J. Torres interview
J. Torres may be best known for writing the fan-favorite Teen Titans Go comic book for DC Comics. When I interviewed him, he was just starting work on another comic, based on the animated version of the Legion of Super-Heroes.
(Comics cover by Todd Nauck)
JDC: What does the “J” stand for?
JT: I used to tell people it stood for Joker, but then Batman got mad at me. He said it wasn't funny. So, now I tell people it stands for Justice!
JDC: What sort of stories did you write before you worked for DC Comics?
JT: I did a comic about a girl adventurer, another one about a boy and his giant robot, another one about a high school for kids with super powers -- a lot of fun stuff like that!
JDC: How did you get your first project published?
JT: My friend Tim Levins and I created a kind of homemade comic which we photocopied and sold to people and also sent to editors and publishers. One publisher liked our work enough to print it up as a real comic and that's how we got our start! Tim went on to draw BATMAN ADVENTURES and later I ended up writing TEEN TITANS GO!
JDC: Have you met any of the kids who read your comics?
JT: I've met quite a few at store signings, comic conventions, and even at school and library visits that I do from time to time. The best part is when some of them dress up like Robin or Starfire or another of the Titans! I also love it when they tell me knock-knock jokes or give pictures they've drawn...
JDC: You live in Canada. How do you work with editors who have offices so far away?
JT: We do everything by e-mail and telephone! Isn't this an exciting time to be alive? But I can't wait until the day I can upload my stories directly from my brain and onto the Internet the way I imagine Brainiac 5 can. In the meantime, maybe I can learn to telepathically send my stories to people with my mind, Saturn Girl style.
JDC: How do you picture the 31st century?
JT: Flying cars! Teleporters! Time travel! But the coolest thing to do on a Friday night is still to pop some popcorn and watch a scary movie with your best buddies.
JDC: Will you be introducing any Legionnaires or villains who haven’t been seen on the show first?
JT: Oooh... I don't want to give too much away...but...let's just say that one villain we have lined up will probably be more familiar to fans of the Justice League. Also, watch up for an unexpected guest star in the same issue, someone also kinda/sorta related to the League...
JDC: Why do you think the Legion of Super-Heroes has so many loyal fans?
JT: I think it's because the Legionnaires are relatable. Although they have super powers and live in the future, they're still human like us. They argue, they fall in love, they make fun of each other, they cooperate, they make mistakes, etc. Plus, they're just so cool with their costumes and flight rings and clubhouse.
JDC: Who is your favorite character in the Legion?
JT: That's a tough question to answer... so many to choose from... I've always liked Saturn Girl and Lightning Lad... but Brainy is another favorite... then there's Bouncing Boy but I think that's because people tell me I look like him... I can't pick just one!
JDC: Why is Brainiac 5 named after Superman’s enemy Brainiac?
JT: There is an interesting connection between them! Please keep reading to find out more!
JDC: The Legionnaires are teaching Clark things they learned about him from his future. Does that hurt your head?
JT: Only when I think about it.
JDC: Who would win in a fight, Timber Wolf or Beast Boy?
JT: It depends what they're fighting for. If a tofu dog is at stake, Beast Boy, hands down.
J. also wrote the Eisner-nominated Alison Dare and Lola: A Ghost Story which received the 2020 Aesop Accolade Award. His web site is https://www.jtorrescomics.com
(“Lola” cover by Elbert Or)