Atomic Comics - I don't know if you are aware of this but, you happen to be writing one of the most anticipated Dark Reign tie-in's to be announced. I just felt you should know that. So Elektra is back?
Zeb Wells - That’s right.
AC - Does she still kick ass?
ZW - You should be ashamed of yourself for even asking that question.
AC - Is she still hot?
ZW - Have you seen either of the covers? Again, I feel like you’re making yourself look foolish here by even asking this question. Elektra is basically in traction for the first issue and she still manages to be hot and kick ass. You’ll be lucky if your jeans don’t burst into flames when you pick it up.
AC - If you answered yes to the previous 3 questions I am a happy little fan boy! You did answer them all yes right?
ZW - I did. As faux-condescendingly as possible. But I did.
AC - Is this book going to be more of a "flash-back to what she went through" or an "OK now she's back and she's pissed and wants to stab people" book?
ZW - The latter. But remember that the alien race she’d ostensibly be pissed at has pretty much been decimated, and she’s not really a character that will mope around mourning the past. Luckily for us, there are plenty of people who are pissed at HER for what “she” did in the last couple of years to make up for it.
AC - Is this going to be setting up Elektra to be a character to watch in the Marvel universe again?
ZW - Yeah, that’s the goal. For sure.
AC - How as it writing the Spiderman Obama book? Any pressure not to idolize the new President like many have, yet also not pre-judge him as many have?
ZW - Yeah, I think that played into it a bit. I am an Obama fan, but I wanted to make the book more fun than political, while not shying away from the fact that his election was extraordinary for the country no matter what you feel about him.
AC - Speaking of: President Obama’s first 100 days: thumbs up or thumbs down, or too early to tell?
ZW - I think its way too early to tell, especially with the shit-storm he’s trying to deal with at the moment. I will say that when he talks I can at least understand what he’s TRYING to do and most of it makes sense to me.
AC - What kind of plans to you have for Spidey in the coming year?
ZW - I’m literally hours away from sitting down with the brain trust and figuring that out. I’ll keep you posted.
AC - Now you have a background in film making as well. Do you have a preference between film and comics?
ZW - Well, my “background in film” really just consists of making a few stupid videos with my friends and going to film school. But thank you for using the more flattering “background in film” than the more accurate “failed film maker.” I will say that with my limited experience working in other media, I do appreciate the small number of cooks in the kitchen with comics. The collaborations with editors and artists are really satisfying. I can’t see myself spending a great length of time away from comics as long as they will have me.
AC - If you do ever make another movie, can Mike Malve be in it? Any role will do, but he would prefer one where he gets to do the Triple Lindy at some point.
ZW - You may have just awoken the filmmaker in me. Thank you, Sir. Thank you.