Batman and Superman have both enjoyed success with digital 1st series by high-profile creative teams in Batman ’66 and Superman Adventures. It was only a matter of time before the 3rd member of DC’s triumvirate, Wonder Woman, joined the party with the August release of
her own digital 1st series, Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman. The title is an obvious nod to Sensation Comics, the title that launched Wonder Woman in 1942.
The series will feature a rotating creative team and different incarnations of Wonder Woman from various continuities. Color me excited! Sensation kicks off with the talents of fan favorite writer Gail Simone and comic art rock star Ethan Van Sciver.
Ethan is known for his legendary rebirth collaborations with Geoff Johns on Green Lantern and The Flash. He also cemented himself in Batman mythos history with a memorable recent run on Dark Knight with writer Gregg Hurwitz. He is lesser known as an endlessly entertaining Facebook personality, sometimes treating his followers with ditties performed on his keyboard.
I am overjoyed to consider Ethan a friend and uber grateful that he took a few minutes from his busy schedule to answer a few questions about his new Sensational gig.
Michael Fitzgerald Troy: You’ve been involved in a lot of high-profile projects involving some of DC’s high-profile male characters. How did you become involved in the new Sensation digital first series starring the amazing amazon?
Ethan Van Sciver: Pure Luck! I approached DC about working on Wonder Woman in some capacity . . . I was hoping for a fill-in issue, maybe. They offered me the first issue of Sensation instead! That’s good timing.
MFT: Stroke my ego a little . . . I’ve been begging you to draw Wonder Woman for years. Did my incessant stalking have any influence on your decision to agree to this project?
EVS: Of course. I mostly felt like I had to appease you. I hope this does it!
(Thanks, bro! Consider me rightfully appeased! -MFT)
MFT: You draw a beautiful Wonder Woman, whereas a lot of artists don’t. Do you think there is a specific way to approach the character?
EVS: I feel like Diana has the same elements of kindness and toughness that Superman does. She must be beautiful and badass . . . You’d never trifle with her. Yet, there’s something good and pure in her eyes. She’s your friend. It’s a hell of a mix.
MFT: You’ve long hinted at a collaboration with the spectacular Gail Simone. Was this always the project you were doing with her? How has the experience been?
EVS: No, there’s something else that’s half finished, but we’ve put it on pause for a while. This was just . . . an opportunity to work on one of my favorite characters with anyone I wanted. And, it’s always good working with Gail. She’s fantastic on WW!
MFT: Can you tell us how long your arc is and what it’s about?
EVS: Actually, it’s only 20 pages. Basically, Batman, Robin, and Nightwing are incapacitated and Gotham’s worst villains are running wild. Oracle calls in help. She considers a few other options but decides on Wonder Woman. It’s just a fun story, out of current continuity.
MFT: Care to weigh in on the controversial casting and costume of Gal Gadot as the warrior princess in the upcoming Batman V. Superman film?
EVS: I absolutely love her and her costume. I think she looks great!
MFT: Finally, how about a Barbara Walters question . . . if you were a tree, what kind would you be?
EVS: I hope I’d be an apple tree. Feeding everyone treats.
MFT: Thanks, Ethan!
EVS: My pleasure, Michael!
It looks as if a new Wonder Woman renaissance is upon us. Make sure to check out Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman from DC Comics on August 20 and anything else Ethan Van Sciver produces for the rest of his life!
