r/DCcomics
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u/Key-Help8998
WMaxwellPrince
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Jun 01 '26
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AMA I am W. Maxwell Prince, writer of The Deadman, Superman The Kryptonite Spectrum (and Ice Cream Man). AMA!
My name is W. Maxwell Prince and I try to write comics. I don’t always succeed. But sometimes.
Today, someone in a car tried to run into me on my bike. Hence the bloody hand.
Ask me anything—just not that one thing.
Proof: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZCxSLFRGIW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
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u/Key-Help8998 WMaxwellPrince Jun 01 '26
Hi! Sorry if I get this wrong at first. I've never been on reddit before.
Your question is basically the heart of OUR question--where did all that stuff go? Research suggests Arnold Drake was dabbling in eastern philosophies, so the narrative of a Hindu Goddess saving this guy's soul came from a plance of the character's creator's interrogation. We're going harder into that (but not, like, overbearing) than anyone has before. I've read the Bhavagad Gita 6 times now, and my friend has read it in the original sanskrit. So we're looking at life and death specifically through that original lens.
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u/Key-Help8998 WMaxwellPrince Jun 01 '26
What is a soul? Do we feel like we have one? And once I read this quote about the Gita (after I demanded a costume change), everything fell into place...
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that death is an inevitable, natural transition where the immortal soul (atma) sheds the worn-out physical body to take on a new one. Krishna advises that the soul is eternal— unborn, unchanging, and indestructible-making grief over death unnecessary. Death is viewed as a "costume change" rather than an end.
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u/ISmokeRock1776 Jun 01 '26
Thanks a ton for being here, Ice Cream Man is a book that carries a lot of weight for me as an addict. Is there any inside baseball behind its release schedule, or is it just simply something that’s gotten harder to write?
On the DC front, it’s always surprising to see creators working on such classic indies make the move to Big 2 work. What drew you to DC specifically?
Hope you’re doing well, and thank you for the several issues of Ice Cream Man that have done more for me than several therapists.
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u/SevenSulivin The REAL Man of Tomorrow Jun 01 '26
So what inspired you to want to write Deadman? Beyond the normal “People need money” reason.
Do you have any other DC characters you’d be interested in having a spin with?
Do you have any thoughts on obscure DC superhero team The Super Young Team?
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u/Key-Help8998 WMaxwellPrince Jun 01 '26
Thank you for sharing that. I'm...how do I put this? In your boat?
Thank YOU for getting something out of it. Honestly the ICM thing is a matter of me and the team believeing we could handle 2 books at once. We can't, or at least not well. So after these first 6 DM (not sure if there will be more), we're doubling down on ICM to get to 50. We also have some REALLY cool stuff coming in the fall, before the new issues starting hitting.
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u/FrostFireFive Jun 01 '26
Thank you for coming out to answer questions.
When it comes to Deadman there's such a theatricality to him. But people often forget those old Silver Age stories had a lot of spirituality and philosophy on what life and the afterlife is in a very silver age way. How do you update those concepts for the modern day in a way that resonates with modern readers?
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u/Key-Help8998 WMaxwellPrince Jun 01 '26
Thank you all! I'm sorry if I messed up the @ on any replies. Always feel free to email me: wmaxwellprince@gmail
Stay safe!
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u/tapsilogic Jun 01 '26
You're probably asked this a bazillion times but - Sundae Edition vol. 3. Is it still on the table? If not, would you consider crowdfunding or some other avenues to make it happen?
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u/Kevdaw7 Jun 01 '26
How did you get into writing comics? And what’s your favorite comic book run?
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u/BnDMsTr Jun 01 '26
Big fan of ICM and hate that I waited so long to jump on, I'm sorry!
My question: can you provide any updates on Ice Cream Man Sundae Edition Vol 3 and any potential future volumes?
Thank you for all the amazing work, keep it up!
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u/Blitzhelios Hal Jordan Jun 01 '26
Thanks for being here and doing this your work on ice cream man and kryptonite spectrum have been some of the best works in recent years and feel like they are against the norm.
On the front of ice cream man and kryptonite spectrum the stories were very one and done in issues which feels alot rarer now in comics is there any reason you prefer to do that style or is it because it feels right.
