First Comics News: What is it about writing that you love the most?
Mark Waid: Finding new and insightful interactions between the characters that reveal who they are, and surprising readers with that information (as it often surprises me).
1st: How was Empire created?
Mark: On my 30th birthday, having literally achieved all my deepest ambitions at that time, I asked myself, “What now?” Then it occurred to me that it might be interesting to hear that same question answered by a supervillain who’d already won.
1st: What genre is Empire?
Mark: Science fiction with a touch of superheroes.
1st: Who is Lord Golgoth, and will readers hate or love him?
Mark: Golgoth is the unquestioned leader of the Empire, which at this point spans almost all of the globe save for those few doomed holdout nations. He rules ruthlessly, which makes him appear pretty evil–but he’s far more layered than that, and there are interactions with his teenage daughter, Delfi, that help humanize him.
1st: What powers or abilities does Lord Golgoth have?
Mark: He has various energy weapons built into his armor and can use it to teleport, but his real power is that he truly is the ruler of the world.
1st: Why did Empire move from Gorilla Comics to DC Comics?
Mark: Gorilla was a well-intended but ultimately underfunded attempt to publish a comics imprint under the Image banner. We released a few books, but ran out of money–but DC was more than willing to take us in, given the strength of the material and of Barry’s and my ongoing relationship with them.
1st: Who are Tumbril, Lucullan, and Kafra?
Mark: All are lieutenants (ministers) working directly under Golgoth, each with their own vision of how best to serve him–or in at least one case, how best to someday seize his throne.
1st: Your writing Action Comics #1098, which superheroes and villains do you get to work with in it, and do you have a favorite from them?
Mark: Superboy first and foremost. Even though we’re guest-starring Martian Manhunter, Mary Marvel, and Booster Gold, the real fun for me is showing the road Clark Kent had to take to become a hero.
1st: In World’s Finest #51, did you enjoy working with Travis Morgan, the Warlord?
Mark: Definitely! I’ve been wanting to take the World’s Finest team to Skartaris for a long time–we don’t often get much of Batman fighting dinosaurs these days, which is a crime.
1st: What is your most memorable moment related to your writing career?
Mark: My very first sale, probably–in the summer of 1984, when I pitched and sold an eight-page Superman story for Action Comics to then-editor Julie Schwartz. Not many high points can compare with your first sale.
1st: How and why did you start Thrillbent?
Mark: TV producer and comics writer John Rogers and I were both interested in pushing the boundaries of digital comics. We eventually had to fold due to our other outside commitments and the time they took, but we pioneered many new storytelling methods, of which I’m still proud.
Rich: Why use Zoop for Empire?
Mark: I’ve known Jordan for many years! Not only do I trust him personally, I’ve seen what he and his team have built and am impressed!
1st: What do you have planned next in your career?
Mark: After 42 years and going strong? I’m still trying to figure out what mountains there are left to climb!
1st: Any last words for your many fans?
Mark: Vote in 2026. Vote wisely–even though you don’t think your vote “counts,” it does. Your voice deserves to be heard. Get out there and vote!
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