Supernatural Comic Author Peter Johnson Answers Your Questions
By Cynthia Boris
You asked and we got answers.
Posted by: Heidi
I've been wondering since I saw the previews - what "canon" information about the TV series did Peter get from Kripke and the TV team? (Rebecca, Nonny Mouse also had questions about canon vs the show)
PETER: Eric Kripke and I outlined the whole thing and developed the story including plot points like getting the Impala, getting the journal and when John meets certain characters. However, it's hard when you're filling in 22 years between the pilot and the current show, there will be one or two mismatches. Kripke is reading every one of the scripts making sure that everything is tracking in terms of the reveals and information that's unfolding in the show itself and how the characters met in the mythology of the show. As much as possible, it should match.
Posted by: Emily
I was wondering why we got a story of John getting the Impala in #2 when John and the boys can clearly be seen sitting shocked and devastated (and quite alone) on the Impala in the Pilot episode? Is there a reason for that?
PETER: I went back and looked at that shot and it wasn't very revealing. The show has the briefest of shots of him on the hood of a car and that was it. That car could have been any car. There was no other establishing how he got the car at all.
For the comic, we felt it was more interesting to see some kind of character driven way that he got the Impala. If he already has it it's kind of boring and it's a wasted opportunity for us. His transformation to monster hunter from suburban father is about his characteristics, his interests. He has to grow to want to drive a muscle car and like heavy metal music and dirty blue collar weapons.
MORE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Posted by: Jack
My question: will we see more about the other hunters not much mentioned in the series, like Pastor Jim, Caleb, Daniel Elkins, etc?
PETER: There will be a couple more, in particular Pastor Jim. He has a major role in a big character moment for John. It's a huge moment; it's a huge moment in the mythology for the show. It'll depict an event that no one's ever talked about, but Pastor Jim is very much responsible for it. (Cyn: ooh, a mystery! What can this possibly be?)
Posted by: Anthony, Mia, Colby, Lucas, Tracer and Odalis
Want to know if we'll see the Colt, Dean's protecting Sam in his crib, Mike & Kate, Dean's necklace, John's involvement in Jo's father's death. . .etc.
PETER: Look for the comic to do some cool things. This first few were kind of a necessary storyline for John to explore. But the second cycle should be freer in terms of things we can accomplish.
Posted by: Cassie
Will we see Dean and Sam grow up through the series or will they stay in their young childhood stage for awhile to develop more of John's side of the story?
PETER: When we started, we talked a lot about different shapes for how we were going to tell the story. We could have bounced all over the first six but chose to do the tight linear continuous storyline. The goal of the opening arc was to activate the "John Winchester as the monster hunter" hero that he is. It's his story more than the boys, the boys have plenty of screen time on the show, and at a certain point it became necessary to leave the boys behind. You can't do anything with a four-year-old and a ten-month-old in terms of character and yet there's so much to be done with John's immediate reaction to what happened to Mary.
That said, there is that additional story where the boys are older in the first comic and there's a wrap around in Issue Three, kind of a bookend showing how the events of the comic book now pay off for the boys later on.
Posted by: Carol
Our question is: do you have any ideas how long this comic will run? How quickly will the boys age?
PETER: The current storyline will run six issues and there's another arc planned for seven through twelve. The immediate storyline of Mary's death will wrap in six.
I want to do something really fun in the second arc. I don't know what age the boys would be but I want to do what the show wasn't able to do in large measure; the boys and the dad off on an adventure with some really crazy twisted storyline that involves all three of them. That's the intention.
Posted by: xanseviera at June 5, 2007 09:29 PM
I love the flow of the story even though the graphics is not quite good enough~ I just want to ask~ is there any chance this comic can also been draw in Manga style?
PETER: I'm saddened that people don't dig the art as much. We didn't want to go with the superhero muscle-bound kind of comic. Hellraiser, Hellboy, the Vertigo comics; that's what Eric and I like, so that's what we went with.
This was the birth of a new character, that character being John, and it takes place in his own world, as opposed to the world of the show.
Posted by: Valerie
Does Tim Bradstreet have any more involvement other than the first cover?
PETER: We have a wide variety of artists and nobody has done more than one cover.
Cyn asks: How collaborative is the process?
PETER: My writing is fully scripted. Every panel is art directed for Matt. I sketch everything out in the roughest of ways because that's part of the writing process for me. I chose the camera angles and everything we're doing in that regard but there's always a push pull. Matt's taken over certain panels and pages. He reads the stuff and may feel like we need another panel to hold on an expression to make the emotional point harder. The first comic was dense with seven to nine panels in a page and it's hard to express anything artistically in that small of a panel. So, working with Matt, I got into fewer panels per page.
Posted by: Patricia
Will this comic book be available in other countries?