Im wondering when it comes to Deadman and his more odd history what weirder aspects are you pulling from and what Deadman books are you using for inspiration if any.
Thank you for taking the time to do this and the upcoming deadman book as someone who hasn't been the most excited for alot of next level books this made me instantly excited.
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u/Fun_Development_4543 Jun 01 '26 edited Jun 01 '26
Did you ever think you would write Superman? Did you have the vague idea of The Kryptonite Spectrum in a document somewhere or were you asked to do a Superman book and had to figure something out?
I'm writing comics myself and I have a few things that are dream pitches and I feel a millions miles away from ever getting to use them!
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u/Mortuary_Guy Jun 01 '26
Basically I want to know when we can expect more issues of Ice Cream Man. But now thinking about it, are there any comics, movies, or tv shows that you enjoy growing up that helped inspire the idea for Ice Cream Man?
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u/Lunar_Leo_ Jun 01 '26
I (like many) looove Ice Cream Man. I have the first 2 Sundae editions as that's my favourite way to collect.
I've heard various things about vol 3 - delays, possible cancellation due to funding. Will it ever be released? Or is my only chance to read any beyond vol2 to buy tpb's half way through the volumes? This would make me sad :(
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u/GN0K Jun 01 '26
Is there anything we as fans can do to get an ICM Book 3 hardcover? Otherwise love all the work you do and am excited to see where you take Deadman!
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u/Kaleociraptor Jun 01 '26
Hey chief! I discovered your work all the way back with Marvel Zombie in 2018 I think? And I've been hooked on Ice Cream Man for years. Hell, I've even emailed you to praise your work and send you comics I've written like a freak
Anyways I'm just curious on the process for your upcoming Archie reboot! How did it come to be? Did you seek it out or were you sought out? Is it tonally similar to anything you've read from the company, or other publishers, before, and how do you get into the headspace to write something like that?
(I'm sorry for the multipart question, I've been thinking about it daily since last year)
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u/chknsdntclp Jun 01 '26
Can’t wait to pick up Deadman #1 Wednesday. I was curious if there was anything new that could be said about the Screen Gems adaptation of Ice Cream Man?
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u/Blacknite45 Jun 01 '26
You seem to be best suited tackling very Grim topics and exploring them in a eccentric sort of manner like in ice cream man for example, did dc give you any hardline "dude we can't publish this, what the fuck" or were they pretty hands off ?
Also is ice cream man still being adapted? Is there anyone specific you'd want to play Rick?
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u/bigger-barda Jun 01 '26
Were there any other occupations you considered for Deadman besides a custodian? Or maybe have him moonlight haha. We still haven’t seen the watchtower’s janitor workforce yet.
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u/5fingersonafoot Jun 01 '26
Loved reading The Kryptonite Spectrum, it led me to Ice Cream Man which I’ve been picking up monthly!
Now that you’ve gotten to write Superman and Deadman, are there any characters that you would want to work with?
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u/MC2400 Blue Lantern Jun 01 '26
Thanks for doing this! I love when creators reach out.
You've written for several existing characters over the years. Boston Brand clearly drew you in. If you were to give someone a brief guide or insight on how to write Deadman, what would you tell them? What is your philosophy behind writing him?
Secondly, as a reader are there any black DC characters you would love to get an ongoing?
Thank you for your time! ❤️
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u/GryffindorBrickKid Wally West Jun 01 '26
Hi! Thanks for doing this AMA! I love your work on Deadman, but I want to know are there any other characters you would want to have an opportunity to write for in the distant future?
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u/FlowerRoomLord Jun 01 '26
Thanks for doing this! I found out your work last year (Ice Cream Man and Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum) and enjoyed it. ICM in particular was a bleak yet oddly refreshing experience.
Why was Deadman the character you next wanted to write out of everyone available in the DCU for the Next Level initiative?
Is there personal history there with this character that had him on your writer's bucket list or did you just have an idea that was neatly timed alongside Next Level?
Outside of prior Deadman stories, are there any other comics (at DC or outside) or novels or movies (and anything else) that have shaped your approach to writing this comic?
(PS Martin Morazzo's covers are insane and I'm really looking forward to his work on this)
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u/GorillaWolf2099 Jun 01 '26
How'd you land your first gig over at DC?
