One of the greatest things about working in the comic book industry is the quality of people you meet. From creators to retailers to readers to staffers, our business is primarily filled with individuals with good hearts.

And when you think about it, that's not too surprising, considering that we all grew up choosing to read the adventures of heroes. But as in any industry, you have to be more than a "nice guy" to succeed. Take Ben Abernathy, for example.

While at Marvel I watched Ben, along with designers like Matty Ryan and under the eye of Joe Quesada, transform the company's trade paperback program from an ignored afterthought into a nimble and prolific machine, now churning out nearly a dozen titles a month. See, not only is Ben one of the nicest guys you'll meet in this biz, but he's also one of the most enthusiastic and hard-working.

I lost touch with Ben when he left The House, heading for the West Coast, but was happy to soon hear that he was snatched up by WildStorm. I knew that Ben, thanks to his intelligence and attitude, would be an asset to any office -- and now maybe I can convey some of that energy to you.

So pull on your raincoat, because it's time to head straight into the WildStorm and talk with editor Ben Abernathy!

BTC: First, in order to get a greater understanding of where you -- and WildStorm -- are heading, can you talk about where you came from?

Ben: My story begins in rural Central Oregon and my earliest connection to comics were old Tintin graphic novels at our local library. Growing up, I became a fan of Marvel and DC Comics mostly through my older brother, who is still an avid reader. While attending Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon -- studying History of all things -- I happened to land an internship at Dark Horse Comics. I spent the summer making photocopies and doing art returns, while solidifying some of the most meaningful relationships I have in the industry.

Upon graduation, they hired me on full-time as an assistant editor, where I had the privilege to work on titles like Frank Miller's 300, Mike Mignola's Hellboy, and Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo. Fate soon called me to New York City, however, and I landed a position with DC Comics. Then, after an eventful year, I landed a position at Marvel. I spent almost two years there, putting together their entire reprint department and beefing up the 'Special Projects' aspect of the company. Then, again hearing the call of destiny, I moved back to the West Coast and soon after got the fateful call from Scott Dunbier to come down here. The rest is history, baby!

BTC: From Dark Horse to DC to Marvel to WildStorm, it sounds like you touched all the bases. Can you name some of your favorite people that you've worked with during this journey through the industry? What did you learn from each?

Ben: Wow, that's a long list. Editorially, the top of the list is dominated by three people whom I met at the very beginning and have had a great impact on my life and career. Bob Schreck, Diana Schutz, and Jamie S. Rich collectively, by instruction and demonstration, helped mold me into the editor and person I've become.

The creative list is too large to name, as I've had the great fortune in working with so many great people. The first person whom I dealt with professionally as an intern -- involving comp copies of all things! -- was John Romita Sr. Many great things have been said of the man over the years and I can tell you they're all true. He was kind and professional, considering I was a 19 year-old intern and he was actually on vacation, and he really made me feel like I mattered in the great scheme of things.

BTC: You just touched on something very important. There's only a few people in comics that would be classified as ³jerks.² They're the ones that think they're more important than they really are -- the ones that make interns and assistants feel like worms. Meanwhile, it's class acts like John Romita Sr. who earn everyone's enduring respect not only by their talent, but by their strength of character. Okay, hopping off my soapbox, what attracted you to the job at WildStorm?

Ben: There are several attractions to WildStorm. I had the great pleasure of working with them during my stint at DC and they really struck me as a great bunch of people, enthusiastic about the projects they were working on. Also, I've been a fan of the WildStorm Universe from day one (WildC.A.T.s #1 is still bagged at home!) and it was really a dream come true to be involved with such a talented and exciting company.

BTC: Every day holds its own surprises and challenges, but can you give us a rundown of a "typical" day at the WildStorm office? And speaking of the office, how big is it and how many people work there?

Ben: Hmmm... a brief rundown of my day would probably be something like this: Coffee and e-mail in the morning. Any overseas or East Coast phone calls I try to make before noon, because of the time difference. After the day's deliveries arrive, it's back to the phone notifying the freelancers as well as calling those that didn't turn anything in. I've got enough books moving through here that I'm working on various elements of each throughout the day... Whether it's licensing approvals for Robotech or Thundercats, or balloon placements and colors for StormWatch, or reading Wildcats scripts. It can get very hectic sometimes, but it's really the greatest job on the planet!

As for the WildStorm office itself, it's of moderate size, both in personal and commercial space, but I find the atmosphere so positive and family-like that I don't even actually know how many people work here!

BTC: So what are some of the necessary traits an editor should possess?

Ben: I think a few key words would be creativity, patience, organization and personality. I think different projects and companies ask different tasks of their editors, but at the end of the day, putting out the best product in a timely manner is ultimately what we're all striving for.

BTC: And what are some of the top tasks an editor should tackle?

Ben: I think the highest order is, as I mentioned before, putting out the best possible product in a timely manner. Also, being able to spot talent and build on it is essential, as well as addressing any particular aspect of a creative situation that isn't working.

