The Boys Creator Garth Ennis Previews His New Series Babs From Ahoy Comics

The Boys Creator Garth Ennis Previews His New Series Babs From Ahoy Comics

As a seasoned comic book enthusiast who has traversed the vast realms of graphic narratives for well over three decades, I can confidently say that Garth Ennis‘ latest creation, Babs, is an absolute gem. The series, with its unique blend of sword-and-sorcery, humor, and satire, feels like a long-lost friend from the pages of my cherished Justice League International comics.


As a seasoned comic book reader and collector for over two decades, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of “Babs” #1 from Ahoy Comics this week. With Garth Ennis, a writer renowned for his dark and gritty narratives, at the helm, and Jacen Burrows, an artist known for his intricate and atmospheric illustrations, I am confident that this series will be a compelling addition to my collection.

Babs skillfully combines classic sword-and-sorcery humor with subtle satire, giving it a distinctly Ennis touch. To provide some insights before its launch in both physical and digital comic stores tomorrow, the writer had a brief interview with ComicBook.

The Boys Creator Garth Ennis Previews His New Series Babs From Ahoy Comics

Title seems rather whimsical to me. I’d be curious to know how it came about and what led you to choose “Jacen” as the artist for this piece. Given my background in design and art history, I’ve always found it fascinating to learn about an artist’s creative process and inspirations.

For quite some time now, I’ve been pondering over the realm of swords and sorcery ever since my stint on Hawk the Slayer with Rebellion. Truth be told, this genre often leans towards the absurd and lazy, but it can also provide a great deal of enjoyment.

Jacen and I have collaborated for two decades, developing an impressive creative connection along the way. He excels at storytelling and handles a wide range of subjects gracefully. However, what truly sets him apart is his ability to tell stories with remarkable clarity and precision, making it easier to infuse humor into them.

In the initial installment, there’s a bit of sharp yet not overt critique of mainstream culture and fan communities. How significant is this satirical element in shaping the broader narrative of the series?

The theme subtly weaves its way throughout the narrative without overpowering it. Readers might be taken aback to discover that the incels aren’t as harshly portrayed as they might anticipate, primarily because of my kind and compassionate disposition – a trait that inclines me not to abandon individuals unless they’ve proven beyond doubt to be unchangeable.

As an ardent supporter, I must admit that the ongoing disturbances against immigrants in the U.K. are challenging my tolerance levels. Upon reflection, it seems these incidents consistently involve the same kind of individual – let’s just say they don’t exactly have a spotless reputation.

In the book, it is mentioned that she has a beautiful appearance but has had bad luck. This appears to be similar for another character introduced in the first issue. So, how will Barbara Gordon’s (Babs) entourage of supporting characters unfold?

Apart from Izzy, you also have Mork the Orc and his questionable group, who play a significant part in what can be termed as intelligence-gathering. We find Tiberius Toledo and his self-proclaimed White Knights of Unquestionable Integrity in the mix. There’s a group of the reanimated dead among us as well.

In the second installment, you’ll get acquainted with one of my beloved characters: Sir Colin Culpepper, a knight of the realm, whose presence serves as my most straightforward critique within the sword and sorcery literary genre.

As a gamer immersed in this captivating experience, the initial hurdle swiftly fades away, replaced by humor-filled banter and heart-pounding action. But here’s the question: are there moments of introspection or character development sprinkled throughout, or will the fast-paced momentum continue unabated?

The second point seems rather verbose, which might cause some delay. However, it’s worth noting the undead military force I previously discussed, as well as the enigmatic figure on a bony steed with tattered remains for a horse.

Does Babs have an over-arching mission here? perhaps related to her past?

Babs aspirates to amass wealth to retire and unwind, but life tends to surprise us with unexpected challenges. In her own words, she acknowledges, “I know I’ll be embarking on yet another unforeseen journey.”

Was there any external impact on how the book developed? It seems as though it shares similarities with numerous elements, yet it retains a unique personality of its own.

As a fan, let me share an interesting tidbit about one of my favorite characters. While daydreaming in a lush, tropical ravine nestled within the paradisiacal island of St. Lucia, I believe some elements of that environment may have unconsciously influenced the creation of this character. So, in a sense, yes, you could say it was an influence on my creative process.

In your rich collection of comic book characters, are there any past ones who you imagine would enjoy a drink of mead with Barbara (Babs) Gordon?

In a previous conversation, I proposed an idea that could prove entertaining: introducing Babs to both Code Pru and Marjorie Finnegan. These two individuals might find common ground, given their distinct personalities. One is exceptionally practical, while the other presents a certain level of danger but also exhibits a touch of unreliability. The third individual, well, let’s just say she may be on the edge of sanity.

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2024-08-13 14:10