Comic book writer, journalist, editor and filmmaker Ann Nocenti talks to Shah Emami about switching from superhero comics to indie titles, mentoring young creators, her time at DC, Marvel and Vertigo, her newest series Ruby Falls and more.



Ann Nocenti cemented herself as one of the most fearless and irreplaceable comic book writers of the 1980s. She has had a hand in telling and editing the stories of the Uncanny X-Men and New Mutants during the Chris Claremont era, Spider-Woman, Daredevil, Catwoman, Green Arrow and more.



(Her Daredevil and Kid Eternity series are my favorite ‘superhero’ books she’s worked on —Shah)



Aside from her Big 2 work, Nocenti continues to be a fearless creator and is the writer/co-creator of The Seeds and Ruby Falls from Dark Horse’s Berger Books imprint. These books are unique and are must-reads for long time and new comics fans.



In this episode, Nocenti talks to Shah Emami about breaking into comics, being mentored by Denny O’Neil at Marvel, picking up the reins of Daredevil after Frank Miller, going to Vertigo, working as a journalist and comic book writer, bringing her Ruby Falls and The Seeds series to life at Dark Horse through Berger Books, mentoring up and coming creators and a lot more.



Nocenti has stepped away from superhero comics and focuses on her creator owned stories— two of which are published at Dark Horse through Berger Books. The Seeds, with art by David Aja, tells the story of a world separated into a technology zone and no technology zone. It’s a compelling noir investigative journalism story with aliens, love, government secrets and more. The first two issues are out with the last two coming soon.



Her recently concluded series, Ruby Falls, tells the story of a young woman trying to investigate a small town murder. In the process, she uncovers the secrets of her town that have been hidden for generations. The Ruby Falls trade paperback will be released in April. (Nocenti is returning to Catwoman with DC’s 80th Anniversary Catwoman comic, featuring a small army of creators, coming out in April.)



Find Ann Nocenti’s recent writing projects on all things pop culture at HiLowBrow: http://www.hilobrow.com/2011/02/25/kirb-your-enthusiasm-9/



Ann Nocenti’s media:

- Website (for journalism, documentaries and more): http://annienocenti.com/

- Twitter: @annienocenti



Follow Shah Emami & the WITS’ END Podcast:

- Website: witsendpod.com

- Shah’s Twitter: @_shahcomics

- Pod Twitter: @witsendpod



WITS’ END is available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Music and right here on the site. Thanks for listening!