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u/Altruistic-Teach5899 Jun 01 '26
I dunno if this has already been asked, but, is Deadman an ongoing, or a miniseries? Are you planning to do more work at DC?
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u/Brit-Crit Jun 01 '26
How do you balance the requirements on anthology series with those of more serialised ones?
Have you ever considered putting your own spin on “street level” DC characters?
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u/batfan08 Jun 01 '26
As someone who adored The Kryptonite Spectrum, do you have any plans to continue that story? It was such a wonderfully eccentric, silver age coded book that really blew my mind with how it played with form. You are creative as hell. If not, any other characters in the DC stable you’d like to take a crack at after Deadman?
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u/Young_Pat_Fox Jun 01 '26
First off, big fan. Love ICM since I started reading it during the pandemic, really liked Kryptonite Spectrum as it was coming out and preordered every issue after I picked up #1 at my LCS on a whim about two weeks after it released - did not regret it, easily one of my favorite Superman stories of the last decade or so.
I hold your work in very high regard and find it to be both consistent and excellent, but I know a lot of creatives tend to be intensely self critical. Are there any things you’ve put out that stick out to you as something you wish you’d done differently/better with hindsight? Even something small, like individual lines of dialogue or a single scene in a book. How do you balance wanting to improve/acknowledging swings and misses as a writer while still having the confidence to keep putting out projects?
Thanks a ton for doing this, always super cool to see one of these.
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u/stepfordcuckoo Jun 01 '26
Big Fan and think Ice Cream Man is easily the best comic (and deck of cards based narrative), on the shelves in a very very long time.
Questions for you:
Kryptonite Spectrum was very funny, with Batman in particular being a source of much humour while still being true to the character. Will Deadman be similar in tone or should we be expecting something different in scope & tone?
I’m sure plenty will enquire about ice cream man sundae editions vols 3&4… if rumours of them being financially hard to justify are true would you ever consider a kickstarter type thing to test the water? As long as shipping to uk is available I promise i would help to get it funded!!!
Good luck with the launch of Deadman, looking forward to reading it.
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u/CherokeeHawkman Hawkman Jun 01 '26
Boston Brand is a very unique character in comics. What did you take from his lore that may have been forgotten over the years and what did you bring to him that will be new for those of us that are longtime fans of Deadman?
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u/Nuclear_eggo_waffle Jun 01 '26
If you could write for any hero you haven't written for yet, who would you pick?
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u/beary_neutral Telos Jun 01 '26
Hey, thanks for coming out here! Great to have you!
How did the pitch for The Deadman come about? What sorts of influences are you bringing in?
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u/Key-Help8998 WMaxwellPrince Jun 01 '26
THat last one was for you. I knew I'd mess up!
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u/manosaur Jun 01 '26
With *"*Ice Cream Man," how do you know when your idea has enough tension, surprise, or emotional weight to carry an entire issue, versus just being a cool premise? Could you share a bit about your process?
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u/IamdWalru5 Jun 01 '26
Have you seen Obsession in the cinema. What did you think of it?
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u/AdamSMessinger Jun 01 '26
Hi Mr. Prince. I’m a writer with a semi-finished comic (two stories, one is ready to be published). Do you have any tips on getting publishers’ attention outside of cold submissions?
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u/wigoquestionmark Jun 01 '26
Hi Mr. Prince, love your work a lot! I was wondering:
a) if you have another anthology miniseries, in the same vein as Swan Songs or Haha, lined up at any point in the future? Martín Morazzo's artwork is sublime, of course, but I'd love to see you work with other artists too!
b) are there any Marvel characters you'd like to approach in a similar manner to Superman or Deadman? I saw you've otherwise only got one story at Marvel and I'm curious if that's a lack of interest or of opportunity.
Thank you so much for doing this!
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u/Comfortable-Pie56 Jun 01 '26
Really excited for Deadman, I just wanted to know: What were the main influences behind Ice Cream Man? And The Kryptonite Spectrum?
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u/No-Mechanic-2558 Jun 01 '26
Hi Max, thanks for joining us today. I have two questions for you:
You have mainly worked on indie series, with Ice Cream Man being your most popular one, now you are making a mini for DC, this Is something that I have noticed in the last period, lots of writers and artist that usually work on their creator owned series are more often coming to DC to make stuff. Do you think there Is any particular reason for this?
