Convergence is quickly upon us and on April 8th, we'll get to see the first week of books. One of those books will be JUSTICE LEAGUE by Frank Tieri and Vicente Cifuentes. It will feature pre-Flashpoint characters taking on the Flashpoint version of Aquaman. Tieri and Cifuentes answered a few of our questions about the book.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
COMIC VINE: What can we expect from this issue?
FRANK TIERI: A lot of stage setting. A lot that’s leading up to our big dukeroo between the JLA and FLASHPOINT AQUAMAN in issue 2. For one thing, with this actually being a Gotham Vs Gotham battle, we learn how both sides ended up getting trapped in their respective Gothams. In the case of the JLAers, they happen to be there for Jesse Quick’s surprise baby shower. In FPA’s case… well, let’s just say he had a far less wholesome reason.
VICENTE CIFUENTES: Action, great moments and some thrills. From my part I have tried to make some spectacular visuals to keep the eyes of the readers on the issue at all times.
CV: Who is on this Justice League team?
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
FT: Zatanna, Jesse Quick, Supergirl, Vixen, Jade and Mera. So yeah, kids, you're seeing that right... it's an all female team.
Now, credit where credit is due... this was completely Dan Didio's idea. He hit us (us being me and editors Marie Javins and Brittany Holzherr ) with the idea one day when we were looking for an angle to give the book and we all sort of looked at each other like “Well, duh. Why didn’t we think of that before?” So yeah, it really fit perfectly.
CV: Flashpoint Aquaman is appearing here. What do you two find appealing about the character?
FT: That he's batshit crazy. Because honestly, that aspect of him was very fun to play with. I mean… he’s essentially Single White Female with gills in our book . He sees Mera when the fight is announced, and he has to have her. He doesn’t give a crap that she isn’t his Mera. It’s good enough for him. And really, it’s his actions towards her that are what really drive everything going forward in our story. Dude’s super creepy.
Which brings me to my next point… and that’s that while people like to bash Aquaman and all that, the guy actually makes a damn good villain. I wouldn’t have thought it myself, but eeeevil Aquaman is totally badass. In fact, I would totally write that book in a heartbeat. Aquaman routinely fighting the JLA, attacking the surface world, providing people with sub-par sushi, etc.
Let’s make it happen, DC
VC: Here I have to congratulate Frank, although I have had the opportunity to work with this character on Flashpoint too, on this issues we can see his strong attitude and haughty as he has to be. He seems to have one “winner-card” hidden.
CV: What excites you about this upcoming book?
FT: Writing JLA. And having it be an all female team.
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Interiors by CifuentesThe JLA thing… well, there are only so many “checklist” characters and books you have in this industry. And JLA is definitely one of them. They’re one of the books you’d like to go back in time and tell your 12 year old self that you’ll be writing one day. (Although, in my case, I think 12 year old me might actually be more impressed that I’ve avoided significant jail time up to this point)
As for the all-female aspect…hey, let’s be honest. I don’t think with me being the gruff Brooklyn guy that I am that I would be the first to come to mind to write a book from the female perspective, ya know? But that’s exactly why I want to do it. At this point in my career, I know what I’m largely known for and that’s writing “tough guys” and villains. So I’m really playing against type here which was both fun and challenging… but I think we totally pulled it off. With much thanks to Marie and Brittany for that.
VC: I can´t wait to see it on the shelves and know the feedback of the readers. I think people will enjoy reading it.
CV: Who would be your ideal Justice League team? You can pick from any universe and mix them up.
FT: ANY universe? Ok...
Darth Vader, Godzilla, Derek Jeter, Linda Carter Wonder Woman, Hannibal Lecter and Joe Pesci from Goodfellas
DC Universe? I’m a sucker for the classic team. Supes, WW, Bats and then mix in guys like GL, GA, Flash, Martian Manhunter, etc. When you start throwing in guys like Vibe, you lose me.
Note to DC: So no, I’m not the guy to write your next Vibe project. But let’s talk about that Evil Aquaman thing, ok?
VC: I will keep this team, and I would like to pick Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn—I always love the quirkiness of these characters and their charms.
Thanks to Frank Tieri and Vicente Cifuentes for answering our questions and make sure to check out this book when it hits stores on April 8th!