First Comics News: Did you watch the Netflix movie Rebel Moon?
Gail Simone: I did, with my family, and that was a weird thing, one of the weirdest I have come up against in my time writing comics. We were watching it, and my whole family was enjoying it. But in particular, I was drawn to the character of Nemesis. I saw her as an avatar of grief, of the mourning mother. I just thought she was amazing. I said to my husband, “I wish I could write that character. I didn’t even catch her name at that point.” That sounds like nonsense, but it’s absolutely true, and two days later, Zack Snyder called me and offered me the job.
I thought it was a prank, which I also thought back when I started,d and Joe Quesada called to ask me to pitch for Deadpool.
History repeats!
1st: Why do you like to write strong female characters?
Gail: The thing is, aside from a personal like for characters like that, I also feel it’s good to explore stories in comics that haven’t already been told a thousand times. When I started writing superhero stories, there hadn’t been many successful comics headlined by a badass female character, and I got to at least carry on some of the few that had.
The nice thing was that women and girls liked them, but guys also were buying. I think the audience is mostly concerned about a great story.
1st: Who is Nemesis, and why will people love to read about her?
Gail: She is the daughter of a humble fisherman, named Tatana, whose planet is ruined by an oppressive military force. She grows up to wield the Oracle blade and is powered by grief, mourning, and the desire for revenge.
She represents loss. And someone has to pay for that.
1st: Who are a few of the supporting characters in “Rebel Moon Vol. 2: Nemesis”?
Gail: We have a new Dreadnought Commander named Desdemona, whose own journey is similar to Nemesis, in some ways. But she chose the dark path and has caused pain everywhere she’s gone.
1st: Does Frederico Bertoni’s art go well with your writing?
Gail: It’s ridiculous, it’s just so beautiful. It feels very much like a European comics album. Every time I go to Europe or South America, I’m stunned by these incredible artists that we don’t necessarily get to see in the US. Frederico brought so much glory to the page; I find the colored pages just stunning.
1st: Will there be any surprises in Nemesis’ origin?
Gail: I think so, she has more in common with, say, the MAN WITH NO NAME than the typical superhero, certainly. When she comes to your door, you’re already lost.
1st: Do you feel Rebel Moon could be used to base more comic book series on?
Gail: Oh, yeah, Mags Visaggio did a great mini before me, but I’d love to see the other characters from the first film get their stories told. The RM fanbase is hardcore dedicated, but without the toxicity of some other fanbases. They’re lovely.
1st: How do you draw the readers to Nemesis so they care about her?
Gail: Same as any other character, the secret is always a recognizable human response. Everyone’s lost SOMEONE and had a hard time getting over it.
1st: You have accomplished a lot in your career. Is there anything that really stands out for you?
Gail: I don’t like to point out my place in comics or comics history, really. But I am very proud of the fact that I was successful enough that a lot of people who felt they would never have a shot went on to take that chance and do amazing things. I’ve had so many people say, “You doing it made me think I could do it, too.”
That’s my proudest legacy, I have to say. I am very grateful to have had that chance.
1st: Which female character that you have never worked on would you most like to work on and why?
Gail: Mary Marvel, I just think there’s an audience for a real girl superhero.
1st: Do you have any final words for your fans?
Gail: Just thank you for the continued support! I hope that if they enjoyed NEMESIS, they go on to try Uncanny X-Men and any other books I’ve worked on. And also, if they keep supporting REBEL MOON books, we may get more,e and I’d love that just as a reader!
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