Ask The Maestro (that's Dwayne)

[Dwayne McDuffie]

1) When you took over writing the monthly Firestorm book at issue #33, were you aware the series was going to be cancelled with issue #35? If you were aware, any particular reason you took a three-issue-only assignment?

2) Did writing the Firestorm monthly series affect your decision to add Firestorm to the JLA roster, or had you envisioned him being part of the JLA prior to writing the Firestorm monthly book?

1. Yes, I knew it was for three issues when I accepted the assignment. I took the assignment for fun, I wasn't doing many comics during that period, and DC asked, and he seemed like a fun character.

2. It was the other way around, DC had already decided to move him to JLA, and the editor wanted to display his power level in his final story before the move. I wasn't even being considered for the JLA job when the decision was made.

[Dwayne McDuffie]

Hey Dwayne question, how much of Dr.Light (Kimiyo) involvement in the Milestone/Starbreaker storyline(s) have been your plans and how much came about of Editoridal dicate? And, if it's the latter, will whatever her outcome after this story be also mandated?

Dan wanted her in JLA, and I agreed. One of my problems with the team is that everyone in the cast is too nice, so there's very little interpersonal drama. In addition to having a fresh powerset, Dr. Light's personality will spice up the mix. I brought her in as soon as I had an opening.

[Dwayne McDuffie]

Mr. McDuffie,
I think it's really cool to see Milestone heroes going up against the league in the mainstream DC Universe.
Will Shadow Cabinet get it's own series (or mini series)?

No plans, but I'd love to see it. I'd *really* love to collect the original series. Fans of "the Authority" would enjoy it, I think.

[staredcraft]

Hey Dwayne question, how much of Dr.Light (Kimiyo) involvement in the Milestone/Starbreaker storyline(s) have been your plans and how much came about of Editoridal dicate? And, if it's the latter, will whatever her outcome after this story be also mandated?

Dan wanted her in JLA, and I agreed. One of my problems with the team is that everyone in the cast is too nice, so there's very little interpersonal drama. In addition to having a fresh powerset, Dr. Light's personality will spice up the mix. I brought her in as soon as I had an opening.

Perfect choice! Hey was that moment of the whole "she was out of character" a jab at the "nice" kimiyo during JLI/E?

Another thing, during the holiday special they restored Kimiyo's fear of the Dark (which i can understand) but it goes as far as saying she's NEVEr slept without a nightlight. THAT I felt was a bit overboard. What's your stance on hre "Fear"?

Lastly does the fact she once lead the JLE ever come up? Even referenced?

[Firestorm_Fan]

1) When you took over writing the monthly Firestorm book at issue #33, were you aware the series was going to be cancelled with issue #35? If you were aware, any particular reason you took a three-issue-only assignment?

2) Did writing the Firestorm monthly series affect your decision to add Firestorm to the JLA roster, or had you envisioned him being part of the JLA prior to writing the Firestorm monthly book?

1. Yes, I knew it was for three issues when I accepted the assignment. I took the assignment for fun, I wasn't doing many comics during that period, and DC asked, and he seemed like a fun character.

2. It was the other way around, DC had already decided to move him to JLA, and the editor wanted to display his power level in his final story before the move. I wasn't even being considered for the JLA job when the decision was made.

Dwayne - Thanks for the answers on Firestorm! So you thought Firestorm might be a fun character to write... after you were done with the three issues, did you find that belief had been correct? Was he fun to right? If so, any particular aspects of the character you like more than others? Has your perspective on him changed since you've been writing the JLA with him?

I think you are doing a fantastic job with him! I've got my fingers crossed that Firestorm will still be on the team once the big three leave and the team shakes up a bit.

Keep up the great work!

[Liandly]

Maestro, will we be seeing cameos of the Dakota hero community as they postulate to reform the JLA roster once "Final Crisis" and the departure of the Trinity are done?

[pupssingh]

Dwayne,
Is there any chance that you could release any of your JLA comic scripts on your website. Maybe just one or two.
I would LOVE to see them!
please!!

[pupssingh]

How would Wonder Woman of fared in JLA #28 if she got into a fight with Icon, instead of Donner?
How would a matchup like that turn out, roughly?

[Darth Scorpius]

What do you think of this video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypIbTpnuNgg

[wadew]

Who redesigned Static's costume for season 3?
And when it was decided that the costume was going to change, was the original comic outfit ever considered?