 
An Interview with Geoff Johns by Randy "Moonstonelover" Burtis
ComicBoards Exclusive!
My thanks to Lightnin Strike & DragynWulf for providing some of the questions. And of course thanks to Geoff for taking the time to do this interview.
Background Questions
Q:Who inspired you to become
a writer, and then to write comics?
A: Everyone that created
the comic books I grew up reading. I think the
first time I actually looked at a name on a
book was when Peter David first started doing
Hulk. From there it exploded to a dozen different
names. John Ostrander, Mark Waid, Grant Morrison
and many more.
Q:What was your first published
work? 
A:Star Spangled Comics
#1 March 1999.
Q:What character has been
most enjoyable for you to write?
A: That's an extremely
hard question. I really enjoy writing a lot
of characters: Hawkman, Star Spangled Kid, Captain
Cold, Mr. Terrific, Jakeem Thunder. But I'd
have to go with the Flash, Wally West.
Q: You had previously said
that writing Flash was your dream book, what
would be that book now?
A: Still is the Flash
(though I'd kill to do a CAPTAIN COLD mini-series).
Q: Since the news that
you will be taking over the writing of Avengers
fans are wondering how that will affect your
current projects?
A: It won't. I co-write
JSA. It's a nice sized workload, but one I feel
I can handle for awhile.
Flash Forward
Q: What would you say to
someone who doesn't read Flash to try to point
out what the book offers to them as a reader?
A: We're going for a very
classic, edgy and intriguing super-hero book.
We spend as much time on the city, the villains
and the supporting cast as we do on Wally West.
We want you to enter an entirely new world when
you open this book -- and Scott Kolins beautifully
depicts Keystone City and its population.
Q: Right now you write
the Flash (Wally), the JSA (with Jay) and soon
to be Avengers (with Quicksilver). Do you have
a love for speedsters or is it just coincidence?
Which Flash do you most enjoy writing(Jay, Wally
or Barry)?
A: I love two powers.
Speed and Cold. Always have, and I have no idea
why.
Q: Would you ever consider
doing a 'Barry Allen' flashback story? 
A:Yes. Scott and I will
definitely be doing one at some point.
Q: .In other interviews
you have said that with Flash you wanted to
bring more character to Keystone City, and enhance
the Rogues gallery, which you have already done\doing,
what present and future goals do you have for
the Flash title?
A: To just continue to
build his world, and progress him as both a
character and a hero.
Q:Which character would
you like to see Flash face off in the upcoming
JLA\Avengers crossover?
A:Obviously, Quicksilver.
But we've seen that. I'd like to see the Flash
and Green Lantern try and tackle Thor together.
Q:What story are you most
satisfied with in Flash? Most satisfied in general
with your body of work?
A:So far, Flash 181 or
182 I think. I'm extremely proud of the Return
of Hawkman and JSA 29.
JSA Legacy
Q:Can you tell us about
any changes in store for the team?
A: We'll have several
new characters popping up next year, though
who will stay and go is up in the air. And the
Ultra-Humanite returns.
Q: You write solo and team
books, how does that differ as you plan plot
lines and character development for these books?
A: I think almost anyone
will tell you that solo books are easier to
write. Obviously, with a solo book you have
much more space to delve into the characters
more, and it's easer to introduce the character
to new readers. With a team, I focus on a common
theme throughout -- with the JSA legacy.
Q: With you writing the JSA
and the Avengers next year, could there possibly
be a team up with these two teams?
A: I think the JLA/Avengers
team-up is the one to watch. I don't see JSA/Avengers
happening anytime soon.
Q:Atom used to have the
ability to become intangible, but he hasn't
used this power since the start of this JSA
book. Does he still have this power, and if
so, will he ever use it?
A: Let's just say he's
evolved beyond it -- and we'll get to that in
a future story.
Movie and Misc Stuff
Q:Besides your writing
for comics you are involved with several Hollywood
productions. What is your opinion of the recent
surge in superhero movies being produced? Is
it good for comics?
A: Sure is. Especially
if they're good ones.
Q:If you could write the
script for a superhero movie what hero would
you choose?
A: Captain America.
Q: As a writer what is
your view on crossovers?
A: They can be great when
you get inspired by them, or tough when you
don't. That's about all I'll say.
Q:You have a hectic schedule
writing for the number of projects you do, where
do you get inspiration? What do you do to maintain
a balance in life?
A: On average I work M-F
from about 9 to 7. I write about 4-5 hours a
day. I get my inspiration from everywhere --
life, film, comics, tv, my friends and family.To
balance my life? It's easy, since I don't JUST
read comic books.
A:Is there some project
you want to plug, or some topic close to your
heart that you really want people to know about?
A:I'm just very thankful
I've had the chance to work with so many characters
I love. Thanks everyone for your support.
Place to
discuss the interview:
Flash Message Board
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