PETER: I don't know for sure. I know Wildstorm sells other comics internationally, so maybe. I'll have to ask. But I do know that the first Supernatural Origins sold more and faster than Wildstorm anticipated. I think they went to a second printing. It was Wildstorm's top selling comic for the month of May.
Cyn asks: As Co-Exec Producer of Supernatural, how involved are you in the series?
PETER: It's a broad oversight. Eric and I will sit down and talk about the story shapes for the current season. We get together and break the initial episodes of any given season, a lot of discussion and talk about what to do and what the overall mythology we'll be doing. I also get involved when we're selecting new writers or directors for the show. I'm not in Vancouver overseeing the show. We have a couple of great producers up there that handle the day-to-day production.
Cyn asks: On the fans
PETER: I love our audience. We totally love and thrive on the degree of passion in our fans. That's awesome. Nobody can take that away. That's people digging one of their favorite shows.
And speaking of fans. . .
We're doing a big appearance at Comic Con this year and Jared and Jensen will fly down. Eric and I, and Ben Edlund may be on our panel. We'll have a big presence. I've been going to the Comic Con as a fan for twenty years and now my life coincides with my work. Two years ago I introduced the screening of the pilot for a packed room so it'll be kind of a homecoming.
Final Words from Peter
The Comic: Things get kinda crazy in the next few episodes of this cycle, when John's turn toward being a hunter starts coming into play. And stick with the artwork, it's cool.
The Show: All of the support they can bring to season three is hugely appreciated and necessary because we want to make it beyond this season.
And Cyn says, we want to see the show make it for many more seasons, too!
* * * * *
Thanks to Peter for taking the time and to the fans for leaving such great questions.
ON SALE JULY 4
SUPERNATURAL: ORIGINS #3
Written by Peter Johnson; Art by Matthew Dow Smith; Cover by Ryan Sook
The life and training of a Hunter is difficult and rigorous...and John Winchester is starting at the beginning! As he takes the first step on this harrowing journey, he must make a difficult and gut-wrenching decision in regards to his children. And it's time John was truly initiated into the Hunters — with a trip to Harvelle's Roadhouse Bar!
"PETER: I went back and looked at that shot and it wasn't very revealing. The show has the briefest of shots of him on the hood of a car and that was it. That car could have been any car. There was no other establishing how he got the car at all. "
I'm sorry, but no. The shot of the three of them on the car hood is as clear as day, the car is unmistakably the same Impala, less the spotlights, and the shot is very deliberate. With that single shot, the car is established as the safe haven and refuge of the remains of the Winchester family. It's where they went when their world was coming down around their ears. That this point seems to have been completely missed by people involved in running the show saddens me gravely.
'Could have been any car.' My god.
Posted by: sadfan at June 27, 2007 11:00 PM
I have to agree with sadfan. That wasn't "any car", anyone who paid attention could see it was the Impala. It established it as the family's 'new home', the only thing left from before. The Metallicar changed and became part of the 'fight', just like they did.
Why would making it some random uncle's car 'trump' the emotional power of that? Even if we hadn't seen it in the pilot, that's just...boring. This uncle no one cares about died because of John's naive ignorance, shall we say, and John takes over the car. Huh? That's definitely got the family car becomes the substitute family home and only constant beat by far in terms of emotional power....Riiiight. :)
Why would they think they needed to establish how he got the car in the first place? I looked it up and many people had those big 4 door Impala sedans as 'the family car'. More than that almost everyone knows John was a mechanic, so no one would think it odd for John to have a car like that in the first place, suburban dad or not.
It's not like people go around thinking John Winchester was some hot shot up and coming banker. He was upwardly mobile blue collar but blue collar none the less, it wasn't necessary to establish that kind of 'street cred' for him. Also, since when are "dirty weapons" blue collar? Guess my blue collar family missed the memo about that one. BUT, this is the biggie, John was a Marine. Knowledge and interest in weapons of any kind just never needed an explanation given that. He's a former Marine, he decided to go after what killed his wife...the former Marine is going to fall back on his Marine training.
PS: I just went back re-read it and realized that was my question he answered. I'd forgotten I had even asked it. :D
Posted by: Emily at June 28, 2007 12:42 AM
I must say that I am loving the comic books! I that the first one was okay, but I loved the second and eagerly awaiting the third.
I watched the pilot again, if that car is the Impala then where is the passenger's side view mirror. The car in the pilot didn't have one. The Impala does.
Posted by: Maddy at June 28, 2007 01:28 AM
As I recall not all the Impalas they've used for the show had that mirror. They have five Impalas, among them one only had two doors and one of them was a 1965, doesn't change that it's "the Impala" if you happen to catch the difference in a scene.
