Have you ever had to argue with DC on something you wanted to put in an issue, or something they wanted you to write that you disagreed with? Do you think working for a comic book publisher gives you more or less creative freedom than writing independently

Oh, sure, absolutely. It happens all the time, probably with most every writer, and the more distinctive your voice is, the more it happens.

But it’s not cut and dried…it’s not usually because the publisher is a big meanie. Sometimes, they have plans for a character they want to use, or they just did a plot like the one I am asking for.

But sometimes, too, the editor is just right. I had a plot in mind for Villains United #5 that was, well, hilarious but uninspired, otherwise. Editor Steve Wacker pointed that out and I fought like hell.

But he was right and I realized it later. We went in a much bolder direction and it was the right move entirely. It happens.

A great editor is a huge blessing. A terrible one makes you want to quit your job, the industry, and living, in that order.

There is certainly more freedom in creator-owned stuff, yes. But the word ‘creative’ in that sentence gives me pause, because I find working in these shared universe tapestries TREMENDOUSLY creative. I dearly love it, when it works well.

I don’t work at DC because I have to, I truly enjoy writing these characters and working with these people. I like doing both—I’m doing more creator-owned stuff starting this very year.

But I don’t see a time in the near future where I wouldn’t be writing SOME shared universe stuff, because it makes me happy.