"Cats Or GTFO!" - 24 things you need to know about Gerard Way's new comic
Gerard Way was named third in the Best Twitter category of our 2013 Readers Poll for good reason. In the months since My Chemical Romance’s split last spring, he has turned his personal presence on Twitter into not only an insight into what he’s doing, but an information goldmine for fans and a catalyst for a creative community who do art projects together and even offer Way creative criticism.
Though he said last year he was planning to take a break from comics in favor of his new music career, it appears Way has had a change of heart, first sharing news that work on long-awaited The Umbrella Academy: Hotel Oblivion will resume this May, and also sharing the works-in-progress for another comic endeavor, the cat-centric, punk-rock All Ages.
With The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys limited series having wrapped last week, we wanted to tide you over with a little peek at what is brewing in Way’s comic world–and how you can get involved.
1. All Ages became a series because of fan response.
Way posted a drawing of the character Jones, which received such a positive response from fans on Twitter that it convinced him to start work on the series.
2. The characters in this book are anthropomorphic.
Way has given no indication that the series will have humans. He has spoken only of cats and of dogs (who are cops) with human traits. The main characters are cat teenagers who are punks.
3. The All Ages covers are among Way’s first published digital art, ever.
At the suggestion of a friend, Way recently took up digital art. The priliminary All Ages covers, he says, are the product of a few weeks’ working with the formerly unfamiliar medium and programs.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
JONES
We have Jones pic.twitter.com/EFdEfKve9Z
— Gerard Way (@gerardway) December 29, 2013
4. Jones was originally a character for a different series.
In a recent podcast, Way said Jones started as a character for a different series, in which he was the only character of his type (that is: a crust-punk cat).
5. He’s not the main character, but he plays an important role.
6. Way describes him as “an instigator.”
8. His obstacle: He doesn’t want to get old.
KOKO
Koko pic.twitter.com/mY3g18K2PT
— Gerard Way (@gerardway) December 29, 2013
9. She’s a lady (and the only female character revealed so far.)
10. Her family doesn’t have much money
@30STGD Koko's family doesn't have much money
— Gerard Way (@gerardway) December 29, 2013
11. She is an activist who supports equal rights. (For females? Cats/dogs? LGBT? We're not sure whose rights are being infringed upon in this world)
13. She’s Lemon’s best friend (see below).
LEMON
Lemon pic.twitter.com/b73UKv6b7U
— Gerard Way (@gerardway) December 29, 2013
14. Though Jones was revealed first, Lemon is actually the main character.
15. His obstacle: He “dreams of leaving a mundane life behind,” and “music is his life.”
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16. The title All Ages does not refer to the series’ intended audience.
@cmcnellen I don't think All Ages is “all ages”. I think the themes are very adult
— Gerard Way (@gerardway) December 27, 2013
17. It refers to admittance to punk shows.
Way says he wants to capture what it was like to go to punk shows when he was in high school, when it was still dangerous andbefore punk was marketed to the masses.
18. The series takes place in a run-down part of town.
Way described the series as “one of the most authentic things [he] can write” as it takes place in a music scene much like the one MCR came from in Newark, New Jersey.
19. It might give you that Holden Caulfield feeling.
@snowcarlile It's going to be a drama, coming of age, growing up in a scene, exploration, love, violence
— Gerard Way (@gerardway) December 27, 2013
The series is set to be about escape, the creation and destruction of relationships and how musiccan give you a place to belong. When asked by a fan if it would be like the original Killjoys concept (of a guy who “just wanted his Ramones records back”), Way said, “a lot more slice-of-life than that, and little to no science fiction. Think Love And Rockets, but different, and with cats.”
20. Way hasn’t decided on an artist for the series yet, and he wants your suggestions:
Some really cool artist suggestions so far, I am keeping notes. Any more artists you think would be right, please link me or give me a name
— Gerard Way (@gerardway) December 29, 2013
21. He’s considering working with an artist he has never worked with before. (Sorry Becky Cloonan, James Jean and Gabriel Bá.) He has a shortlist of six or seven, according to PopCultureHound's podcast.
Keep in mind: He’s just looking for early feedback from fans, not ideas. (He has plenty of those.)
@MCRmyArmyBrats @AmyWelling Yes. Do not send me ideas, I am full up on those. Just feedback, likes, dislikes, opinions.i won't read ideas
— Gerard Way (@gerardway) December 27, 2013
22. The series could potentially kick off with a free web comic.
@KilljoyCaitlin I don't think so, but I think the series should start with a short free web comic
— Gerard Way (@gerardway) December 27, 2013
23. It will be a limited series.
Way has said on Twitter that he has enough material for six to 12 issues, and mentioned on the podcast that he would potentially have enough material for 10 issues at the moment with his intended pacing for the series (giving it more breathing room, less constant action on every page.)
24. Still, the impending Umbrella Academy series comes first (finally!)
@nicksays_summer UA is the focus, this is a slower development and part time
— Gerard Way (@gerardway) December 27, 2013
