THE PULSE: How did you get involved with the series Beware the Creeper?

CLIFF CHIANG: I was talking to Vertigo Editor Will Dennis about a really interesting pitch he'd received from Jason Hall. As it turned out, my name was on Jason's suggested artist list, which frankly surprised the hell out of me. Here was someone who actually wanted to work with me! I'd just read Pistolwhip and thought it was great, so I was ready to go.

We were asked to develop some more ideas, possibly revamping an older character. After poring through stacks of DC's Who's Who books, we had a short list, but Will kept asking "What do you think about the Creeper?" It wasn't until the third time he mentioned it, nudged, and winked that we got the hint.

Jason and I tossed ideas back and forth and it was a great experience. Once we settled on a basic story, he went and figured out a rough version which he'd tell me over the phone. I'd suggest a few things, ask "what if...?", and the next day, he'd come back with an even better story. It was fun to see the pitch grow and evolve. I don't think either of us would have predicted its final form, and that's the best part about collaborating.

THE PULSE: What made this a desirable assignment?

CHIANG: Pretty quickly, Jason and I realized we had a lot of common interests and tastes in comics. We share a certain sense of visual style and pacing, which if I had to guess, comes from our mutual interest in film studies. As a writer, he's very careful to make sure that the art also has to carry the story. It's not a bunch of talking heads; he really wants you to watch and feel the story. It's rare to find that kind of synergy, and it meant that I really had to do this miniseries.

I'd also wanted to do something with French pulp anti-heroes for a while. Diabolik, Fantomas, Lupin, Irma Vep - they're all great characters, and our Creeper very much comes out of that tradition. Lots of images that I've kept stored in my brain for a while, and it's a relief to finally put them on paper!

THE PULSE: How did you alter or adapt your art style for Beware the Creeper?

CHIANG: It's not a radical shift, but I like to adapt the style to suit the project. The art here is much more lush and slick than anything I've done before. Part of that is to evoke the feel of European comics. Lots of visual information. What's most rewarding for me about this series is that I've been able to talk with everyone about what I'd like the book to look like, almost like an art director. John Workman and I came up with an interesting and (I think) elegant take on lettering, and I've discussed color ideas with Dave Stewart, who'll bring a beautiful, almost painted look, to the pages. It's a dream to be working with these artists that I really admire, and to present a visual style that's not often seen in American mainstream comics. I feel very, very lucky.

I'm also doing the covers, which is a whole new ball game. I want to make sure the book really looks different on the stands. Luckily, this isn't the Creeper battling the villain of the month, so there's a lot more room for graphic, poster style images.

THE PULSE: How is Beware the Creeper different from the average book?

CHIANG: It's a really exciting, accessible story. You don't need to know anything about the original Ditko Creeper (though there's a few Easter eggs if you do), but I think it stays faithful to the spirit of the character. There's also lots of great drama and action, beautiful people, sex, violence, the whole works. It's like a big-budget, period action thriller. When's the last time you saw one of those?

THE PULSE: What are some of the biggest challenges to creating this book?

CHIANG: I want to be as true to the locale and history as I can, but sometimes it can be difficult to find the right reference. Most importantly, though, we want to create the FEELING of Paris in the '20s: the nightlife and cafÈ's, jazz music, provocative avant garde artists pushing the boundaries of society after the gloom of World War I. The location is as much a character as anything here.

THE PULSE: What was one of the most difficult scenes to create?

CHIANG: I'm only halfway through issue three at this point, but I think the hardest stuff is still coming up. We've got some elaborate action/chase scenes planned, and I can't wait to draw it.

THE PULSE: Whom if anyone when designing the leads did you base them on?

CHIANG: I think it's pretty obvious that only one person could play the Creeper:

Samuel L. Jackson!

Seriously? The designs take their inspiration from a lot of different actors. I try to work towards a specific look, but getting an exact likeness isn't crucial. It's the subtle facial details, or an attitude. Whatever helps me make the characters "act" believably. You might see a little bit of Jude Law in one design, or Ewan MacGregor in another, maybe some Harrison Ford. Sometimes a leggy supermodel or even a classic Disney villain. It's a real mix of influences. I don't want readers to see those actors when they read the book, but I do want them to associate the characters with some of the qualities those people have. It's a visual shorthand.

THE PULSE: Why should people check this out?

CHIANG: Ironically, using an established character has allowed us to take more chances with the story. We're trying our best to do something fresh and original. Jason and I are both fairly new creators, so we're constantly pushing each other to try new things with the storytelling, stretching our own understanding of what makes a good story/comic/page/miniseries. We're putting a lot of story into five regular issues, and I hope people will feel they got their money's worth each month. And when all is said and done, I hope people will want to read it again. I've got boxes of stuff in my basement I've never looked at twice.

I do think people are curious to see what this book is all about. There's already been more buzz than we could have hoped for, and hopefully that anticipation will pay off. DC is doing a great job of promoting the book, too. In addition to some promo posters, there'll be free color previews of the book available in stores now. Readers and retailers can get a sneak peek at the first issue, and if they like what they see, they can preorder it right away in that month's Previews.

Spread the word!

quote:

---

Originally posted by leesuilung:
I'll try it becasue I love that first issue cover - and I like the Creeper - well the male version at least.

You'll have my attention for 2 issues gentlemen - lets see what you can do.

---

quote:

---

When last we spoke with Cliff Chiang, we learned about his origins as a comics fan and creator and about the Elseworld's project he provided the art for: Batman: Streets of Gold.

---

This is actually incorrect. The book was called Batman: The Golden Streets of Gotham, written by Jennifer Van Meter.

After seeing his richly detailed and evocative period work on Elseworlds: Batman: The Golden Streets of Gotham, I have plenty of reason to believe that he will achieve his goal of recreating the jazzy, arty, bo ho air of post WWI France with assuredness and grace. I'm looking forward to seeing this "character" of his come alive. Even just that one view, reproduced in the interview, is stunning.

Eagerly awaiting Beware the Creeper and, beyond that, Chiang's arcs on the upcoming Human Target monthly.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Melissa Beckerman:

This is actually incorrect. The book was called Batman: The Golden Streets of Gotham, written by Jennifer Van Meter.

And it was really really good.

---

Hey Melissa,
Thanks, and welcome to PULSE I fixed the error

And the story's good, too! The characters, the feel of the time and place, the dreams...

Good, good job!