Batman #50: Interview With Scott Snyder And Greg Capullo

The ending of the “Superheavy” storyline also marks the end of Scott Snyder’s and Greg Capullo’s run on Batman. The writer and artist who have given us this critically acclaimed storyline will now be moving on to other things. To give this conclusion a proper epilogue, Bam Smack Pow interviewed these two talented creators and got their final thoughts on Batman. The two shared with us their creative processes and what they’ll miss most about the Dark Knight.

Bam Smack Pow: Batman has become the book that symbolizes everything that was done “right” with the New 52. How does it feel to know your run on the title will be at least partially remembered for that?

Greg Capullo: We feel extremely proud to hear people say that. [laughs] And maybe deserving of more money.

Scott Snyder: We didn’t know that people felt that way. We were so deep in the process of creating it.

BSP: For the new Batman costume, was it all your ideas, Greg? Or did you also have input, Scott?

GC: Scott basically said, “Have at it,” and got out of my way. Jim Lee had already designed all the New 52 suits. I only modified what Jim had. I really didn’t like the armor. I thought the less protection the better. I incorporated in more of Frank Miller’s Dark Knight Returns version of the armor.

Another aspect of the costume I modified was Batman’s mask. I wanted it to be as plain as possible. I then took it a step further and made the cowl and cape a flat black. I thought it would be scarier — you know, make him like a living, breathing shadow.

I also added in references to things that Scott and I did in Zero Year — things like a yellow trim. In Zero Year, I simplified the bat-shape, made some of the pouches black and angled on his utility belt, and also made the buckle angled — imitating fangs or a bat wing.

BSP: Scott, in past interviews, you stated that you had many influences for your writing — reading Stephen King’s Eyes of the Dragon at age 9 and also your first job at Walt Disney World. Can you tell me how those influences manifested themselves in your current writing?

SS: People always assume that I’m a horror writer. However, I’m not exclusive to horror. I like what good horror brings. When you see good horror, it’s almost always about conflict. It’s about the things around you. That’s why I write things like a horror show. So when people call me a horror writer, I take it as a compliment.

BSP: When the two of you started your run on Batman, were there any apprehensions due to the character being such a huge icon?

GC: I was scared s***less! I mean, wow, it’s Batman! I drew him as a kid. If it wasn’t a #1 issue, then I wouldn’t have had that much anxiety. Anxiety is the ultimate killer. After a couple of issues, that nervousness subsided. So by #3 and on, it got a lot better.

SS: For me, it was terrifying as well. Batman has the best stories. The shear volume of terrific stories was just daunting. But it was great having Greg around while being so green and working on a #1 issue. Another thing that made the writing easier was actually writing the character like he’s yours. This way, you stay true to yourself and the character also feels truer.

BSP: The two of you will be reuniting for a project soon. However, what will you specifically miss most about working together on Batman?

GC: The familiarity. The longer I stay on a book, the more the character actually dictates to me on how he wants to be drawn. It becomes a real joy. I won’t have that type of relationship with the new book. I’ll have to start from the beginning again.

SS: Greg is really the best on Batman. There’s just something special about Greg drawing Batman and Alfred. There’s a certain chemistry you get when he draws the two of them together. Another thing I’ll miss is Batman himself. This is our Batman … our Bruce, our myth. In a way, this is our home … a house we built together.

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