Gail Simone: Reinventing the Status Quo

When it comes to making changes, get ready for a showstopper: Gail Simone. Hey netizens, Fracadactyl here. So I’m sure you’ve noticed that I’ve decided to change the url and name of this blog. Turns out sharing titles with more notable comic related pieces can take attention away from you. Part of the reason I do this is because I have something to say about comics. Gail Simone is actually one of my inspirations.

Gail Simone Intro

Now Gail Simone is one creator I can’t seem to get away from. Not nearly as much as Stan Lee, bless his soul… (He loved his job too much). My first major exposure to her is the Red Sonja comic I tell you about on another post. It is compelling, tells everything you need to know about the red she-devil without going through all her other adventures; it doesn’t even need to bring up Conan at all. It’s a story all about cementing a character in her own right. Best of all, it shows that she isn’t just some generic barbarian in a chain-mail bikini. Heck most of her appearances in Simone’s books has her more moderately dressed unlike the covers. That’s Simone’s entire MO, making a difference where it counts.

Ain’t Gonna Take It!

It goes without saying that change and going into depth about character is something that defines Simone. It all started after she saw a certain scene that people like to complain about when it comes to motivation. Ugh… even I have to admit that it’s overkill on Major Force’s part. The blog called Women in Refrigerators was built to raise awareness about female portrayal in comic books with many save for Wonder Woman being mere plot devices.

Afterwards Simone built up her fame by appearing on renowned comic website, Comic Book Resources. Her column You’ll All Be Sorry mixes classic stories with humorous depictions of ideas to make them better. It’s interesting that she started her writing career by using her column to create fan fiction. Thankfully it’s the satirical kind not the creepy slash fiction.

It’s Not Just For Laughs

Her satirical style was definitely enough to get called in to write stories at Bongo Comics to script for The Simpsons. Funnily enough, these short but sweet stories are often better than most of what the TV show puts out. Simone brings out an intelligent humor that was sorely lacking from the show. Whereas most modern Simpsons are just the same old tall tales for the sake of being dumb; the weirdness and hilarity come from both the writers and characters being aware of the strange situations they are in. The backstories of cartoon characters Itchy & Scratchy, a highlight on Groundskeeper Willie, and the the gags-per-second trademark make these experiences feel fresh. A bit of shame Bongo Comics shut down. But at least it paves way for more opportunities at Marvel.

Redefining Humor

All of those laughs eventually lands Simone a job as writer for Marvel’s most humorous character, Deadpool. Deadpool has a long history of being a lol joke character after Joe Kelly took over development; especially since Wade Wilson was just meant to be a spoof of DC’s Deathstroke. His co-creator, Rob Liefeld didn’t even like this portrayal. Because of the stale jokes, Gail Simone brings in a much needed depth to define the Merc with a Mouth; emphasizing Deadpool’s loony self-regard allowing for his inconsistent nature to add more surprises. Unfortunately that often means throwing in a bunch of tired jokes after Simone’s run; but some people manage to get the humor right. Not to mention this run helps get Udon Studio running. Now we’ve got tons of Street Fighter comics that clash with the game’s lore. Speaking of clashing lore…

The Gail Simone DC Brand

Redefining characters after close examination is what Simone does best. In her debut in DC, she starts out with the D-Class character Rose & Thorn. No plurals? Pay attention.

Thorn is a case of dissociative identity disorder that seems to be common when it comes to female villains from the Gold or Silver Age; that’s what Catwoman was at first. Alas, that also means controversy as a plot device, especially when she commits suicide from insanity. The more modern Thorn was also a regular case of exploitation; getting bound and gagged often makes this character seem up Simone’s alley. The series shows Thorn not just as victim of trauma but also how broken her mind really is.

After her parents horrible murder by The 100, the gang from Black Lightning; Rhosyn Lynne Forrest is in physiatric care after cutting off the hand of her parent’s killer. However being comics, she has the bad luck of being in the same room as a mad scientist who experiments on her to repress the violence and rage. Unfortunately for everyone, those buried feelings give rise to Thorn whenever Rose feels angry or threatened. What kind of nuthouse is that place running? Simone didn’t just prove she could rely not only on humor; but is willing to explore the human condition at its best and worst. She made this character, who seems to be just another D-Lister into someone compelling. It’s what also helps her develop other D-Listers.

Villains have Feeling Too

I’d be doing DC a disservice if I didn’t bring up its sleeper hit, Secret Six. Originally beginning as the six primary characters of Villains United; this series is essentially the Suicide Squad but more redeemable. And it’s not just because it emphasizes Deadshot. Featuring characters who weren’t all evil villains; this was essentially Simone telling DC’s editorial department that they goofed up with the Identity Crisis. DC really poked the bear with a stick with that one…

The six not-so-baddies band together to oppose the villains who build an army to strike against the Justice League called the Secret Society of Supervillains; especially after the Identity Crisis scandal went out to the super-criminal community. But of course, crooks aren’t exactly the most trusting of people and there is a traitor among them. Yet, Simone played to her strengths combining witty humor and revitalizing characters into something better. All of the characters are endearing and fascinating in their own way; even in spite of the changing rosters. It was so popular that CBS wants to create a TV show. That doesn’t look like its going to happen unlike Simone’s other big team.

