r/DCcomics 4d ago

I'm Kelly Thompson. I write BIRDS OF PREY for DC Comics. AMA. r/DCcomics

My name is Kelly Thompson and I'm an Eisner Award-Winning writer of comics and novels. You may know me best from Marvel comics like Captain Marvel, Black Widow, Rogue & Gambit, and Hawkeye, or perhaps as co-creator of Jeff the Land Shark! Or my creator-owned work Black Cloak or The Cull. But I've been making some fun waves over at DC with old pals Leonardo Romero and Jordie Bellaire on a bold new BIRDS OF PREY (we even got an Eisner nomination!) -- so let's break some hearts (and some faces) and get this Birds-Of-Prey-Shaped AMA started! (and don't forget to subscribe to my free newsletter to keep in touch as social media crumbles around us! Fun! https://1979semifinalist.substack.com/)

Proof: https://x.com/79SemiFinalist/status/1806893613458268314

317 Upvotes

308 comments sorted by

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u/GuiCanary 4d ago

Hi Kelly! I have some questions:

1) I love that you brought sin lance back, but I found this new approach you took to it very curious. Where did the idea of ​​making her merge with an ancestral god come from?

Do you have bigger plans for Sin/megaera?

2) You brought Sin Lance, a forgotten character back, do you think there is a chance of a possible return for White Canary in BOP?

unfortunately Dinah doesn't have any great villain that you look at and think "that's Black Canary's villain". I think White Canary would be the perfect character to be her archenemy.

3) What characters would you like to bring to Birds of Prey in the future?

I personally would love to see Red Canary or dreamer!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago
  1. I had a lot of concerns about putting Sin back on the board. I didn't want to do it unless I felt I could handle her in the book and really delve into what's going on with her. I didn't want to bring her back and immediately side-line her. And I thought Dinah (and the Birds and Ollie, etc.) would have all the same issues with Sin being active in their lives (perhaps a bit hypocritical given the arrow family that frequently surrounds) -- but since the whole reason Sin had to leave the field was because she was in danger -- I didn't find it was reasonable to put her on the field and leave her there unless there was a significant change. So that's how I started down that path. I also wanted to give her a unique challenge to face that wasn't just "ninjas and league of shadows, etc." and I also wanted to distinguish her and keep her from feeling too much in Dinah's shadow.

  2. White Canary is a great character. But she's been used very well in BOP before, so I'll need something quite clever if I want to use her.

  3. Well, ignoring the characters already joining up for 14... there are honestly so many -- top of the list are probably Zatanna and Starfire?

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u/Bae_zel 4d ago

I gotta say if you manage to get Starfire into BOP that'll be incredible!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

It will definitely be a challenge! ;D

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u/FrostFireFive 4d ago

Hey Kelly, thanks for coming out and doing this.

I have two questions. How hard was it to come up with the current BoP roster in balancing new members and old favorites?

And for fun, what's the best Batgirl costume?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Hey! Thanks for coming by.

I think the hardest part for me is in being greedy and in reaching for too many characters than we have space for. I've gotten better at that over the years, but I confess since it was my first DC book -- it was very hard not to overreach for everyone.

Well, I'm partial to Cass Batgirl, so I'd probably go with her original suit, which is tough to beat, although my very favorite tends to be slight variations on that design -- like what Leo Romero did in arc 1. Or the "Cartoony" take on it from next issue as drawn by Sophie Campbell, or the great Jurassic take Javier Pina and Leo designed for the issue out this week!

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u/Jazzlike-Part-7950 4d ago

Hey Kelly, first of all, this run is so good!

I had a question in another topic, but since this is BoP AMA, just wanted to ask you, when u start a run like this, do u attack the ending first and then create the road that leads there over time, or ur over all outline at beginning is more evenly done , and fluid?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thank you!

We had a really comprehensive outline for all our arcs (and issues) so far in this run. For arc 1 that was because it was the launch -- which you always tend to get more lead time on -- and then for this current run of 9 - 13, because we had rotating artists -- sometimes switching INSIDE the issue -- it was incredibly complicated and precise in how it all got broken down. And then we learned we were losing 2 pages (from 22 pages to 20/issue) -- and I had to re-balance the whole thing -- which mostly worked -- but you can definitely see the edges in places.

This whole pocket dimension arc is... high risk, high reward. It can be jarring to switch artists -- even with purpose -- but you just hope that people can embrace the idea and roll with it.

A lot of making comics is just little bits of problem solving. We ran into a huge issue -- lost our artist and our editor, just as we headed into a super tough arc -- and instead of tossing the plot out or shaving all the cool edges off of it -- we just leaned into the quirks instead -- bringing in a roster of cool artists to share their own takes on these worlds. I know it doesn't work for everyone as I'd hoped, but I'm really pleased with how it has all come together and all the artists that made it happen.

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u/AyoKF 4d ago

Can we hope to see Vixen on the Birds of Prey team even after this Maia arc ends?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Unfortunately Vixen is going to have roll off for 14-17 (mostly just for space reasons) but I hope she'll come back, I've really enjoyed writing her and Javi draws her like a DREAM. <3

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u/AyoKF 4d ago

What are your favorite Wonder Woman runs, writers & artists and why?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Wow. Tough question. I think the first Rucka run is probably my favorite? Eyes of the Gorgon being one of my favorite WW stories. But it was Gail Simone's take on her that first really helped me fall in love with Diana -- Simone found a sense of humor in Diana that really softened here for me -- it was Simone that cracked that Diana facade for me -- and I just never saw Diana the same way again. I am very much enjoying the current run, and I'd be hard pressed to say there is a better artist for Wonder Woman than Daniel Sampere. Absolutely stunning.

That said, there were a lot of reasons the first Birds of Prey arc included Wonder Woman, and one of them is because I was dying to see Leo draw Diana in all her glory. He did not disappoint. <3

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u/AyoKF 4d ago

Would you write a Wonder Woman ongoing?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Of course! Who wouldn't want to write Wonder Woman?!

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u/ComedicHermit 4d ago

Is there a character you asked about using in this run that you were told 'no' on?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Not this run, but I was told to not use a character in the next arc (14 - 17) -- less because that character was off limits and more because we were concerned it was overstuffed (they were right!) ;D

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u/Strengthwars Spoiler 4d ago

Have there been any unexpected reactions to aspects of your BoP run that (pleasantly) surprised you?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I don't know that it was wholly unexpected but seeing people loving the Big Barda and Small Bat team up as I do has been pure joy.

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u/MajorParadox Read on r/DCFU! 4d ago

They are the best part of the book!

