Kyle Higgins discusses writing a comic about superhero labor unions, C.O.W.L.
and working with Image Comics.
The Image Revolution continues.
Can you talk about the genesis of the project?
Where did the spark forC.O.W.L.come from?
It started as something that made me laugh.
He laughed and said yeah, maybe the villains are villains because they couldnt get in.
The idea stuck with me all day, and that night I tried to write a script for it.
But then I realized how little I actually knew about labor unions (laughs).
So, I shelved the idea.
Then when I transferred to Chapman University, I needed a writing sample for get into the film program.
I dusted the idea off and wrote a three page story…which I just found again, actually.
Even just as throwaway lines.
Ad content continues below
So what made you want to revisit this world as a pro?
I believe in the idea, the world, and the characters.
So, I think it was only a matter of time before I went back to the world ofC.O.W.L.
kindly explain to those not in the know, the filmThe Leagueand how it inspiredC.O.W.L.
The Leagueis my senior thesis film, about the superhero labor union of 1960s Chicago.
Its like you said whatC.O.W.L.is inspired by.
In a lot of ways, it was a dry run.
We really only used the idea of a superhero labor union as a backdrop.
Now, inC.O.W.L., were really exploring what this organization is.
How it operates, whos in it, etc.
What drew you to the particular setting of 1960s Chicago?
How did this project end up at Image?
Kind of a total coincidence, actually.
Eric said well, Im interested… and it went from there.
Right now, Image is experiencing a creative renaissance not seen since mid 90s Vertigo.
Can you tell us about the creative dynamic of working with Image?
It focuses and pushes me.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be working there right now.
Whats it like to be fully immersed in a superhero universe that has a refreshingly possible third act dynamic?
Thats the whole draw ofC.O.W.L., in my opinion.
Its one of the things I love aboutGame of Thronesright now.
I havent read the books, but the HBO show has me hooked every week.
These characters change in big, dramatic ways.
Our characters will change, for better and for worse.
Were putting them in uncomfortable positions and challenging them.
How they react is what defines them and makes them interesting.
Quite a bit, actually.
And were not done!
Im staring at two books on my desk right now that I need to dive into next week.
Tell us about working with your co-writer Alec Siegel.
How do the two of you break story?
Eventually, well come back together and work on one document, with each of us taking turns typing.
Weve been writing together for a long time, about nine years.
Our process ebbs and flows, but for right now this is how were doing it.
It has, yes.
In big, big ways.
Its especially apparent when youre trying to build an arc for a character.
From there, technology advanced, costumed criminals became more common, and C.O.W.L.
Are there any particular Silver Age stories that have inspiredC.O.W.L.?
Its an amazing book.
Rod Reis is mostly known for his work as a colorist.
How did he get involved and what elements has he added to your established world?
We met onNightwing, which he colored the first sixteen issues of.C.O.W.L.is actually his first book as sequential artist.
I asked Rod aboutC.O.W.L.Its been a fantastic experience, and his art is so unique.
Especially a creator owned book that involves superheroes.
In the first arc, our main characters are all members of different divisions in C.O.W.L.
and their stories and purposes are really tied to the organization.
Geoffrey Warner is the founder and the leader, and hes also a retired superhero: The Grey Raven.
Hes something of a living legend, and C.O.W.L.
Its also a Chicago institution and, in his mind, is incredibly necessary for keeping the city safe.
Kathryn Mitchell, Radia, is a telekinetic, and a member of the tactical trinity.
Theres also the hints of something there between her and Geoffrey…possibly an old relationship.
John Pierce works in the investigations division.
Hes kind of our moral compass in the book.
He sees what C.O.W.L.
has become and knows what it used to be.
The case he gets involved with, questions a lot of what he thinks he knows about C.O.W.L.
Grant Marlow is a member of the patrols division, along with his partner, Eclipse.
Grant doesnt have any powers or a codename…which is rare for any members working the streets.
This is definitely a story point though.
Grant feels rather inadequate in the organization, the weakest link, if you will.
He also has a twelve year old son who has become rather disillusioned about his father.
Grants story in this first arc is about finding his purpose in C.O.W.L.
Who would you consider the antagonist of the series?
The opening of issue 1 follows the organization taking down the last of the big villains from the 1950s.
The times are changing.
Can the heroes change with them?
Can you describe the differences of working on a project that is wholly your own?
I wouldnt say its harder…Id say its different.
In a lot of ways, its incredibly liberating.
As I said before, these characters can grow and change.
Anything can happen, and everything that does happen, has consequences and lasting ramifications.
But, having gotten a taste of it, I dont think I could ever give it up.
Its a crowded marketplace, what will readers find inC.O.W.L.that they wont find anywhere else?
Will any other time periods be shown besides the 60s?
Modern day superhero unions?
Well be showing earlier versions of the union, definitely.
As well as sequences from World War II.
As far as modern day…no, there arent any plans for that right now.
Do any real world figures take part in the story?
Presidents, Mayors, public figures…were pulling from history where applicable.
Kyle Higgins, thank you very much!
Like us onFacebookand follow us onTwitterfor all news updates related to the world of geek.
AndGoogle+, if thats your thing!