Posted by: Emily at June 28, 2007 01:54 AM
went back and looked at that shot and it wasn't very revealing. The show has the briefest of shots of him on the hood of a car and that was it. That car could have been any car. There was no other establishing how he got the car at all.
For the comic, we felt it was more interesting to see some kind of character driven way that he got the Impala. If he already has it it's kind of boring and it's a wasted opportunity for us. His transformation to monster hunter from suburban father is about his characteristics, his interests. He has to grow to want to drive a muscle car and like heavy metal music and dirty blue collar weapons.
Just when you think that you can slip something in on the fans... Man I just don't see HOW he could have just said that the Impala could have been ANY car!!! ESPECIALLY when I have always considered THAT car as a third lead in the show!!!
Here's a hint guys (Artists and writers) Pay close attention to what you are doing... Because as fans we ARE paying close attention to what you ARE doing!
Posted by: yasmine32068 at June 28, 2007 07:33 AM
He has to grow to want to drive a muscle car and like heavy metal music and dirty blue collar weapons.
I disagree. John was a Marine and a mechanic living in Kansas. He could easily have already wanted to do all of those things!
That car in the pilot was the Impala, and going against canon sucks.
And the art doesn't have to be "the superhero muscle-bound kind of comic" to be good and recognizable! The faces completely suck! Dean looks like a middle-aged man when he's only supposed to be 10 or 11. You can't tell what anything is.
I have checked out each issue in my local comic book store but have been so disappointed that I haven't bought one yet.
Posted by: Dair at June 28, 2007 09:54 PM
I have to say as a fan of the show I was a bit peturbed at what I view as a complete lack of research, especially considering Mr. Johnson is an co-executive producer of Supernatural.
Yes, the car in the pilot is the Impala. You must be completely blind to even suggest it is anything other than the Impala. And as far as the storyline with the uncle, well it was completely pointless and horrified a few fans I know. Why in the hell would John drop a dying man in a car into a quarry on the instructions of a stranger he just met no more than perhaps an hour before rather than take him to the hospital? Especially considering he was a family member.
If he already has it it's kind of boring and it's a wasted opportunity for us. His transformation to monster hunter from suburban father is about his characteristics, his interests. He has to grow to want to drive a muscle car and like heavy metal music and dirty blue collar weapons.
Frankly this is one of the most uninformed comments I've ever read. We're talking about an ex-Marine, Vietnam vet, blue collar mid-western man with a love for cars. I grew up in the 70's and early 80's and heavy metal/classic rock was the music of choice for the working class man. As far as weapons---he's an ex-Marine, he served his duty in Vietnam, he would know the weapons already. This comment seems to suggest John wouldn't have know his way around a gun, but that ridiculous.
Finally the artwork...
What can I say, but I am completely disgusted by Matthew Dow Smith's art and I use the word 'art' lightly. The cover artists have been wonderful and talented people, but to have such a lovely piece of art on the cover and then open the book and see Mr. Smith's work is a shock. My ten year old nephew can draw better than that. Do yourselves a favor and find a new artist. His lack of talent detracts from the writing.
Remember Mr. Johnson the fans are always watching and we are an intelligent lot. Don't ever underestimate our ability to tire of something that doesn't do our favorite show justice. Also try to speak to us as if we actually do have a clue. Thank you. :-)
Posted by: Liz in St. Louis at June 29, 2007 06:05 AM
I don't agree with your answer.. drawing them in manga style doesn't mean the story have to take place in Japan or Asian region~~ it's just another style of drawing other than US, Hongkong,Korean or Taiwan style.. I'm not blaming you for the graphic and I don't mean the graphic style must be muscular like superheroes comic..(I hate that style too) but some of the drawings are not appropriate to the things mention like Baby Sammy or young Deanie.. they're look much more older than their ages..
sorry for all disrespect.. but I think you'll sell more if u can turn this to manga style.. take Starwars and X Men for example will you?
wish you all the best and I'm looking forward to the comics to arrive at here.. Malaysia.. because I don't have credit card to buy it from E Bay~
I LOVE the artwork! And I LOVE the colouring even more! I'm preety excited for the new comics to come! I'm very happy with everything!
Posted by: Patricia at July 1, 2007 01:43 PM
I am so very new to the world of comics. SUPERNATURAL:ORIGINS has me hooked though! :D
I enjoy the artwork, and cannot understand why people would want to change it.
The story so far is great, and I cannot wait to see more. As soon as I have finished reading one, I am counting down the days until the next one comes out!
It's so nice to see John's story, as we don't know much about his side of the story in the show.
Keep up the great work Mr. Johnson!
Posted by: Cassandra at July 3, 2007 05:54 PM
First off, I love the artwork. I'm glad they went for the Mignola, Sook, sharp-edges-and-shadows look. It perfectly compliments the series and I think it's great. I can't believe there is such heated hatred for the art. Besides, you should be picking up this comic for THE STORY, not the art. What are we, first-graders?
Secondly, I love this comic. Supernatural is the show I've been waiting for all of my life (as I've always been a monster hunter fanatic since seeing The Monster Squad at age 11). The comic is a great reveal of John and I hope it stays that way. Sam and Dean get to be explored in the show. I think the comic should be a place where John, Caleb, and Pastor Jim get their screentime. The news that there's more on the way lights up my day.
As for the car controversy...yes, the Winchester boys are sitting on the Impala. But...who's to say that was THEIR Impala? We see established in Issue 2 that their uncle Jacob had the Impala. Maybe he came over upon hearing about the fire. I mean, it was some time after the initial explosion because emergency workers are there. Maybe Jacob came to see what had happened and he was off talking to police trying to wrap his head around how something like this could happen. Meanwhile, the Winchesters are leaning on his car, taking it all in.
It's totally conceivable.
Posted by: Greg at July 6, 2007 11:17 AM
Hate the artwork! But, I only buy it for the backstory so, it doesn't really matter. I'll continue to buy the commics as long as they are made!
The Impala thing is a biggie though. Too bad you can't withdraw this comic and rewrite it. Very bad form to make such a blunder so early on!
But, am still glad we are getting them! They can only improve!
Posted by: lovetheboys at July 8, 2007 03:23 AM
Hi! First of all let me say I love the storylines in the comic books. I think those are realistic towards the show and the characters. Now onto the next thing: the artwork. I do not like the drawings for this comic book. Dean and Sam look way older than they really are. John doesn't look like John. I guess I was expecting something more like what the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 comic books are. The very first issue of those I picked up and didn't have to read a word to know who was drawn in the picture. The drawings were very similar to the actors and actresses of the show. I guess that's what I was hoping for with the Supernatural comics....a familiarity and similarity to the current characters. But that said, the storyline is fantastic, I can't wait for issue #4 to arrive, keep up the great work! Just fix the artwork please!
Posted by: Tracey at July 8, 2007 03:30 AM
I can accept a lot of changes between the comic and the show. Different medium. But how do you explain in issues #3 Ellen getting her own daughter's name wrong. Fans know it is Joanna Beth not Josephine. I think this kind of mistake shows a lack of respect for the fans and the source material
Posted by: Casey at July 9, 2007 07:11 AM
Oooh, I forgot about the Josephine/Joanna thing. Hm...
Still. It could be "fixed". They could either A) correct the name in the TPB reprinting or B) create a story where there were TWO "skins" present at Harvelle's that day. One that the hunters killed, and another assuming the identity of Ellen. For whatever reason the Skin could be trying to infiltrate the Roadhouse, then Bill discovers his wife tied up in the closet and takes out the imposter.
Peter Johnson, if you need someone to come up with new stories to explain away discrepencies, I'm always open ;)
Posted by: Greg at July 9, 2007 03:48 PM
Casey - You are absolutely right: the "Josephine" reference was incorrect, and we caught it just bit too late as the issue had already been sent to press. My sincere apologies for the silly mistake; we're usually able to snag these things in time.
As for the broader Impala concerns, it's basically this: Our story point in this comic series was a deliberate creative choice, not something we stumbled into. I simply thought the origin of the car in the context of John's journey after Mary's death would be more interesting than having the car already in his possession. We discussed the shot of John and the boys on the hood of the car at the end of the pilot teaser and felt -- right or wrong -- that the shot was ambiguous enough to support a different approach to introducing the car in this "Origins" series. It was not meant with disrespect or disregard to what has been established on the show. I intended its introduction in the comic series as one element of an on-going transformation in his character. Which isn't to say that he had none of these attributes prior to Mary's death; we all know John was an ex-Marine and certainly knows his way around weaponry. But I felt his somewhat quieter, settled-down suburban life as a husband and father was far different than a guy who blasts heavy metal from town to dusty town and who brandishes a wide variety of badass weapons as a Hunter of all things supernatural. That was the intention of my comments about his transformation in character; it was not to suggest he didn't know his way around a gun.
Lastly, please know that I am a genre fanatic and have been reading and collecting comics for 25+ years now and have nothing but respect for what fans feel and have to say about these kinds of issues, being a complete hardcore fanboy myself. It is with this kind of history and fervent love of this genre, and this show in particular, that I am approaching this comic series. It means the creative choices are being made with thought, thorough discussion and, occasionally, my gut. Which is never right all the time, but it's all I got. Anyway, thanks for all the questions and debate. Your input is extremely valuable. - PJ
Posted by: Peter Johnson at July 10, 2007 02:31 AM
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