BATMAN AND ROBIN AND HOWARD - MY INTERVIEW WITH JEFFREY BROWN

On the 9th of November, 2021, DC Comics will be releasing a 160-page graphic novel that focuses on the strained relationship between Batman's son, Damian Wayne, and one of his fellow classmates, Howard. The story's aptly titled, 'Batman and Robin and Howard', and it was written and illustrated by the bestselling author and illustrator, Jeffrey Brown. Want to know more? Then please check out the following interview I did with the main man himself. Jeffrey, it's now over to you, pal.





1) Name three words that best describe who you are.   I'd say funny, cartoonist, and Dad.

2) I really enjoyed reading your series of books featuring the characters from the Star Wars Universe! So now you're writing one for DC, will we be seeing more of the same? Or will 'Batman and Robin and Howard' be slightly different?   My 'Jedi Academy' books were aimed at middle school kids and set in the Star Wars Universe, whereas this book is aimed at the same age range, but set in the DC Universe. Or to be more specific about it, Gotham City, which is home to Batman and his son, Damian Wayne (a.k.a. Robin the Boy Wonder), who's mostly a normal kid, just trying to finish his homework and fit in with the other kids at school (like his classmate, Howard). Overall, most of my books show another side of superheroes, a different side that tries to highlight their more humane and down-to-earth qualities.

3) Was Howard based on anyone in particular?   No, Howard's not based on anyone specific, but his relationship with Damian was inspired by my experiences in school. Well, back in the day, I always thought of myself as the school's resident artist, so it was hard to realize there were other kids who were just as good as me, or could draw even better! Howard and Damian both deal with this particular problem, realizing that it's okay to not be 'the best', just as long as you're doing 'your best'.

4) If you could get a celebrity – either living or dead – to promote your wares, who would you choose and why?   I'd choose Michael Keaton because I always loved his performance as Batman in the 1989 film.

5) What song would you say best represents this story and why?   I'd say, 'We're Going to Be Friends', by the White Stripes, as this song always makes me think about starting school, meeting new people, growing up, and having more responsibility. It also makes me think about how some kids should try to take their time just being kids, which is exactly what Damian goes through in this book.

Four Page Preview

Now for further information, please feel free to check out the official DC Comics Website, Facebook, and Twitter pages. Or better yet, why not pick up a copy of 'Batman and Robin and Howard' via Amazon!