Flock Together

Simone’s work was so great, she eventually writes for higher league characters in the form of the Birds of Prey. Former Batgirl, Barbara Gordon as Oracle and Black Canary pair up with Huntress. Originally this was just a promotion for the Birds of Prey TV show; but it ends up becoming a great story about sisterhood. The group members complement each other, make one another better; and it goes into what happens when up against an enemy who can show them up an every turn. Just Oracle and Canary already made a great team; but adding Huntress adds a level of character development for all three characters. Simone seems to be deeply attached to the team; having scripted episodes for Justice League Unlimited and Batman: The Brave and the Bold based on the Birds of Prey. After this who better than Simone to give the Goddess of Truth to?

Full Circle

Simone is mainly writer for Wonder Woman after the horrid affair, Amazons Attack. Seriously, is Simone DC’s go-to when they screw themselves over? While most of Simone’s run with Wonder Woman wasn’t the best; the first story The Circle, shows Diana as a force for truth and justice for the entire world. This steps away from the kill first and never question her methods later attitude some series like to show her. In fact, this is one of the few times that Wonder Woman makes full use of her lasso as a weapon; and not just an interrogation tool.

The Circle also highlights Diana’s relationships. Hippolyta displays her maternal care when she goes against her trusted guards; they thought Diana was an abomination. Diana’s friendship with Lt. Candy is certainly a step up from Wonder Woman’s usual companions; not just as a foil but someone willing to stick up for herself without Diana’s help. Most of Simone’s other stories with Diana were mostly just repeating the premise of The Circle without much character. But DC has a history of making their cash cows have little substance after a good start; often telling writers to keep going with some random adventures.

I Am Here

But still, Simone would continue her career with DC. In fact by the time the New 52 rolls in, Simone was the go-to writer for Batgirl; having Barbara Gordon in the suit once again. Still rather than just act like everything is reset; Simone being the comic fan that she is, helps keep Barbara’s Batgirl feel like she is still from the pre-New 52 era. She makes the trauma that put Barbara in a wheelchair feel like a struggle she is still going through; even after treatment. Not to mention it’s all about getting Barbara back on her feet which she does through a grounded narrative story. The rest of the series deals with Barbara facing her own villains; including her estranged psychopath brother rather than stay an extension of Batman and Nightwing. Too bad both Simone and Batgirl are way too deep into DC to stay independent.

Always a Fighter

Simone actually refused to take part in the Death of the Family Batman crossover event and ended up getting fired. Internet backlash however brought her back on… to do something she never wanted. I guess people and publishers have to compromise where they can, even if it disrupts creativity. At the very least, Simone makes the tie-in feel great. Instead of a generic tie-in, it is a very personal story of encountering the man who crippled Batgirl fully uninhibited. Add that to Babs’ continuing troubles and a compelling run was made. Simone’s time with Batgirl shows just how cemented the creator is with comics. Sometimes that’s still not enough though.

Along with almost getting the axe, even the most prolific creators can’t always get what they want; as long as it’s not in the interests of the editorials. The other Batgirls, Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown were supposed to be brought into teams; with the additional bonus of representation and reintroduction. Unfortunately DC had too many issues so Simone decides to go to other publishers.

Gail Simone Crosses Over

Simone’s other series like the aforementioned Red Sonja features a crossover with Conan the Barbarian. Seeing these former world-mates together again is enough fan service to cement Simone’s place in comics overall. This allowed Simone to be involved with more projects like female led Swords of Sorrow for Dynamite’s licensed characters; and later create a very notable crossover featuring Conan with Wonder Woman. While most remember Conan as the intelligent wanderer who would conquer all in battle or in bed; Simone shows him as someone who genuinely misses a part of his home he can never get back. All of which is in the form of a lost love who he thinks is an amnesiac Diana. It’s not just crossovers either but original work that tends to get left in the dust.

Re-Create:Create

Unlike her time in DC, the creator-owned series seem to slip up halfway. Vertigo published her mind bending story of Clean Room that cause people to question what is real. Then there is the Image published Crosswind where a body-switch helps enrich the lives of two complete strangers of opposite genders. It’s not so much empowerment or escape as it is learning how to cope with sudden changes. Crosswind is currently on hiatus after its first arc but fans are hopeful it’ll return; especially since its second ‘season’ didn’t come in 2018. Whereas her crowdfunded series Leaving Megaopolis displays Simone’s managing skills. She not only organizes teams but funds and direction. So some people finally wised up and let Simone do her own thing.

Firmly Planted Roots

Simone still writes other comics including her old playmate Deadpool’s former partner Domino in Marvel; and extending it to her new crew composed of underutilized characters like Korean created White Fox called Hotshots. She also does fan favorite DC funny guy Plastic Man; and yet another crossover this time with Red Sonja and Tarzan. As well as being one of the coordinators of a wedding that should’ve happened a long time ago; The Thing and the blind but loving Alicia. But all of that is secondary to her biggest achievement in Catalyst Prime.

Gail Simone: A New Beginning

While she was still working on the Conan/Wonder Woman crossover and Crosswind; she became chief architect of Lion Forge‘s Catalyst Prime a superhero universe focusing on underrepresented portrayals. With characters aplenty including a Mexican speedster, a hero with down syndrome, and more than a few African Americans; it’s an ambitious project that Simone is putting all her efforts into reaching an audience. After so many years of putting the pieces together, Simone writes the crossover epic Seven Days. As reviews find, its nothing short of amazing. The series is everything about Gail Simone.

As a fan, Simone knows when things need to change in comic books. When things start to get stale, it’s time to reimagine and take advantage of niches to fill.

The ink’s not dry yet so there is much more to come. Thanks for coming and as always remember to look between the panels.