Take a look at Robotech #0 here or #1 here

BTC: Looking at the beginning of 2003, I see many big projects on the way with your name in the editor's box. Starting in January, what can you tell me about the Robotech Sourcebook and the Robotech miniseries? Ben: Anyone here will tell you how excited I am about Robotech! Having watched the cartoon growing up, it really struck a chord with me, much more than other contemporary shows. When this whole '80s revival began, Robotech was the one book that I was really waiting for and what a surprise that I'd end up editing it! The mini-series were currently doing takes place before the cartoon series began and fleshes out fighter ace Roy Fokker and the whole development of 'robotechnology'. This book is a great read for fans and newbies alike.

The Sourcebook is a great investment, too, in that it showcases some of the industries top talents and gives bio info about many of the characters and mecha.

BTC: What about Astro City: Local Heroes?

Ben: Astro City (Check out a signed version here...) is a great project to be a part of. Not only do I get the opportunity to work on one of the most beloved books in all of comicdom, I also get to work with some of the best creators. The collective creative vision of Kurt (Busiek), Brent (Anderson) and Alex (Ross) is staggering and I count myself fortunate to be involved.

BTC: I also see that The Authority is also returning in "High Stakes,² a three-part back-up story. What's the scoop on that?

Ben: What's the scoop? The Authority are coming back in a big way and this is a nice little introduction of the new creative team for the fans. Not that these guys really need that big of an introduction. Robbie Morrison cooked up our excellent Scorched Earth one-shot in December and did an excellent issue of Spider-Man's Tangled Web for Marvel. And anyone who doesn't know Dwayne Turner has probably been living under a rock for the last decade! His skill has graced many of the industries top characters and he's collaborated with the very best! This book is really a dream come true and the fans won't be disappointed! We've got big plans for these guys, so stay tuned!

BTC: And what's Warren Ellis got cooking in Reload?

Ben: Let's see, we've got Warren Ellis and Paul Gulacy, a sexy living weapon clad in leather and a disgruntled and confused government employee. How is that not a recipe for success? Seriously, this book is going to excite a lot of people and hopefully make them think a little about the world they live in. Warren and Paul are in top form and this is another book you all had better check out!

BTC: Anything else cool coming our way in 2003 from the WildStorm line?

Ben: There are many great projects coming out through WildStorm in 2003. I'm obviously biased, but I think we're putting out the best books in the industry. Just from my little corner, I get to work on such excellent titles as StormWatch: Team Achilles and Wildcats Version 3.0, which I humbly consider two of the top books for your money.

Check out Thundercats #0, Thundercats #1 and Thundercats: The Return -- All Signed!

I also have the extreme honor to be working on an upcoming ABC book, with the esteemed Alan Moore and Peter Hogan. It's called Terra Obscura and it's being illustrated by Yanick Paquette and Karl Story. Fantastic stuff and really a lot of fun to read. Reload isn't the only book I have the pleasure to be working on with Warren Ellis. I'm also editing a book titled Red with Cully Hamner and David Self. Great story and amazing art. How graphic storytelling was meant to be! I've got another title or two on the stove that I can't talk about quite yet, though... I'm also now working on the popular Thundercats line, which should be exciting. And there's a slew of a projects coming out in 2003 that I can't talk about but you should keep your eye on Diamond Previews for...

BTC: Whew! Sounds like 2003 will be busy for you. Okay, looking ahead at possible projects, let's play a little fantasy football for a moment. Say you could work with anyone from the entire industry -- even if they're under exclusive agreement elsewhere -- who would you like to see come to WildStorm?

Ben: That's a tough one. Artist-wise, it would be great to work with guys like Ladronn or Salvador Larocca and writers like Grant Morrison or Peter Milligan. If we're shooting for the stars, Moebius or Hiroaki Samura would just be a flat-out dream come true.

BTC: What's the coolest thing about working in comics?

Ben: There are almost too many to count. I love getting the printed book after months of hard work and having that acute sense of accomplishment. I love interacting with all the wacky people that make up this industry. And I love getting the hook-up on all the cool swag that comes with meeting so many different people in the entertainment industry!

BTC: Speaking of entertaining, I heard you got married recently in Vegas. So tell me, did Elvis perform the ceremony?

Ben: Unfortunately, Elvis had left the building by the time I'd arrived. Plus, I don't think my lovely wife would have appreciated a man in a jumpsuit and sunglasses pronouncing us man and wife... I have hope for a renewal of the vows, though!

Amen, brother! And this time The King better be there... or at least someone in a giant Robotech suit!

Okay, friends, see ya next week when we once again go Behind The Curtain!

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During a 10 year run as "Your Man @ Marvel," Bill Rosemann met many of the industry's most talented and cool creators... including several that didn't like Elvis. Now living in Miami -- and enjoying Mr. Presley's new greatest hits collection -- Bill can be reached at: WilliamRosemann@aol.com.