Post by /\/\att on Jul 30, 2008 14:26:46 GMT -5
Legions of Gotham sat down with the author of the Essential Batman Encyclopedia, Bob Greenberger, earlier this summer to chat about the new book.
LOG: Often the same character in the DC Universe has had different origins and interactions with Batman over the years as writers and times change. Does the Batman Encyclopedia cover the origins and canon descriptions of characters from the modern, silver and golden age, or just the modern age?
Bob Greenberger: I was adamant that the Encyclopedia put every incarnation into perspective. So, if you read about Killer Moth, you understand his Earth-1 and Earth-2 incarnations, his transformation into Charaxes followed by his death and the introduction of a new Killer Moth in Gotham Underground.
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LOG: What level of research did you put into writing the Encyclopedia? Where did you obtain your information? How long did it take?
BG: Level? I dug deep to assemble all know pertinent facts about a character and then distilled it down to what people needed to know about a character. The research and writing was occurring at the same time, writing up one letter while digging up information on another letter in order to stay fresh. I began researching in September 2006 and completed the book in August 2007. I obtained the information from the comic books, the Michael Fleisher Encyclopedia, various fan sites and the enormous databases of facts maintained by John Wells.
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LOG: Are you yourself a Batman fan? What qualifications did you have in the comic world going into writing this book?
BG: I’ve been a longtime Batman fan, since the 1960s. People say you’re either a Superman fan or a Batman fan and I’ve always gravitated towards the Caped Crusader. Early in my tenure at DC, I was assistant editor on Who’s Who so have some familiarity with encyclopedias and research in addition to working as assistant editor on the bat-titles for a year or two. I’ve also contributed to the DC COMICS ENCYCLOPEDIA and have a reputation as a researcher and historian.
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LOG: Can fans expect an updated version of this Encyclopedia in the future, as the DC Universe changes?
BG: That’s a decision between DelRey Books and DC Comics but sure, I’d be up for some sort of updated, revised edition in the years ahead. Dan DiDio complimented me on the book yesterday then told me everything is changing as a result of the Batman R.I.P. storyline so it sounds like an updated will most certainly be needed.
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LOG: Why do you think Batman fans will enjoy this book?
BG: They’re either going to be delighted someone put it all into perspective for them or they will enjoy learning about characters from other eras. It’s a treasure trove of facts, trivia and information plucked from throughout 65+ years of comics.
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LOG: Do you have any other Batman or DC Comics related projects on the horizon?
BG: Yes, I have a Batman-related project cooking with DC’s Licensed Publishing department but since they haven’t announced it, I cannot discuss the particulars. I’ve already started writing it and so far, I’m having a good time.
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A HUGE thanks to Bob for taking the time out of his busy life to talk with us fans here at Legions of Gotham.
Be sure to check out our review of the Essential Batman Encyclopedia HERE
Be sure to check out our review of the Essential Batman Encyclopedia HERE