Talking With Marv Wolfman

 Marv Wolfman is an absolute legend in the comic book industry. He is one of the most influential writers in the history of the medium. His stories are considered classics and essential reading.

He has co-created many characters for both Marvel (Blade, Bullseye, Nova, and Black Cat )and DC Comics ( Destiny, Raven, Cyborg, Starfire, Deathstroke, and Robin/Tim Drake). He has written most of the major characters at both Marvel (Spider-Man, Daredevil, and Fantastic Four) and DC (Batman, Superman, and Teen Titans) as well. He is probably best know for the multiverse spanning saga CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS and THE NEW TEEN TITANS at DC. His stories continue to delight generation after generation.

He has been lucky enough to see his creation brought to life, both on the small screen ("Teen Titans" and "Titans") and the big screen ("Blade" and Cyborg in "Justice League").

Later this month sees the release of a previously unreleased Superman story titled “Man And Superman", that from what Marv has said, might be one of the best stories he's ever written.

COMIC LOUNGE: You have worked on so many classic stories, two personal favorites are CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS and your legendary Teen Titans run. As a writer how did you approach such a expansive story like Crisis?

MARV WOLFMAN: I approach most stories the same way: follow the characters and let the story unfold from them. In the case of Crisis it was seeing who I wanted in each scene and then finding the best way to cause them the most harm, physically yes, but even more, mentally. Also, my interest in writing stories comes out of structure. I work hardest on setting that up and making sure everything that happens after comes from logic and no just need.

COMIC LOUNGE: When creating the new Titans where did you draw inspiration from? 

WOLFMAN: I wanted to write a family book, not a team up book like JLA or Avengers. All the characters had feel they were part of a family, for good and bad. Since it was about the characters I needed to make the characters feel real.

COMIC LOUNGE: What have been some memorable moments in your long writing career?

WOLFMAN: Understanding how to structure an-eight year long novel like TOMB OF DRACULA. Working on that series taught me how to handle everything else.

COMIC LOUNGE: Are there any projects you're currently working on that you can talk about?

WOLFMAN: At the end of January DC will be publishing a 100 page Giant that I wrote. It's a full length Superman story that may be one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s called "Man and Superman".

COMIC LOUNGE: What does being a writer mean to you and what would you tell other writers trying to make it?

WOLFMAN: You have to want it more than anything else but you do need to follow through and make your stories accessible to the audience. Be clear. The story comes first. And don’t sacrifice character for story. Every character needs to stay in character even if it means tossing out great story ideas. If the readers don’t believe the characters  they won’t care about the story.

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