When we get these writer to writer interviews, we're never quite sure what we are going to get. This one is short but fun as Ben Acker and Ben Blacker, writers on KING: Flash Gordon #1, talks with writer Brian Clevinger about KING: Phantom #1, both on sale today.

BEN ACKER AND BEN BLACKER: Did you grow up reading The Phantom?

BRIAN CLEVINGER: Nope. In fact, I managed to accidentally avoid The Phantom at every turn! Never got to see the newspaper strip, still have not seen the movie despite the fact that I would gladly watch Billy Zane read from a phone book, never so much as heard of the Defenders of the Earth cartoon, and always managed to miss The Phantom 2040 cartoon. But being an outsider, I think, turned out to be helpful since it mirrors Lothar's perspective coming into things.

BEN A&B: Was there a thing — a story thing or a character thing — that made you eager to write The Phantom?

BC: I was really drawn to the idea of Lothar becoming The Phantom. He was probably my favorite character in the Kings Watch event, so it was great to see him take up the legacy of The Phantom. On a strictly nuts and bolts level, I thought that was a great way to shed any baggage the property may have picked up in the public consciousness and still honor what makes The Phantom cool and interesting for its loyal fan base.

BEN A&B: What do you think of the art of Brent Schoonover?

BC: More please, thank you.

BEN A&B: We love Atomic Robo [Brian's indy book]!

BC: Is that a question?

BEN A&B: Do you yourself read any monthly comics?

BC: Who has time?! No, I'm a filthy trade waiter. Even then, the pile of bought comics is not necessarily the pile of read comics.

For more on King: The Phantom #1, click here.