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Geoff
Johns - Writer
[Teen Titans, JSA, Flash, Hawkman]
Name: Geoff Johns
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Tools: Sears
Food: Lebanese
Music: Everything
Website: www.geoffjohns.com
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Iain: Give us a brief rundown of what you do?
Geoff: I spend my days writing. Discussing stories with
everyone I work with. From Dan Didio[DC Comics],
to Peter Tomasi, to all the artists I'm fortunate enough to be teamed
up with. It's really a collaborative process that I enjoy. Working
with people that love their job and talking about guys in capes
-- it doesn't get much better. I feel very fortunate.
Iain: How and when did you start seriously writing?
Geoff: College. I was a film major and as everyone started wanting
to direct they needed short films to direct. So I started writing
ten minute movies for all my friends. Then I got more into screenwriting,
taking several classes on that. I started my career wanting to direct,
but soon came to the realization that I wanted to write instead.
Throughout college I wrote and really learned to enjoy it.
Iain: Can you describe a typical workday for you?
Geoff: I make my way to my writing office at 9am. And I get started.
I have my schedule laid out fairly tightly, as in I know what I'm
going to work on from week to week. JSA #59 is this week, Flash
#208 next. I also have my schedule almost completely planned out
for the next two years as far as comics go, and I like that. I'll
spend at least an hour a day on the phone with all the creators
I'm working with and I spend most of the rest plotting and writing.
I spend a lot of time laying out the story before I actually start
typing. I'd like to say I leave at 5 but I usually don't get out
until 7. A lunch break is in there somewhere.
Iain: You have a lot of varied styles of work in your portfolio,
what is your favourite form of media to write/create for, Film/TV
or comics?
Geoff: It's all different, but I have to say comics is where it's
at for me. I enjoy the rest, but comic books allow, in my opinion,
an entirely different level of creative freedom. DC has been fantastic
in guiding me and giving input, but they've never rewritten me and
they've never forced me into a style of writing.
Iain: You recently signed an exclusive deal with DC Comics,
so what stuff can we look forward to you working on in the future?
Geoff: I can't really discuss new projects right now. I have something
towards the end of 2004.
Iain: Can we look forward to any creator owned books from
you in the near future?
Geoff: Nothing is planned yet. I've got my hands full with the DCU,
but I have been talking to the folks at Vertigo. Hopefully somewhere
down the line.
Iain: What stuff are you currently working on?
Geoff: Teen Titans, Flash, JSA and Hawkman.
Iain: What presents the biggest challenge to you?
Geoff: There's only one challenge. Learn something new every day.
Get better at writing every day. I try and look back at my work
and see the mistakes I've made or the things I could improve upon.
I'm always trying to get better and to re-shape my approach. I think
Teen Titans is a much better start for me creatively than some of
my past work, and I also think JSA is really going to be firing
on all cylinders this coming year. My personal goal is to top myself
every month, and I can only do that by working with my editors and
artists -- my partners --
who constantly push and challenge me. When Howard Porter joined
the Flash team it challenged me to really deliver him a script that
was worthy of his art. So the biggest challenge is -- challenging
myself.
Iain: What's been your favorite project to date?
Geoff: That's very hard to say. I'm extremely proud of THE
FLASH: IRON HEIGHTS, JSA #29 and BLACK
REIGN.
 Iain:
What would be your dream project?
Geoff: I'm doing it.
Iain: Who are some of your biggest influences?
Geoff: In comics, my favourite writer growing up was John Ostrander.
I also really enjoy the works of Mark Waid[Fantastic Four]and
Grant Morrison[New X-Men]. I'd love to see John
Ostrander make a comeback -- he's one of the most under-rated writers
out there.
Iain: How long have you been creating comic related artwork?
Geoff: 4 and 1/2 years.
Iain: Are you keen to work exclusively in the comics world
or keep branching out into other areas?
Geoff : I'm already working outside of comics, but my focus is comics
and hopefully will be for some time to come. I love film and tv,
but comics are my first passion.
Iain: Ok, name me 3 things you hate about being a writer?
Geoff: 3 things I hate? Computer crashes. Spoilers. Dry markers.
Iain: So, if you weren't a writer, what would you be?
Geoff: I have no idea. I almost went into criminal psychology. Maybe
something in that field.
Iain: Are you collecting any comics these days?
Geoff: I read a lot of comics. My favorites right now are
HERO, Supreme Power, Superman: Birthright and Wonder Woman.
Iain: Your favourite comic character is?
Geoff: The Flash. All of them.
Iain: Your favourite comic based film is?
Geoff: Superman: The Movie. No question
Iain: Does it sometimes feel weird that people as far off
as Africa are reading your stuff and know who you are?
Geoff: It's kind of cool.
Iain: So when you coming to visit us down here in deepest
darkest Africa?
Geoff: My wife wants to visit so who knows. Hopefully sometime before
I'm dead. :)
Iain: Thanks so much Geoff, good luck for the future.
Geoff: Thanks, Iain.
Interview by: Iain Duncan
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