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Veteran writer Roger Stern is considered a living legend by many in the world of comics. First breaking into the industry over forty years ago, Stern has written a nearly endless plethora of comic book titles for both Marvel and DC — including iconic and acclaimed runs on Amazing Spider-Man, Avengers, and several Superman titles. Stern has also written a number of original graphic novels including Doctor Strange & Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment, The Incredible Hulk Vs. Superman, and Superman: A Nation Divided, as well as three prose novels including New York Times bestseller The Death and Life of Superman.
Stern’s latest venture sees the venerable writer helming The Heroes Union for Binge Books alongside equally respectable creators Ron Frenz and Sal Buscema, who worked alongside the writer on several projects, including Amazing Spider-Man. In an exclusive interview with CBR, Stern discussed the upcoming comic book that introduces readers to an all-new world of superheroes heralded by The Heroes Union, as well as the all-ages, nostalgic feel of both the series and the universe as a whole. The legendary creator also spoke about being on the ground floor of an entirely new universe, and why fans of all ages should take notice.
CBR: You have a long and respectable history in the world of comics. How is this project different from your previous works?
Roger Stern: There are similarities between Justice League and Avengers stories I’ve written in the past, but the difference is in how the group gets together and interacts with one another. The Avengers is a team of heroes, while the Justice League are the all-stars of their universe. The Heroes Union is an actual union of people who want to do the right things but also enjoy the benefits and protections of being unionized.
CBR: What else can you tell us about the Heroes Union?
This is the beginning of a whole new universe of superheroes. The Union is unique in that it is the first super team to actually be constructed like a union. The Heroes Union has been around since the 1930s, and its members are provided with healthcare and other necessities of the modern-day to help them get by. It was founded by one of the main characters of the series, Blue Baron, who the general public believes has been around since the Revolutionary War.
CBR: You’re considered by many to be legendary in the world of comics. Does the success of your previous work put any pressure on your current work?
That’s very flattering, but honestly I feel silly when people refer to my work as legendary. Jack Kirby is a legend. Stan Lee is a legend. Joe Simon, Will Eisner, Harvey Kurtzman, and Alex Jones are legends that I grew up on. I’m just coming in here picking up a few things from reading their work. In the words of Issac Newton, ‘If I have seen further than others, it is upon standing on the shoulders of giants.’
CBR: Is there any particular character in the Heroes Union that you would consider your favorite?
There are so many great characters, but Blue Baron and the speedster Startup stand out for me. Startup has been on the job less than a week as of The Heroes Union #1, and she’s getting some serious on the job training on how to be a superhero. On her first day on the job, they go all the way across the cosmos! Luckily for her and everyone else, she’s a quick study.
CBR: How much creative power do you have in this new universe?
Darrin Henry has most of the big, long, ideas set up, and I get to go in and fill in the blanks. I help establish the characters and add bits and pieces of their lives. There’s one character in particular that I’ve really come to love by doing this, Honcho. Technically, his name is the Dewhurst Cola Honcho, because he sold his superhero naming rights to a cola company. He keeps a little selfie cam with him and actually films a commercial in the middle of a battle.
CBR: That brings up the very interesting question of whether or not superheroes should be paid for their services. Do you think being paid takes away from their nobility?
I don’t think so. I mean, everybody has to eat, unless you’re photosynthetic. You need a roof over your head. You probably have loved ones who rely on your help to get through life. Even the Avengers have a stipend from Stark Industries to help them in their day-to-day lives. They’re lucky to not have to sell their naming rights to a cola company to get by.
CBR: What kind of fans do you think will enjoy this project the most?
If you like superheroes, high adventure, science-fiction, or idiosyncratic characters who rub each other the wrong way, give it a try when it comes out next week. You just might like it!
CBR: Do you have any upcoming projects that you care to discuss?
I have a Blue Baron story in the works. Other than that, much of my previous characters and work are being made into movies, and they keep asking me to write introductions for the reprints. I literally just got a new assignment today for another Marvel Masterworks introduction. It’s always fun to sit down and figure out what I was thinking forty years ago.
The Heroes Union #1, by Roger Stern, Ron Frenz, Sal Buscema, and Chris Nye, will be available on Aug. 18 from Binge Books.
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