I have been a fan of DC Comics JONAH HEX for ages, and that was cemented for me with Timothy Truman and Joe Lansdale’s various mini series featuring him. I was very excited to hear that Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray were going to do an ongoing book of the character, and wow was my excitement about it ever justified. Here is an interview with both talents about the run and character JONAH HEX...
When writing a Western, with so many well worn clichés of the genre, how do you make it fresh every time?
JG: I don't think about the trappings of the genre and in many cases the stories are meant to appeal to a broad audience and not just fans of Hex or fans of westerns.
JP: The main concern first is that we entertain and present a solid story that will leave a reader satisfied. Clichés are everywhere, and we avoid them as best we can…but some are a lot of fun and can be messed with on so many levels. It's a western, so some things are expected to be seen.
Do you have a goal beyond tell good stories with Hex, are you trying to revive the Western for comics?
JG: Again this isn't a conscious and planned attempt at anything other than telling stories we'd like to read. I love westerns but if you focus specifically on the genre rather than the characters then you lose the opportunity to expand on what has come before and hopefully discover new ways of approaching the subject matter. Speaking personally, writing Jonah Hex is an enjoyable because it allows me to work outside the mold of crossovers and continuity.
JP: In my eyes, the western never goes away…remember, it's a big world out there and so many other countries make westerns outside the U.S. that I think it will never die. In comics, Hex is a leader for sure and I think having it out has helped open up people's minds a bit to give the genre another look and chance on the stands. We are very proud of that and I continue to pick up any new ones I run into. Hell, 4 weeks ago a western was #1 at the box office…how cool is that?
Is there any music to play while reading Jonah Hex that would enhance the read?
JG: Aside from the spaghetti western collections I listen to the Legends of the fall soundtrack, anything big and symphonic usually works well, in the case of issue 26 I'd suggest listening to Goblin.
JP: Classical music is all I listen to when I work except for a soundtrack here and there.
So far do you have a favorite story from your excellent run on the book, and if so what is it?
JG: I tend not to dwell on the past issues or stories simply because I'm always trying to look forward. The art is a different matter, I go back and look at how many amazing artists we've been blessed to work with.
JP: I agree, we have been really lucky to get some of the most talented story tellers in our industry to work on the series and for the next year, we have more of the same. As far as favorite stories, I love elements of many of them because of the sick and twisted things that happen in them…but our best stories are coming.
Of the many artists who have worked in comics but who have either retired or have died, whom would you most like to have worked with on Jonah Hex?
JG: Morbid question Alex. Gil Kane comes to mind immediately.
JP: Here is the small list: Will Eisner, Frank Frazetta and Joe Kubert. Joe is still drawing, so I have to find a way to get him working one day with us. Lol…I don't know why in hell he would ever want to.
What is it about Jonah Hex that allows writers to tell more compelling stories than a cowboy in a Western tale? What are the motives that you see in him that make him so powerful a template for such stories?