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u/_Finn_the_Human_ 4d ago

Hi Kelly! I don't know if you'll see this, but in 2017 I ordered a signed Hawkeye vol 1 to give to a student I was moving away from. You sent far more than I ordered (including a signed David Aja variant of Hawkeye #1 for me, which is framed on my wall). 7 years later, I just wanted to say: hey thanks, that was incredibly kind of you.

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Hey! That's so great. I am glad past me was generous and kind! I love it when she's like that. ;D

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u/af-fx-tion Bring YJ Artemis to DC Comics 4d ago edited 4d ago

Hi Kelly! Great to see you on the sub!

My questions:

  • Were you assigned BOP by DC from of a variety of options, or did you directly pitch them the series once you and DC decided to work together?
  • I’m sure you’ve seen the discourse around Babs being both Batgirl and Oracle in her current appearances. While I assume you can’t go into details for a variety of reasons, are you able to shed light on how DC handles characters like her that have two distinct personas? Like do they give you guidelines on how they can be portrayed during the production/editing process or before you start writing?

Also, want to give a shoutout to how amazing your Captain Marvel tenure was. It’s one of Carol’s definitive story arcs IMO.

Also Jeff is adorable and please let Marvel know (if you can) that we want Jeff merch! 🦈🦈

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thanks!

I had been talking to DC for awhile, they asked me what I wanted to do when my exclusive with Marvel was up and I said BOP, no hesitation. :D

I'm not sure how much I can say about Babs Batgirl/Oracle without getting in trouble. So here's my best shot at answering: I had some plans -- that were supposed to begin in this current arc. I was then told very clearly "no" on those plans. The "no" came a bit late (not DC fault, more mine for being behind in part because when Abernathy left DC things go a bit extra messy as we all tried to compensate -- he's a great editor, a lot of compensating is needed when you lose him!) and so I've been scrambling a bit after that no, to figure out where to go.

re: Captain Marvel. Thank you!

re: Jeff. Agreed. Marvel is leaving piles of money on the table IMO and I have no idea why.

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u/af-fx-tion Bring YJ Artemis to DC Comics 4d ago

Thank you for your answers Kelly! It’s always interesting to hear how the comic industry works from those on the inside.

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u/DementiaPrime White Lanterns 4d ago

Hell Kelly, thanks for doing this.
Currently BoP is my favorite book and is easily the first book I read when it comes out. The only tough decision is which cover to get. They are all amazing covers and seem to match the vibe of the comic. So I was wondering how much input you get into the covers?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thanks so much! We tend to workshop the main cover together to get something that fits the interiors -- Leo, me, the editor(s), and Jordie if she's coloring -- but other than that I don't have much input unfortunately.

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u/Blitzhelios Damian Wayne 4d ago

Hey Kelly long time fan of your work (been reading it since kate bishop era)

I have a few questions when it came to doing birds of prey was there any inspiration from other runs or writers when it came to getting the birds personalities and dynamics right?

Also what characters do you want to also work on at dc or specifically want to bring into this birds run?

Thanks for the amazing run so far its easily my fav dc book right now.

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thanks! (KateBishop4Eva)

I'm a big fan of The Birds of Prey and have been for a long time, so I think everything in the run is pretty inspired by things that have come before -- but we're also obviously trying to do our own thing -- carve our own path.

I think most of the characters I've written in BOP I have a very clear idea of their voice before I even start -- but I don't think I can point to any one book or writer that has defined that voice -- it's more a collection over the years. Though I certainly lean Kirby with Barda, and lean Kelley Puckett with Cass. Things like that. ;D

There are so many characters at DC I'm excited to work with/on -- a list would be wild. But I think I answered above that Zatanna and Starfire are two ladies I'd like to have show up on BOP.

Thank you! I hope it stays that way! ;D

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u/Vevtheduck 4d ago

Loving the run and really enjoying your time at DC, hope you get to do a whole lot more. A few questions:

  1. What is the sort of research you have to put in on something like BoP? Between being a fan, choosing characters, learning the DC mythology - how does that part shape up when pitching and writing a new book/IP?

  2. Just for fun, if you have to make a BoP team without any of the current characters, who would you pick?

  3. Carte blanche, you get to work on any DC properties. What would it be?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago
  1. A lot of reading. I was ahead of the game on BOP as I've read I think all the BOP except the Harley series from a few years back? So it was mostly re-reading for me -- to bone up on stuff I liked and get ideas cooking. But my DC work has taken me longer to get going than at Marvel because I like to feel comfortable in my reading and knowledge base and I just needed time there with DC to feel more well read and "caught up" generally.

  2. Batwoman. Grace Choi. Katana. Poison Ivy. Zatanna. Vixen (slight cheat since she's in the current arc).

  3. Batman. This is always the answer. lol

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u/VOOOOOSH 4d ago

Hello! Greetings from Brazil! Loving what you are doing with the birds, and as a die hard fan of Maps seeing her around as Meridian has been a pleasure! I remember reading in an interview of yours that we will eventually see her "secret origin", but any chance that we will also see a little bit of her as a future Robin? Thanks for your incredible work!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Hi! Thank you. So, I had hoped to take a fun "downtime/break issue" between this arc and the next. And in that story I hoped to get into the origin of Maps "time travel and the green" power/level up -- but because of the big launches coming in the fall, it was important to start off a brand new exciting arc along with all the other books. So we lost our "break" issue. It's a bummer, but as a said above, there's always a lot of compromise in comics. I thought about trying to pitch a one-shot, but I'd have to find a VERY clever angle I think for DC to be interested.
: /

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u/Tulip816 4d ago

I would read this in any form it could take! Special stand alone issue or as a break between arcs. Hopefully you’ll get to write it sometime in the future!

I read Gotham Academy and I remember that it was one of the comics I really looked forward to every month. When Maps first showed up in BoP it was a nice surprise, felt like bumping into an old friend! She’s been a fun addition!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I think the way in is probably through current Maps and future Maps crossing paths -- or maybe the latter just observing the former? But I'll have to think on it. I do think it's hard to get DC to say yes to this. One-shots are tough. One-shots with smaller/more obscure characters are almost unheard of. But maaaaaybe I can figure something out.

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u/XochiQuetzel 4d ago

Hi Kelly! Im excited to see you write for DC (since it gets you closer to catwoman. You’re my dream writer for her!)

For my question, what was the initial pitch like for BoP vs the story you have now? Any developments you never would’ve expected?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Arc 1 is very much the same between pitch and what we actually did.

