Walt Simonson signs Exclusive with DC

By John Freeman on November 6, 2002

Walt Simonson, one of comics’ most acclaimed and accomplished writer/artists, has signed a one-year exclusive with DC Comics.

“For the past four or five years I’ve worked primarily for DC,” says Simonson. “Partly, it’s because I enjoy the company of the people I work with there, editors like Joey Cavalieri, writers like Michael Moorcock, and artists like John Paul Leon. And it’s also because I’ve had the chance to draw some personal favourites such as Orion and the New Gods, Green Lantern, the original Captain Marvel, and even a little Batman. I feel I’ve done some of my best work in the last few years at DC.”

“Walt has been one of my personal favourite artists since I was an intern photocopying his Batman/Manhunter story in 1974,” says Mike Carlin, VP – Executive Editor, DC Universe. “And since meeting him at Marvel in 1981, I’m happy to say he’s one of my favourite people as well. No matter what the project is, he comes to the table with tons of unique ideas and enthusiasm. Walt is an great, all-around talent, and DC’s all the stronger for working with this major creator.”

Walt begins a six-issue run as writer on Wonder Woman in February, with artists Jerry Ordway and P. Craig Russell and cover artist Adam Hughes. The six-part story The Game of the Gods begins in the new team’s first issue, #189, which will be solicited in the December issue of Previews (Vol. XII, #12). This issue is scheduled to be in stores 26 February.

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.