Action For All-Ages In Super Powers #1

by Vince Brusio

If there are young readers in your household, then do we have a treat for you. In adult circles they are referred to as the "Big Guns" or the "Trinity." But in writer Art Baltzar’s world, they are the most recognizable faces in the DC Universe, and that makes them perfect for an all-ages comic book series. So let the fun begin. In November, get ready for Super Powers #1 (SEP160317), featuring Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman for all-ages readers. In this interview with artist/writer Art Baltazar, it’s all about bad guys and good guys, and a fun factor that's over-the-top!

Super Powers #1 (SEP160317) is in comic shops November 23.

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PREVIEWSworld: Did the feedback you received from Tiny Titans and Superman Family Adventures move you gents to develop Super Powers #1 (SEP160317)? Or was this mini-series part of the grand design from the beginning?

Art Baltazar: Yes! We have a great relationship with DC Comics! Tiny Titans had an amazing 50-issue run! Then came Superman Family Adventures and The DC Super Pets books! DC super heroes have always been part of our lives, and we know them like family. Batman is my brother. I’m always thinking about stories for these heroes. It’s an honor to be part of their history!

PREVIEWSworld: Are there any previous storylines or past works that influenced the new adventure you’ll be presenting in Super Powers #1?

Art Baltazar: We are huge DC super hero fans! Any opportunity to work on these characters still amazes me! To me, all of our DC work has been in one universe. Superman Family Adventures really influences this series as well as the classic series by Jack Kirby and the Kenner Toys! There is a lot of Super Friends cartoon influence as well.  It’s everything we have been thinking about since we were kids when you play with your action figures, making up adventures.

PREVIEWSworld: What’s the tone of the book? How will the Trinity interact with each other in this series?

Art Baltazar: Super Powers! is a fun super hero action adventure series. It’s bad guys and good guys! Its evil guys trying to take over the world. Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are friends and teammates. They help each other in times of crisis. And every so often, they are assisted by more heroes like…Flash, Martian Manhunter, Aquaman, to name a few. It’s everything you want in the DC Universe with an underlying subplot that never happened in the history of DC Comics!  Hmm…

PREVIEWSworld: Do you think all-ages comics like this are a good thing for teachers to use in the classroom to help foster reading skills?  Why would a series like this be a good reading supplement for the classroom?

Art Baltazar: I think comics are awesome! Comic book reading can be an introduction to bigger things. The key word is “reading.”  As long as a kid is reading something, I am honored to be a part of the process. I love making comics everyone can read. AW YEAH ALL-AGE APPROPRIATE!  

PREVIEWSworld: What do you hope to accomplish in this new series? What do you want young readers to get out of Super Powers #1?

Art Baltazar: Hopefully we can get those readers who are reading comics for the first time. We can show them who the DC super heroes are and what they are all about. And maybe by the end of the series, we can inspire a kid to wear a cape and begin their crime-fighting career! Watch Out Evil Doers! AW YEAH!