Writer Judd Winick Introduces Us to Africa's Batwing

Judd Winick is the award-winning writer of the new bat-themed monthly comic book Batwing. He is known for his work on the autobiographical graphic novel "Pedro and Me," which was based on his friendship with roommate Pedro Zamora from Winick's stint on MTV's "The Real World: Los Angeles." He's also worked with other DC characters like Green Lantern, Batman, Captain Marvel, and Superman.

Tell us what sort of research you did on Africa - the way people live and the state of the government - for Batwing?

I've spoken to the heads of African studies at a number of Universities. I've spoken to people who've been to Africa, people who've lived in Africa, and Africans themselves. It was very important to me to "get it right." We didn't want this to feel like it was a story that could be transplanted into another book. We wanted it to feel and look like it was IN Africa. That said, it's still a superhero story. A man dressed as a silver metal Bat beats up other people in crazy costumes. It's not a trip to a social studies class.

What sort of pressures do you feel heading up the launching of a new Bat-based character?

I feel pressure with ANY new title. However, it's a good pressure. We always want to tell a story that's compelling, original and entertaining. With a Bat book, the expectations are always high. In this case, we practically have to justify why this book exists. "Another bat book?" I think we do. This is new in so many ways. We all feel that it adds to the Batman cannon in such a bold and dynamic way.

What would you say to someone who is skeptical about picking up another Bat-themed book with so many others already out there?

This is different from ANY of the other books. We're on another continent for starters, and Batwing is not simply a black Batman, or an African Batman. He has his own troubled origins and obstacles. [He has] a very tortured past that we will be exploring, [including] everything from being an AIDS orphan to being a boy soldier. It's exciting. We don't hit the ground running. We hit the ground EXPLODING. It's a very action packed and very emotional ride.

Tell us a little bit about this new villain Massacre that was introduced in Batwing issue #1. What was your influence for the character and what can we expect from him?

I wanted a villain who was scary as hell. Someone who the readers wouldn't feel safe around. He's a killer. Plain and simple. He's murdering African heroes. His introduction is also the introduction to Batwing, this world and this story. The mystery around him propels everything we do in the initial stories.

Share with us what you are the most excited about with the new Batwing title?

Just about everything. I get to work with artist Ben Oliver, who is going to be a superstar. He creates images that are both dynamic and realistic. It makes the drama, the action, and the terror that much more REAL and believable. We get to bring a new Batman to the world and tell this story from the fertile, beautiful, and troubled continent of Africa. It's all wide open.

For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:

Tony S. Daniel Talks About Detective Comics and Batman Relaunch
DC Comics New 52 Top Six #1 Titles - September 7, 2011
Grant Morrison Talks Relaunching Action Comics and Superman's Career

Eric Shirey is the founder and editor of Rondo Award nominated movie and comic book news websites MovieGeekFeed.com and TheSpectralRealm.com. He also served as a news reporter for the award winning movie website GordonandtheWhale.com. His work has been featured on Yahoo! Movies, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! TV, Associated Content from Yahoo!, DC Comics, StarWars.com, and other national entertainment websites. Besides his three decades long obsession with everything sci-fi, horror, and fantasy related in TV and movies, Eric has what some would call an unhealthy love for comic books. This has led him to interviewing and covering legendary writers and artists in the medium like Scott Snyder, Steve Niles, Bernie Wrightson, and Howard Chaykin. His personal website is www.ersink.com.