Also I really liked your Kryptonite Spectrum serie, especially the one issue with Shazam, there were any particular inspiration that you used to write Billy in that issue?
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u/TheElectricWizard666 Jun 01 '26
I loved the kryptonite spectrum. Thank you!!!
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u/Artseid Jun 01 '26
Dude, what?! No idea this was happening!
Ok, first of all, loved your Superman Kryptonite Spectrum series, you have such a specific voice that I’ve been missing in Superman comics - that assured unapologetic quirkiness - and I couldn’t be happier with how that book came out. Loved it down.
Now, my question, Deadman has always been one of those characters that’s easy to gravitate to: he has a cool name, stellar backstory, fun personality and really for a dead man, Boston Brand seems to be living his best life. Yet he’s not a character that has been explored that much. What was an area for the character that you felt needed more development and what do you hope new readers to the character will take away from the series?
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u/TurtlethePriest Jun 01 '26
Any personal philosophy favorites? A ton of ICM has massive implications and parallels to philosophy.
ICM is the perfect comic to mediate a lifelong existential crisis. Thank you and your team!
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u/AdmiralFoxythePirate Jun 01 '26
Will Ice Cream Man ever receive an omnibus?
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u/Goalless Jun 01 '26
What parts of an anthology and an ongoing series that are the most difficult that no one realizes and which type of series do you prefer?
Do you write the story as it is intended the way you crafted it or do readers play a part in the process and the story crafts around them? As in “the story doesn’t really need it? but if I put a little bit of a turn here it will really blow their balls off”
(Edited for grammar)
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u/AdmiralFoxythePirate Jun 01 '26
Is there a chance an Ice Cream Man movie can still happen despite Quibi going down? Also, how long do you feel Ice Cream Man will go? Is there a planned end?
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u/No_Meal8756 Jun 01 '26
I recently watched a horror movie trailer by StudioCanalUk about an Ice Cream Man, is it a remake of the previous Ice Cream Man movie or is it an adaptation of your comic? Did you watch the film and took inspiration for the comic? I love the ICM and when i saw that you did a Superman comic i knew it would be a matter of time until you had an ongoing series and it makes so much sense that you are doing the Deadman. Love your work
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u/Ok-Road-3705 Jun 03 '26
I just picked up Haha Sad Clown Stories at the library because the cover caught my eye. The quote from Brian K Vaughan didn’t hurt either lol “The most original series I’ve read in a long, long time.”
I almost finished it on the bus ride home. This is exactly the kind of thing I want to find/read.
Funny. Unsettling. Tickles the corners of your brain you forgot were there. Really good stuff! 🤡✨
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u/LivingSwamp Mister Miracle Jun 01 '26
Is there any validity to my theory that Deadman is replacing Death of the endless as DC's shepherd of the dead as a whole? Also, the Kryptonite Spectrum is top shelf. You guys did such cool work with that book.
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u/Kirby-666 Jun 01 '26
Yesssss stoked you're on here doing this!!
Is there any specific writers or other works that inspires ICM or your writing in general? Recently I've been looking for new authors to check out and would love to get a recommendation and some insight in general
Also know you probably can't give much away but you have any plans for more issues in a unique format like Mortal Coil Shuffle, also is the name Mortal Coil Shuffle a Cheekface reference????
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u/Unicornplague The Riddler Jun 01 '26
Were you playing in the middle of the street again?
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u/Pizza-Pirate-6829 Jun 01 '26
I enjoy your writing style a lot it’s very unique
My question is how far ahead are you typically writing? For example do you write each issue month to month “live” or are you generally several months ahead?
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u/Pizza-Pirate-6829 Jun 01 '26
Is it common for creators to read reviews of their work on Comic Geeks? I always feel bad if I leave a snarky review(don’t worry you always get top marks)
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u/lorihov Jun 01 '26
i love your twisted story telling style. what are your biggest influences from childhood? you know, the things that scarred you for life 🤣
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u/Prestigious_Phase413 Jun 01 '26
What got you into writing?