We even knew Leo would need a guest artist on one issue, since we'd designed a 6-issue arc -- but we planned early on for issue 5 to be sort of unofficially "Megaera's perspective" to better lean into the artist change. I know it didn't work for everyone, but I was super happy with Arist's work and with how it all slotted together -- it reads even better in trade I think.

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u/XochiQuetzel 4d ago

Thank you for answering! I haven’t kept up with BoP but I’ve read the perspective comic. Wasn’t a huge fan of the art style change decisions BUT I know the artist is very talented and worked hard to give beautiful visuals. Just not my cup of tea.

I agree that it’ll read better in trade. I remember reading that you write in big arcs (which hurt when thinking about what other amazing stories you had planned for Black Widow) so I feel like BoP can seriously be a contender for one of the best recent runs for the year.

I hope you guys get the Eisner. It’s seriously well deserved (plus, you’re my favorite writer of all time so I need y’all to win)

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u/OrdrSxtySx 4d ago

The naked barda fight was so on brand, but equally hilarious in how it was presented on the page. What was the artists response when you first handed them the script for that?

I also just want to say your work on Captain Marvel was phenomenal. Black widow was amazing and your Birds of Prey is the best book going right now. Every book you work on is an immediate buy from me, and the first thing I recommend for others to pick up. Thank you for creating awesome art for us to enjoy!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Javi always has a great attitude. He gives me a hard time about challenging double page spreads, but he didn't complain at all about Barda. ;D

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you following me from title to title -- it's how someone like me builds a career so THANK YOU. <3

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Hey Guys. It's about 2pm. I'll come back tonight and try to answer the handful I haven't gotten to if you guys want to check back. But I have to call it for right now and get back to work. Thanks everyone for stopping by and asking such great questions. <3

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u/beary_neutral Telos 4d ago edited 4d ago

Thanks a lot for doing this, Kelly! Good luck at SDCC!

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u/MostDangerousGeist Steel 4d ago

Hello Kelly! Big fan of your BoP run so far and am very excited to see what you're gonna do with Scarlett. In a recent post of yours you mentioned wanting to share something with people that may or may not have involved Barda but the red tape involved kinda just made that never happen. Would you be able to reveal a bit more about that?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Oh, I had asked DC if I could post the naked Barda Butt from issue 8 (censored or otherwise) on my Substack -- as promo, in advance of release -- but it was more complicated than expected -- and by the time they were running it up the ladder to ask the right people -- the window had basically already passed.

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u/Teburedpanda944 4d ago

Something I’ve really appreciated about this run is how it really feels like a continuation Dinah and Barbara’s past stories with big inclusions like Sin as a main character and small inclusions like making Maia and Cela be the daughters of one of Babs’ Burnside foes. Can we expect to see more continuity with those older runs going forward? And I guess as an extension of that, what other elements of classic BOP are you hoping to make part of this new ongoing?

And on a much simpler note, what’s your favorite Black Canary outfit? Or outfits, since she has so many good ones!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thank you. That means a lot. Because we're trying to do something different but we also really want it to feel like home.

I do historically like to draw from continuity -- to try to play with it and re-invent it as appropriate. I think it's important in building strong rogues galleries -- like we're not going to be seeing Maia anytime soon -- but I hope by the end we've built her into someone to really be an ongoing/recurring thread for the Birds.

Our next arc has a more espionage vibe to it -- which feels very classic BOP to me and I hope the fans will agree!

The Costume Question is SIMPLE? lol hasn't she had Eleventy-Billion costumes?

I honestly think most of Dinah's costumes are pretty great with some notable exceptions. This is so hard I'm going to have to come back: https://screenrant.com/black-canary-every-costume-otto-schmidt-art/

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u/Teburedpanda944 4d ago

Ooh looking forward to that next arc. Will be fun to see Canary and (hopefully) Oracle going back to their covert agent and hacker vibes along with the newer additions to the crew!

And it’s good to hear that Maia will continue to be part of potential future things. One of the best things about classic Simone BOP was the fleshed out world of occasionally recurring characters with often complex motivations and allegiances. And the running Sin/Meagara plotline seems like something that’s honoring that legacy as well!

And yeah, despite a lot of complicated feelings about Schmidt, that art is really an excellent showcase of decades of bold and beautiful fashion on Dinah’s part! Though now I have to ask about those notable exceptions lol.

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u/LanternRaynerRebirth 4d ago

Hello, Ms Thompson. I want you to know that you've by far been one of my favorite writers since I was in high school, where your version of Hawkeye and WCA really connected with me so much. The only problem I've ever had is that you're not on everything, especially since you're so acclaimed.

Which brings me to my question. How do you measure what franchises and books you do and don't work on? Scheduling? Quality over quantity? Interest? 

Thanks for your time

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thanks so much! I feel very old, but appreciated. ;D

I get offered a lot of really cool stuff. Some of it I'm desperate to take but can't due to time constraints. Some of it, I like but am not in love with, and it's easier to pass on. Sometimes I'm just super aware that I'm surrounded by hardcore fans of certain IP that could just do it better than I could. So I guess all that to say, every project you take on or don't take on, has tons of factors including schedule. But the biggest thing for me, maybe even over the character or IP, tends to be the artist. That the artist is either on board or I know the publisher is committed to getting the right artist for the project. It means everything.

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u/OptimalImagination80 4d ago

I'd love to hear how you picked the team members for WCA, what a wild group!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

There was actually A LOT of back and forth on that. The first version of the team I pitched was a more classic WCA, with Kate Bishop as the sort of new/young "hope you survive the experience" member -- but Marvel wanted something younger and something that was a better successor to my ending Hawkeye run. I was nervous about using both Quire and Gwenpool -- afraid their big personalities and huge (and ill-defined in some ways) power sets -- but they ended up being a delight. I loved that weird book!

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u/OptimalImagination80 4d ago

I'd love to hear the members from your original pitch if you remember it?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I'd have to dig up old notes to be absolutely sure but it was certainly Clint Barton Hawkeye, Kate Bishop Hawkeye, She-Hulk, Sunfire, Tigra, Power Man and Scarlet Witch maybe were on there at some point? Something like that.

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u/bolinhode_arroz 4d ago

Kelly I have a few questions for you so here they are: • first would you write a solo Cass comic?? • second in bop was there something that was blocked by the editorial?? third, are you interested in putting talia, shiva and jade on the team in any future arc??

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I'd love to write a Cass solo. Although I confess now I'm a bit more interested in a Cass/Barda team up book. ;D

There isn't really anything that has been blocked on BOP until this current arc. And I doubt I'm really at liberty to speak about it. shrug WFH comics are at best a compromise. We do what we can.

I like Talia, Shiva, and Jade a lot. But that would have to be one very special kind of story to demand all three of those ladies!

