BGCP Interviews John Layman (CHEW, Chu, Detective Comics, Batman, Outer Darkness)
Introduction
Hey folks and welcome to another written BGCP creator interview. We are lucky enough to be chatting today with Writer/Editor and the man of many talents, John Layman.
We discussed his start as an Editor for Wildstorm Comics, how he found himself in DC before eventually trying his hand at writing in 2001 to much success, leading him to work for every major Comic Publisher in America. We also dive deep into his creation CHEW and how the animated series was cancelled but may still grace our screens one day.
His credits include:
CHEW (Image Comics)
Detective Comics / Batman Eternal (DC Comics)
Outer Darkness (Image Comics)
Chu (Image Comics)
Mars Attacks (IDW)
Check out John on Twitter at @themightylayman and buy his books on Amazon Here.
Interview
BGCP: John, thanks for joining us on the podcast. You started out in the industry as an Editor at Wildstorm. How did that influence the way you write now, and do you miss the “Red Pen” days?
John Layman: It was a massive learning curve. I was working with the likes of Warren Ellis and Mark Millar right when the industry was shifting. Being an editor first means I’m probably my own harshest critic. I don’t miss the administrative side of it, but understanding the mechanics of how a book is put together—from the script to the lettering—is why I still handle a lot of my own lettering today. It gives you a sense of control over the pacing that you don’t get otherwise.
BGCP: Let’s talk CHEW. It’s a huge success, but we have to ask about the animated series. It had an incredible cast with Steven Yeun and Robin Williams—what can you tell us about why that didn’t move forward?
John Layman: It’s one of those “Hollywood” stories. We were so close. We had recorded the lines, the animation was moving along, but then we lost Robin, and the project hit a series of production hurdles. In this industry, things can be 99% done and still fall through. It’s frustrating because the fans want it, and I want it, but the rights and the timing have to be perfect. That said, the “Chewniverse” is expanding in the comics with Chu, which has been a blast to write.
BGCP: You moved from your own properties to the heavy hitters at DC, specifically Detective Comics and Batman Eternal. Was it daunting stepping into Gotham?
John Layman: It’s always daunting when you’re writing the bat. You’re following in the footsteps of legends. My goal with Detective Comics was to bring it back to its roots—actual detective work. I wanted to focus on the puzzles and the grit. Working on a weekly book like Batman Eternal is a different beast entirely; it’s like a high-speed train that doesn’t stop. You have to be incredibly disciplined with your scripts because the art team is right on your heels.
BGCP: You’ve worked with almost every major publisher. Is there a “bucket list” character you haven’t touched yet?
John Layman: I’ve been very lucky. I’ve done Godzilla, Mars Attacks, Aliens… I’ve ticked most of the boxes. At this stage, I’m much more excited about creator-owned work. Books like Outer Darkness let me do things I could never do with a licensed character. There’s no editorial board telling you that you can’t kill off a main character or do something completely insane in space.
BGCP: Finally, for the fans in Glasgow and across the UK, do you have any message for those following your work, and what should we be looking out for next?
John Layman: Just a massive thank you for the support. The UK fans have always been some of the most vocal supporters of CHEW. Look out for the next arcs of Chu—it’s the “Better Call Saul” to CHEW’s “Breaking Bad,” and things are about to get even weirder.
Summary
Another interview in the bag; it was very interesting getting to chat with John Layman about the highs and lows of the comic industry. If you have any comments or talking points regarding the CHEW animated series or John’s run on Batman, please let us know!
You can listen and rate the full audio version of this interview on the following platforms:
