his own little touch.
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Post by David on May 7, 2007 20:29:23 GMT -5
I waited way too long to read this issue--- but when I started, I couldn't put it down (er... I mean look away)!
There is something so compelling about Susan's writing. When she's spinning a yarn, I really feel that I could settle in, and let her craft take me where ever she wants to go. I'm really glad this time it took me along with Greg Saunders. Susan has again woven her magic spell and made another fictional character seem all too real to me.
I was never very interested in the Golden Age Vigilante, but this issue changed all that (well, actually, a special preview of Susan's upcoming Seven Soldiers of Victory mini did it first, but this capped it)--- shamelessly manipulating my emotions and sucking me once again into the wild (weird!) West!
Like the other posters, I didn't notice (or care) about the lack of "action" in this issue: the drama carried me all the way to the end, and left me wanting to find out what happens next for Greg Saunders (like Charlie, I got goosebumbs at the last line).
What's more, this issue has a fantastic Roy Flinchum cover! The one thing I miss most about not having a regular monthly title is working with Roy, a consummate pro, a beautiful guy, and an absolutely incredible artist and collaborator. This cover is another instant classic!
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Post by goldk on May 8, 2007 7:38:34 GMT -5
geez, guys. You wanna meet me at a con or something and have me be all snooty and aloof?
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Post by HoM on May 8, 2007 16:30:24 GMT -5
...
Sure.
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Susan Hillwig
Staff
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
Posts: 1,612
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Post by Susan Hillwig on May 10, 2007 0:11:08 GMT -5
And charge, like, 50 bucks a sketch, too. I mean just a pencil sketch, no inks or color.
But former collaborators get half-price. ;D
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