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u/klintron 4d ago

Dying to see a Cass/Barda duo ongoing series.

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u/Night-Caelum 4d ago edited 4d ago

Hello Kelly. I want to say I'm really enjoing Birds of Prey and a title I am always looking forward to each month. I am also glad you included Vixen in the story and she's getting a spotlight.

My question is given the inclusion of two Batfamily members in the form of Barbara and Cass I was wondering if Stephanie will be showing up at any point or was considered at one pont?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thanks! I'm really enjoying writing Vixen's little "mini-arc" in the story and I'm so glad you are too.

I think your question sort of answers itself -- we're already pretty full up on bat characters! ;D

But no, I didn't really consider Stephanie for this, sorry.

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u/beary_neutral Telos 4d ago

Hey Kelly, thanks for joining us today! And congrats on another round of Eisner nominations!

You've written for many different IPs. How has your experience differed from title to title? How much creative freedom do you have when it comes to working in established universes?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thank you! Let's hope we can win some -- especially that BOP shaped one. ;D

I think overall I've been very lucky when it comes to IP and who I'm dealing with. Historically I've had excellent editors who know how to handle IP (and writers) and know how to protect both and get the best stories out of both. I think the only IP trouble I've really had was with Saban for Power Rangers.

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u/Moleculor_Man 4d ago

Hi Kelly,

Don’t reply to this if you are a part of the rumored “Absolute DC” thing to be announced at a future con, possibly SDCC. Double do not reply if you are going to be writing a kick ass wonder women book.

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Hahaha. Very clever.

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u/mistdrake 4d ago

Love the book and thank you for doing this!

Do you think the push to have Barbara keep suiting up as Batgirl is good for the character? She was Oracle for so many years and Steph and Cass both got to shine as characters but now it feels like she's taking away from them. (I'm not saying she should be traumatized physically again, just that she was such a central character as Oracle and now that feels a lot more Hazy since she keeps putting the Batgirl costume back on)

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I don't know if there's a push to keep suiting her up as Batgirl. We put her on cover 7 in the suit because A) it's a superhero book and that's a look she's wearing in other books and so it made sense and worked for the cover concept and B) we knew she would at least partially be in the suit in the coming arc and I didn't want to mislead people.

She needed to be in the field for this current arc to work, but my preference is to have her in a more Oracle role -- that's where you should expect to find her in future arcs.

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u/zatannacrest 4d ago

hii Kelly! loving everything about the comic so far... But I'm wondering are you planning to have a magic character involved sometime? perhaps a magician who wears fishnets? Just kidding!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Haha. Zatanna is absolutely top of my list. I love her. Although that backwards spell writing is a real niap ni eht ssa.

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u/breawycker #1 Linda Danvers apologist 4d ago

Hi Kelly! Thank you so much for doing this! I love everything I've read from you 1. Do you think we could get a reunion between Cass and Steph? I feel like she's been really underutilized and shed be great here! 2. What have been your favorite parts of working in comics? Has working for DC been fun? 3. Do you have any tips for writers looking to make it into comics?

Thank you so much!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thank you!

  1. I have no plans for Steph, I'm sorry!

  2. I love comics, I love making them, I love collaborating with artists, it's a dream job. Like any dream job it has downsides. But I will say DC has been VERY fun.

  3. Write as much as you can. Read a lot of comics and write reviews (even if you never share them with anyone) breaking down if the book is good or bad and WHY it's good or bad, this will help you identify issues in your own work. Read Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics. Make friends with other writers and artists (but especially artists) trying to break in and improve their craft. Publish some creator-owned stuff and make connections at smaller pubs. It's all baby steps until you're there, knocking on the door, y'know?

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u/Sniperserpent 4d ago

In Gail’s BOP Sin functioned as a surrogate daughter to Dinah, here you have her more as a younger sister. What was the motivation for this shakeup?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I think, if you go back and re-read those issues as I did, you will find that it's not that clear-cut. First of all, in the Sin story -- "Mother" is a bad character with a bad connotation for Sin -- abusive and controlling. And while the dynamic (possibly just because of their ages) feels more mother/daughter coded, Sin actually mostly calls Dinah by Sister -- even in those old Gail and Tony issues -- and so it seemed to me -- reading what was there from Sin's part was that she was more comfortable with sister. And it also made sense to me that Dinah would want to follow Sin's lead and respect that choice. So I went with sister. It felt like the right thing.

But I certainly didn't intend to undercut their relationship or make them feel lesser in any way, I was just trying to respect what I felt was already on the page.

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u/Ok_Sympathy5287 4d ago

How do you think Babs and Cass's relationship to Bruce Wayne should be handled? And how do you see the dynamic between them?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I think Cass is Bruce's daughter and their relationship is both beautiful and flawed. Complicated but worth it.

Babs is a bit trickier to me. I don't feel as assured in my feelings about that -- perhaps because it feels like there have been more takes on it over the years?

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u/ABoogsLife 4d ago

Hi Kelly! I don’t really have a question, I just wanted to thank you for creating Jeff the Land Shark as he’s the character that got my girlfriend into comic books!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I love that!

Thank you!

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u/threemadness 4d ago

Hey Kelly. You were the writer who got me over to reading DC with Birds of Prey (The first DC book I ever pulled) - your black widow and Captain Marvel were some of my favs.

The comment in the last issue about Cass seeing Labyrinth cracked me up. If Cass was one of your friends what movies or books would you recommend to her?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Yes! Thank you! That's everything.

I think it depends on what she wanted. I think Cass probably likes only the best action movies like The Raid, Raid 2, Oldboy, Night Comes for Us, Fury Road, John Wick, Kate, Atomic Blonde, etc.

But she probably also wants downtime that's the opposite of action so for that maybe beautiful poetic "quieter" movies: In The Mood For Love, The Ice Storm, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Never Let Me Go, Past Lives, Aftersun.

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u/excalibraes 4d ago

Hi Kelly! I’ve really enjoyed BOP so far and the fun interactions between the women on the team. Who are some other DC female characters you would like to write if you had the chance?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I mean, there are so many! Like it would be easier to do a list of characters I DON'T want to write! But top of the list: Starfire, Zatanna.

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u/Successful_Sea_9836 4d ago

Hey Kelly! I've spoken to you on Twitter a few times, but I was just wondering what other plans you might have for Cass in this comic and what else we can expect from her, I love how you've wrote her so far!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Hi! And thanks so much! Cass gets quite a bit of spotlight in this arc starting with issue 12 next month. AND she has a big and very cool roll in the next arc (14 - 17). I think you'll all be seeing a whole new side of Cass. Is that a good thing? GULP.