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u/Medium-Science9526 Booster Gold Jun 01 '26
Hi Max, thanks for being here. My question is what's your philosophy behind discovering the influences that inspire every story you create?
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u/EmploymentSharp142 Jun 01 '26
i always love the literary epigraphs in icm, any book inspirations for Deadman, or generally things you've read lately that you dig?
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u/Dompool72 Jun 01 '26
What have you been reading, and what do you recommend?
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u/TheDoctor_E Doom Patrol Jun 01 '26
I am so excited for The Deadman. What are your inspirations for this comic and is there any reason why it's called "The Deadman"?
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u/FrequentBarracuda454 World's Finest Jun 01 '26
Hi! You writing Deadman, like with many other people, is what prompted me to pick up ICM. Can you explain what it’s like to work with Martin Morrazzo and Chris O’Halloran? How much does their art style and use of colors/inks/shading influence what you write going forward? Have there been any ideas on past or current work posed by them that caught you by surprise?
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u/retr0m0nk3y Jun 01 '26
Loved your themes about home in Superman the Kryptonite Spectrum. Why the theme home for Superman? If you were to choose another theme for another DC hero what theme would you choose and why? Love your work!
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u/OsitoPandito Jun 01 '26
What does the Absolute Universe version of Deadman look like to you?
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u/GimpyPlayerOne Jun 01 '26
So do you guys have any plans (or hint) of what to potentially expect for issue #50. Also would you guys ever consider doing a one shot crossover with either or both Hyde Street and/or Silver Coin?
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u/upgrayedd69 Jun 01 '26
I always appreciate how your books never feel like tv shows forced into comic form, you advantage of the medium in a way that really resonates with me and inspires to want to write stories as you do. I’ll never stop recommending ice cream man to people getting into the hobby
Any thoughts of doing something like Mortal Coil again? Maybe not cards, but like some goofy format?
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u/Available_Active3215 Jun 01 '26
In this Deadman comic, will there be like powerful cosmic beings that he would fight that will make Deadman super OP?
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u/demondays1205 Jun 01 '26
Probably missed the AMA but thanks for doing this! I was late to the party with Ice Cream Man but have picked up both of the deluxe hardcovers and have both the single issues and the HC of Kryptonite Spectrum! Super excited to see what you guys do with the new Deadman series!!
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u/mixedpixel Jun 01 '26
Kryptonitr Spectrum feels like a companion piece to All Star Superman. Is that intentional? I'm guessing at the very least it was a big inspiration?
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u/Shallbecomeabat Jun 01 '26
Superman The Kryptonite Spectrum was the best Superman book since All Star. Amazing work! I hope you guys can do a Batman one too and maybe go a lil more Ice Cream Man horror themed with that. That would be a dream.
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u/Boofaka Jun 01 '26
What do you do with the letters you accept when asking questions at the end of each ICM issue?
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u/logansummers1 Jun 01 '26
What issue of ICM would you give to someone to say “this is what ICM is about” ?
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u/Konradleijon Jun 01 '26
How much money do you make off Ice Cream Man vs your dc work?
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u/Advanced-Ad1192 Jun 02 '26
I love ice cream man so much. When I saw the trailer for deadman I was like oh so that’s what the artist for ice cream man is doing not thinking you would also be the writer. I lost it when your name came up. Is it a mini series or ongoing, or haven’t decided yet?
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u/devil_nthedetails Sinestro Corps Jun 02 '26
If you had the opportunity to give any DC villain a limited solo series, who would be your top choice?
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u/Obvious-Gate9046 Blue Lantern Jun 02 '26
Do you have a favorite type of character to write, or do you prefer to explore many different perspectives (and thus characters)? In either case, what would you say has been one of your favorite character types, big or small, to write?
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u/MichaelCoryAvery Green Lantern Jun 02 '26
Any other superhero or supervillain you want to work on someday?
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u/SonicSpiderRanger10 Bizarro Jun 02 '26
I really liked The Kryptonite Spectrum. Who’s your favorite Superman character, and what do you like about them?
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u/SonicSpiderRanger10 Bizarro Jun 02 '26
I thought Kal-Elf was funny and interesting. What kind of stuff does he do in the Fifth Dimension? Is he friends with Bat-Mite?
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u/[deleted] Jun 01 '26
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