Back at New York Comic Con, Dynamite Entertainment announced that Mark Waid would be writing a Green Hornet series. After months of waiting, the time is nearly upon us.
We have seen different Green Hornet series in the past. Waid made it clear he wanted to go back to the original. Having worked on this story for a few years, his plan was to look at the darker years towards the end of his career. We'll have to wait until next week to see how it turns out.
Until then, we had the chance to ask Waid a few questions to get us ready for the release of the first issue.
Comic Vine: What is about Green Hornet that appeals to you?
Mark Waid: That he's almost more of a hero in his civilian identity. I love that back in that era, a newspaper publisher could be a true force for justice by speaking his mind and printing the truth from his bully pulpit.
CV: You're well versed on…pretty much everything you write. Did you have to do any digging or research to write a GH story set in the 1940s?
MW: A refresher course, at least. I was pretty up on the Hornet, but delving back into it reminded me that it's not a superhero series--it's a crime series.
CV: Do you have to remind yourself not to include little things like cellphones or television when writing your scripts?
MW: Ha! No, I'm pretty cautious about anachronisms. I'm sure I'll slip up at some point, but so far, so good. And the artist, Daniel Indro, has been GREAT about staying "in period."
== TEASER ==
CV: How much will we see of Green Hornet's alter ego, Britt Reid compared to his time in costume?
MW: At least as much. To me, Britt's the real hero of the series. At least until issue two...when he becomes its villain...
CV: How do you see the relationship or dynamic between Green Hornet and Kato?
MW: Much more as partners, much more as equals--but as Britt's power grows in the city, little slips of arrogance will get under Kato's skin, and the result won't be pretty.
CV: As a newspaper man, would Britt use his position to build up Green Hornet's presence in the media? Would he want the world and the criminal element to know he's out gunning for the bad guys?
MW: Remember, the Hornet is NOT gunning for the bad guys. The Hornet WANTS everyone to believe he's the world's first super-criminal, and the crooks in the city act accordingly. When the Hornet enters the room, it's as if Dr. Doom suddenly walked in. He commands respect. And then he takes what he learns and, as Britt Reid, uses it as a weapon against crime. It's a smart setup.
CV: Aside from the newspaper, does Britt have other obligations he has to juggle when trying to make a get away to change into costume?
MW: You mean like his weekly World of Warcraft sessions? No, not really.He keeps to himself.
CV: Will Green Hornet have any sort of nemesis besides gangsters?
MW: Absolutely. The first nemesis he faces is a saboteur terrorist known only as "The Voice." And the havoc he wreaks is unimaginable.
CV: Would there ever come a time where Britt just says, "Man, I'm tired of wearing green all the time"?
MW: Only on St. Patty's Day, which Britt refers to as "Amateur Night."
You can pick up Mark Waid's THE GREEN HORNET #1 on Wednesday, March 27.