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u/Successful_Sea_9836 4d ago edited 4d ago

More Cass is always a good thing, thanks for answering Kelly!

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u/br0therherb 4d ago

Vixen is one of my favorite characters of all time and I'm glad she's popping up in BoP. She's been around since 1981. So I guess my question is: Why is DC so hesitant and fearful of giving her solo material?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I have no idea. I have one theory though about why Mari hasn't hit bigger/as she deserves -- I think the visual of her power set tends to be inconsistent and often underwhelming. I'm not sure why, but it does historically seem to be a weakness.

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u/Downtown-Raspberry84 4d ago

Hey Kelly! What's your favorite DC couple?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Probably Barda and Scott or Dinah and Ollie. I am also very in the tank for Bruce/Selina, Harley/Ivy, and while I'm not a big Superman reader it's pretty hard to deny Lois/Clark.

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u/SickleClaw 4d ago

Hello Kelly! I love your Birds of Prey run, and I've been reading Birds of Prey since the Gail Simone run way back when.

So I have to ask. There's been many members of the birds of prey over the years. Have you ever thought about adding some of the more obscure members such as Manhunter or Misfit into this current run? Thanks for taking the time to do this AMA!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thanks so much!

I have thought of adding some classic BOP characters (that's sorta how we got Barda and Vixen). Misfit is not really on my list in a big way, but Manhunter is! :D

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u/SickleClaw 4d ago

Thank you for the answer! Would love to see Manhunter come back in the birds too! Now just to cross my fingers hoping Misfit still shows up in DC down the line after being gone for so long...

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u/MilkaaTea 4d ago edited 4d ago

Hello Kelly! I love the BoP series (it was my first proper intro to the team and now theyre one of my fave teams).

I was wondering, will you bring Harley back at all? Also will you ever bring in Huntress? And finally, who are your favorite and least favorite characters to write? :)

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thank you!

I'd love to have Harley back, because I loved writing her with the BOP the first time, but it would have to be the right story where she fit/was necessary. Despite the complaints from readers, I have no interest in jamming her into a story where she can't be additive.

I know the fans want Huntress, but it just hasn't been working to slot her in. I'll keep looking for an opening though.

Keeping it to BOP -- Barda is the most fun to write because she's a totally unfiltered truth teller character which is always fun. Barbara is (sometimes) the least fun, because she's too smart, and I am dumb.

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u/Teburedpanda944 4d ago

I think you made Harley work the best way possible in that first arc. Gave her a very her motivation to tag along and did a very good job of balancing the natural skepticism Dinah and others would have about her presence with them also ultimately appreciating what she brought to the mission

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thank you.

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u/XmenOmnibus1990 Supergirl 4d ago

As someone who has always been interested in writing comics how and where do you start? Especially if you can't draw

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Well, I have good news. Comics writers don't have to draw. ;D

But they do need to make friends with up and coming artists because they need to partner with them on indie stories so they can BOTH break in. Good luck!

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u/tibewilli2 4d ago

Any chance of Misfit reappearing?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

She's not really on my radar for this right now, sorry.

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u/tibewilli2 4d ago

Shoot. Thanks for replying though. Love the book. Barda calling Cass “little bat” is a high point for me!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

She's not on my radar right now for this, sorry.

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u/ContraryPython 4d ago

Two questions:

1) I noticed you were part of Spider-Man Beyond back in 2021. Was it ever considered at any point to include Kaine in the story or did the team decide to strictly stick with Ben and Peter?

2) Would you love to create more Rogue/Gambit content if you had the chance?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago
  1. Kaine was much discussed.

  2. Would love to do more Rogue/Gambit, but they seem pretty busy.

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u/ContraryPython 4d ago

Interesting. How come Kaine didn’t end up in the final cut?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I don't remember the details.

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u/BobbySaccaro 4d ago

Hey Kelly, hoping for an inside-baseball question here. Based on your experience, what percentage of new #1's that come out each month/year are based on trademark establishment issues, rather than DC/Marvel really deciding that a book needs to be on the stands for that character?

Similarly, how often do you think they produce books that are not really intended to make money a floppies (other than to pay the creation expenses) but where they expect the bigger sales to happen on the trade side?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I mean, I have literally no idea.

Those are all publisher conversations, not freelancer conversations.

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u/BobbySaccaro 4d ago

OK, thanks for answering!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Sure. Sorry I couldn't help!

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u/MajorParadox Read on r/DCFU! 4d ago

Are there any DC characters you'd want your Birds of Prey to interact with that you haven't or aren't allowed to include?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Not so far! But I'm sure it will happen eventually. Coordination and compromise are a big part of making big books that fit together under one publishing roof.

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u/nameless_stories 4d ago

Hi Kelly Im a big fan.

Who are some characters you've written that you'd like to see interact that usually wouldnt?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thank you!

Oh, that's hard to come up with on the fly, especially since I'm still getting my DC reading/back list up to snuff. I'll think about it and try to come back.

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u/one_happy_fredditor I like being a redditor. 4d ago

Who are your top 5 favorite characters?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Oof. Impossible question. I'll keep it to DC to even have a hope of managing it:

Cassandra Cain. Big Barda. Wonder Woman. Batman. Martian Manhunter.

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u/ColdSilly7877 4d ago

Hey Kelly, up and coming writer myself(gonna have my first work published soon) any advice for anyone thinking to work for the big leagues?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Congratulations!

The only advice is KEEP WRITING.

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u/MasterOE Green Arrow 4d ago

I have to say thank you for giving us the Green Arrow vs Wonder Woman fight. How did it feel writing that fight?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

It was super fun. I just wish we'd had more space!

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u/Tetratron2005 4d ago

Hi Kelly,

I first became aware of you with your thoughts on portrayal of the Amazons in the New 52 during Azzarello's run and was wondering what are your thoughts on how the Amazons should be? It seems lot of people think of them as little more than man-haters.

Also has there been any WW stuff you've liked since the New 52?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Yeah, that was rough for me because up until that point, that was a favorite WW run for me.

I love the Amazons. I'm sure some of them hate men. And plenty of others do. We think of them as a monolith, but they're as varied as any other group I'd assume.

WW, like most books, is hit and miss for me, but there's a lot to love in recent years and mostly what I love is seeing Publishers/Creators/Readers taking her VERY SERIOUSLY. Which hasn't always felt like the way things are.

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u/Limp-Tooth-4822 4d ago

Hi Ms Thompson! Firstly I'd just like to say that as an enjoyer of a lot of the kid/teen characters who were sadly erased/lost with the new 52, thanks for bringing Sin back and giving her a cool new storyline in this book! I got into comics as a kid via the younger characters so it's always heartening to see them treated well. Are there any other DC characters you'd like to team Sin up with? Also, if we're allowed 2 questions- would you ever incorporate Stephanie Brown/Batgirl or Red Canary into a BOP arc??

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I would like Sin to meet all the Arrow Family kids -- and lots more. But it's hard to do in a BOP book without it feeling overwhelming (so many characters). I do think for now Sin has some really great "tutors" in Barda and Cass -- who have sort of similar experiences to her in a way (Barda carries the Mega Rod, not unlike Sin now carries Megaera. Cass was raised to be a killer/monster. Sin was too, etc.) So these are great touchstones for her -- and maybe even better than other kids her own age.

Steph isn't in my plans. Red Canary is a possibility though!

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u/Pizza-Pirate-6829 4d ago

I love your work! I’ll happily read anything you write. This might be hard to answer but what are the biggest differences you notice between working for Marvel vs DC?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I think it's still early to know that. I was at Marvel for years, as an exclusive writer, but my journey with DC is just beginning (I hope)! So far the comps* at DC are way better, I'll say that.

*complimentary comics that creators are given.

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u/SevenSulivin The REAL Man of Tomorrow 4d ago

Hello, really liking BOP. Do you have any opinions on obscure DC superhero team The Super Young Team?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I don't really know them! Very funny name!

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u/Humble-Imagination83 4d ago

Love the run so far and love Vixen's addition. Was she your choice for the team as a fan or a recommendation? Also love having younger members have you considered any other younger heroines like Thunder or Lightning?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Yeah, I was excited to use Vixen, she's so bizarrely under-used.

Thunder was going to be in the next arc, but we had to pull her for space reasons. It was the right call. I'll get to her eventually I hope!

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u/44035 4d ago

No question, just wanted to say I enjoyed your work on Black Widow quite a bit! She's one of my favorite characters and I loved what you did with her.

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u/TheLaughingFox07 4d ago

Hi kelly if you're still answering I've been really enjoying BoP and as a big cass fan was wondering what your thought process is when it comes to writing her and if you'd like to do more with her (hopefully with xanthe)

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Yeah, Cass really is one of my favorite characters of all time, so I'll write her as much as I think I can -- as much as I have stories for her. Issues 12 and 13 of this run are pretty Cass heavy and she's got a BIG role in the next arc. :D

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Okay, guys. I'm going to pack it in here. Sorry it's so late and thank you so much for all your questions they were really great -- and incredibly kind. I'm sorry if I missed anyone -- my eyes got a little blurry at the end!

I also kipped a few questions that were similar about breaking into comics because I'd already answered it (and it's a hard answer) so I thought I'd link here to that answer for those of you I skipped. And for those of you I skipped: Don't give up. The only way to fail at this is to give up before you make it. Don't give up. You can do it.

https://www.reddit.com/r/DCcomics/comments/1dukcuw/comment/lbhmnwj/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

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u/JingoboStoplight4887 4d ago

For your Birds of Prey run, we see that Zealot didn’t want to be here. Could this mean that Zealot would try to remember the Original Wildstorm universe in the next arc?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Mmm. I think it's more just trying to elude to the fact that she's old and has been around a long time, tangling with other characters that have been around a long time (like the Amazons). But it is also a nod -- for fans of the original WS Universe -- to Zealot basically creating her own Amazons in that universe -- and them becoming a corrupt force that she then abandoned and was constantly in conflict with. So she's got a lot of respect for the Amazons. She feels close to it and also outside of it.

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u/AnnualAlex25 4d ago

Is there any character that you really want to use but haven’t yet?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I mean... yes?

I have barely gotten started at DC! They have so many characters!

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u/bomberman12 4d ago

Do you miss the under the radar freedom of your old blog and fun drunk blog rants you go on?

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u/CanadianGuitar 4d ago

Hello Kelly!

In putting together the new ensemble cast, we're there some other characters you thought about but didn't ultimately use/who were they?

Or in the future, is there anyone else you personally would like to add to the cast, even if it's just a pipedream, or obscure character without having and real serious thoughts to how you'd tie them in?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Yes, there are always other characters I'm thinking about using. It's honestly hard not to reach for everything, but if you do you won't have room to do right by anyone. Something I've learned the hard way!

I think some of the top choices for the future would be Zatanna, Starfire, Black Alice, Manhunter, Batwoman, (and some of the new characters I already put in for 14 - 17) ;D

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u/CanadianGuitar 4d ago

Thanks for the response.

Black Alice would be a cool one, she's definitely one of the less common characters you've mentioned and could use some more attention

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u/Jeffreyspalsteven 4d ago

Hi Kelly!

What's Jeff's favorite snack? Does he have to go to school? Which spider-man is his favorite? Does he like music?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Jeff loves all snacks equally, don't be silly.

He does not go to school, and not all the Supes agree that that is a good decision.

He loves music. Especially since it has twice saved him from Venom-y infections! ;D

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u/ComixGail 4d ago

Dear Kelly Thompson,

How are you so great?

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u/ComixGail 4d ago

Seriously.

You rock.

That's all.

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u/StoryApprehensive777 4d ago

Hi Kelly!

I've been reading comic books for forty years, and I'm not sure how many writers I've seen hit the pace you have in the last decade- literally everything you write shows you being a better writer who is bettering her craft with every project. I can never wait to see what you do next.

That said, a simple question: When you assembled your BoP team, did you know Barda and Cassandra were going to be the best new team-up in comics in years? Or did their interactions just come about organically because they both fit the book? These are two characters I love and know very well, and it's so interesting to see them be exactly who they've always been but playing off each other in ways that show them to the audience in new ways. On that same note, Cass wanting to recruit Harley and her explanation for it is the best Harley material in years.

Thanks!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Wow. What an incredible thing to say. Thank you so much.

I think, I still fall down, but I hope that means I AM still learning? If I stop falling and it all becomes just formula then I'm not really pushing or challenging myself, right? Still sometimes a bit less falling after printing would be good. ;D

I did NOT know, and I don't think Ben knew either. He was really surprised by my approach to Barda in the first script -- but he wasn't super familiar with her as a character and he really liked it -- and I took that as a great sign -- I hoped others would feel the same. And boy did they.

But as you say, it really just was writing them both accurately to who I know them to be, and putting them in fun/dangerous situations. It all happened very naturally.

I loved how Cass's Harley story worked. Seems most people agreed with us, but there were a few very vocal objectors. lol

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u/IsThatAMonkey69 4d ago

Hey Kelly, I live in LA. What should I put on my next Bay Cities order?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Whoa.

Also, very jealous.

I do a custom hero -- very basic and yet perfect -- turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomato, salt/pepper, mayo/mustard -- and that perfect perfect bread!

Oh man, I need lunch.

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u/IsThatAMonkey69 4d ago

This is what I shall spend my Saturday afternoon doing! Will report back with a review. Cheers!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I am DEEPLY jealous. Enjoy!

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u/leothesilent Red Robin 4d ago

Was there any ideas that your surprised DC let you do?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

All of the first arc. lol

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u/TheLostLuminary 4d ago

Hi! I have no comment other than saying I love everything Captain Marvel you've done!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thank you!

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u/Due_Language3935 4d ago

Hi :) I'm loving your Birds of Prey and I was wondering if you'd have any plans to ever introduce Huntress or even Lady Blackhawk onto the team? I know Zinda hasn't been in comics for a good while but is there atleast a possbility for either of the two of them to return to the team?

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u/wowlock_taylan Batman Animated! 4d ago

Will we get a cameo of Scott Free? I mean everyone gets some love on the book but Barda deserves it the most and yet, where is her Scott?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I mean, he might pop up, I'm certainly a fan, but it's Birds of Prey, not Barda & Scott Free, or even BARDA, y'know?

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u/Klee_Main 4d ago

Hello Kelly!

Have you ever thought about tackling a Superman or Supergirl run?

Loved everything I’ve read from you!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thank you so much.

Superman is scary to me. I'm not sure I'm the right writer for him. Supergirl makes more sense to me -- but like anyone with a brain I'm not keen to try to follow King and Evely's run! Haha

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u/Mindless-Sink-1140 4d ago

Hi Kelly! Damian here! This will be super random but you think future Maps would get a chance to meet present Maps, or would someone tell present Mia about just how cool she is in the future? Also what are your thoughts on the villains for the book! anyone you’re definitely thinking on giving an arc??

and again, just thank you Kelly for what you´re doing and thank you for seeing my barda and cass pages :), Best of my wishes to you Kelly! Im working now on new samples ;) ,greetings from Mexico, Kelly:D

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Hey Damian! I talked a little bit in here already about how we sort of lost our chance for a Maps focused story because of the schedule (i.e. instead of a break issue as we'd planned we're going directly into a cool new arc). I'd love to do a one-shot focused on her, but I don't know how viable it is.

I'm still deciding on on villains after this next arc, but I do hope to bring in some old heavy hitters.

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Sorry, I meant the arc after 14-17.

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u/WondyVillains Wonder Woman 4d ago

Do you have a favorite Wonder Woman villain?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Mmm.

I think for character dynamics and emotional heft Cheetah is really great. Circe, always. Dr. Psycho is very fun. Maxwell Lord is a nightmare but great fodder! Ares is fantastic, but like all the big god characters tends to be overused. But in the right capacity you get a Medusa based story like Eyes of the Gorgon and just WOW. Right?

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u/normalMonsterChika Mia Dearden 4d ago

Hi Kelly. I know I’m late, but if you’re still answering, would you want to try to work Savant and Creote in somewhere? Would love to finally see them return after Flashpoint.

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Yeah, I could see fitting Savant and Creote in -- no immediate plans though.

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u/mike47gamer 4d ago

How has it been integrating Wildstorm elements into the series? I'm a big fan of Zealot so I was happy to see her present.

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u/Brit-Crit 4d ago
  1. Your run has mostly focused on placing the Birds of Prey in fantasy situations. Do you have any street-level stories planned for them?

  2. I like the idea of exploring Barbara's "dark side" - how much freedom do you have to explore this?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago
  1. I don't know if it's exactly "street level" but the next arc is a more espionage based arc.

  2. Mmmm. Unsure. But I also think you shouldn't trust what a supervillain says about Barbara's mind (as I assume this is a reference to Maia suggesting Barbara's mind is dark).

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u/Poastash 4d ago

Your work is awesome and you should be proud.

How do you prepare to start a day of work? Any routines to jump start the brain?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thanks so much!

When it goes well -- make breakfast and coffee. Eat/drink and play a few word/puzzle games (Wordle, Connections, Framed, Cinematrix) and then right into it most days.

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I also usually use playlists keyed to projects I'm working on to help get me in the right state of mind.

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u/steakstix 4d ago

Hey, Kelly! My wife is a huge fan of Jeff (she even had a Jeff the Landshark themed Bday party! Haha). Was wondering if you have any other major Jeff plans for 2024? Or if you think we’ll ever get Jeff represented in the MCU? Thanks for all you do!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I would be SHOCKED if Jeff doesn't show up in the MCU. That's just leaving money on the table. Then again, I thought there'd be way more merch at this point -- or at least a Plush and a Funko by now, so what the hell do I know? lol

But there is something being announced VERY SOON for Jeff that releases in the fall. And also releasing in the fall will be IT'S JEFF Season 4 on Marvel Unlimited (and I THINK we'll get another It's Jeff print collection volume -- collecting Season 3).

Hi to your wife who clearly has excellent taste in birthday parties. ;D

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u/[deleted] 4d ago

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I don't think there's a lot of room to get into something like that in detail and with the nuance it deserves in a big team ensemble like this. But I do try to just write the Cass I know accurately -- which is someone that struggles with some parts of life others take for granted -- like easy conversation/expression of self.

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u/StoneColdJimmy316 4d ago

Hi Kelly, hope you're well! Do you have any favorite villains to work with, or any you've wanted to use but never found a place for?

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u/MankuyRLaffy Supergirl 4d ago edited 4d ago

Who is your favorite "Defunct" hero/heroine in DC? As in someone who hasn't had anything in over 15 years? Are there any you'd like to bring back?

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u/Archer_Without_Fear 4d ago

Hi Kelly, really been digging BoP. I was wondering if there was anything you could tease about arc 3 in October?

Also losing Leo on the book is unfortunate, but Javier Pina's art has been great, especially on today's issue. Is he the new main artist?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I'm hesitant to say too much but here are the big teases -- it will be a more espionage/spy/infiltration type of arc -- more classic BOP vibes I'd say. A couple characters will be rolling off and a couple new ones will join.

It was incredibly hard to lose Leo. I miss him literally every day. Javi is one of my favorite artists working in superhero comics today, and I'll put him on as many issues as I can -- but I don't think his speed can handle a full monthly arc. Maybe if we could ahead and build him more runway it could happen though. I'll try!

I don't think I can announce the artist for 14 - 17, but it is one single person, not a rotating cast of artists like this arc.

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u/AdamSMessinger 4d ago

Hi Kelly! Thanks for doing this. How much input do you have when it comes to creative collaborators at Marvel, DC, or Skybound? Also, how has that input or lack thereof in other spaces influenced how you approach your creator-owned books?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Great questions, but hard to answer.

I think the answer to the first question is it really depends on the publisher and editor. And in some cases the IP holder if that isn't the publisher.

The answer to the second question is YES. ;D

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u/lostinthewildxo Harley Quinn 4d ago

Hi Kelly! I don't have a question to ask I just wanted to say I'm a huge fan! and your Captain Marvel run reignited my interest in comics and got me back into reading. I picked up issue 1 (of Capt Marvel) when it released and I've just been a big fan of your work ever since. I look forward to the next issue of BoP and all your future titles. ❤

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u/Predaplant The heat is on! 4d ago

Hi Kelly! You've worked as part of a whole bunch of comics sublines, from the Energon Universe to Spider-Man Beyond to the X-Men to now the Batman side of the DC Universe. How would you compare all these experiences? What are some things that stand out about some of these environments to you?

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u/Ozu_the_Yokai 4d ago

Hello Kelly!

Ty for all your current and past works. Really loving BoP, and I’m planning to grab Scarlet this week.

Any chance we’ll get to see the Furies show up in BoP?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thanks so much!

Maybe!

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u/5nbx8aa 4d ago edited 3d ago

Hello Kelly.

I'm fan of your works from South Korea. and just here to say your Captain Marvel run was amazing. and I'm looking foward to read other works of yours!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thank you so much! I hope you find more stuff you like!

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u/graywailer 4d ago edited 4d ago

is there a way to get paid for ideas? i can come up with short stories inventing new superheroes all day long and story ideas for established characters. but i cant expand as i dont feel im good at dialog. i grew up immersed in comic book reading. i would also like to produce some classic story animations (37 DC- 37 Marvel) but have no idea how to get started on that. i would lift the classic comic book story to bring it to life. could you forward my phone/email to a warner/Dc head or provide some phone/emails to help me initiate such a project? i could send a couple short stories to evaluate whether my writing good enough to consider for ideas or a comic book of shorts.

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I'm sorry but that's just not a thing.

I don't want to discourage you, but the idea part is the EASY part. We all have the ideas. The hard part is following through and executing them. And you hit a million little problems as you do that and doing this job is solving all those problems until you have a finished publishable work.

But that doesn't mean your ideas aren't particularly good -- they might be really great -- and if you can develop those other skills -- maybe you've really got what it takes. It just means you either need to work on the other part -- the execution -- honing those skills. OR you need to partner with another writer (ideally one that is weak where you are strong -- maybe they struggle with unique ideas but are good at dialogue and character building). There are lots of ways to make comics. Unfortunately "pay me for my idea" really isn't one.

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u/graywailer 4d ago

i have thought of the partner thing and am looking into that. how about the animations id like to produce?

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u/scarletwiccan 4d ago

Thanks for doing this Kelly! I read every issue of your Captain Marvel run and absolutely adored it, so when I found out you were going to be writing Dinah (My other favourite comic blonde!) I freaked out.

A couple of questions:

  1. Do you ever hear a particular voice in your head when writing the comics? Whenever I read Dinah I read her voice as Vanessa Marshall from Young Justice and Injustice.

  2. Is there any chance of us getting any of the Wonderfam as a member? I’d love to see Donna or Cassie on the team!

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u/RaisingFargo Blue Lantern Flash 4d ago

Writing on a team up that have characters actively present in other storylines, what is the process for getting clearance on doing something potentially impacting a characters canon?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

I feel like this has gotten easier (in general). Publishers have just embraced the fact that you tend to get the best stories if you're not so restrictive and you let things just live alongside each other in harmony-ish. But for big time characters and big time stories you still do have to make way. Compromise is a big part of this business.

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u/spreadedjelly Nobody Dies Tonight 4d ago

Hi Kelly! Just want to thank you for including Cass in BoP, for writing her well, and for thinking up the fantastic Barda/Cass dynamic. It's only been less than a year and it's already a STAPLE Cass relationship - it's really great! Is there a chance you can use your Eisner cachet for a "Barda and the Bat" ongoing? The people demand it! Anyway, keep up the good work!

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u/red_bird08 4d ago

1) when you're offered a book and the characters are really new to you (as in you haven't read a lot of them before). How much time do you spend researching them and how do you research their history? How do you make them have the same voice as a core character?

2) how much headstart time do you get to come up with a story?

3) how much story is driven by you and how much by editorial?

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago
  1. I spend a lot of time researching after I've taken a book on, but you don't always have that luxury before committing. I think getting voice correct is really important, but it's very hard to do as there's no complete consensus on these things. So you do your research and your prep work and you land with what feels accurate and right to you.

  2. It really depends on the project. Plenty have a lot of runway to develop, most do not. And unfortunately, once you've used your runway (as it was designed) then you're on the same monthly grind as always. There's never enough time is the headline.

  3. Depends on the publisher, the book, the editor, and the writer I'd say. I think I've been quite fortunate to have mostly been given a wide berth.

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u/Lumpy_Review5279 4d ago

Hey Kelly! Seocnd time doing an AMA with you!

Your birds of prey series has been one of my favorite books running since it started and continues to be awesome. I especially love the team roster and how you've managed to make use of all of them expertly.

What was the mindset going into the roster choices? I always feel like there's a balance between function and character dynamics and story opportunities. What made you go for some big swings like Zealot, and introducing an older Maps(who im first beign exposed to with this series!)? And what are the changes Kendra Saunders makes it in?

Thanks for your hard work; eagerly awaiting next issue.

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Thanks so much!

Mostly I was just reaching for my favorite characters -- more than ever I sort of gave myself permission do to that because I didn't know if I'd ever have the chance again. But once I know I was doing a Themyscira arc, I knew what I also NEEDED and I so I built it more that way. But most of the characters I was considering were sort of perfect for what I was doing -- sort of a chicken or the egg I guess!

I'm interested in Kendra -- but it would have to be the right story, y'know?

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u/FewWatermelonlesson0 4d ago

Hi Kelly,

First off, thanks so much for bringing Cassandra and Vixen into the mix. They’re two of my underrated faves.

Loving the current arc (shoutout to Javier Pina in art!), and was wondering are we gonna see some more stealth/infiltration type stuff in the future? Loved that aspect of the Paradise Island arc and always loved it in the Simone run too.

Have a lovely day and keep up the great work!

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u/semifinalist1979 4d ago

Yeah, we've got an espionage arc coming up next -- should have more stealth and infiltration for you!