Byron Brewer interviewed Erica Schultz about Charmed #5, the final issue of the miniseries. Below are some highlights. You can read the whole interview in the link.
ERICA SCHULTZ: Can you believe how time flies?! This experience has been terrific. The fans have been great, and the book has been well received by everyone. Working with Maria, Heartwork Studios, Tom, and the whole crew at Dynamite has been a wonderful experience, and I’m very lucky to have this opportunity and to work with this group.
When I got the call from Dynamite that I would be writing Charmed, I was very nervous because I know how dear these characters are to the fans. The previous Charmed comic books had expanded the universe and took the cast and adventures outside of the realm of the TV series. That was a great way to take the story and give it a new life.
As a fan myself, though, the goal was to go back to basics and give the readers a story that could be read in a comic as easily as played out on their TVs. And from the fan reaction, I’d say we accomplished that.
BYRON BREWER: Even finite stories often wander during the course of an arc or a mini. Erica, at the end of the day, did you tell the story of the Charmed Ones you set out to tell?
ES: I believe we did. From the beginning, this story was outlined and broken down issue by issue, so we stuck to that pretty faithfully. I think that if there was any deviation it came with the character of Shaina. She was never a “throwaway” character, and we always had her playing a role in the final showdown, but I think that expanded as the story went from outline to script. I think she’s great, and people will be happy with how much of a role she plays.
Also, we really expand on Djall’s background in issue 4. It was a fun and research heavy issue, so I hope the fans like it. In fact, I just got a sneak peek at some pages from Maria for this issue, and they’re beautiful…but what do you expect from a pro like her?
BB: As the finale approaches in issue #5, are there any threads of story you would love, as a writer, to weave into another Charmed mini, if the opportunity presented itself? Can you say what that (those) might be?
ES: Well, I’d love to write another Charmed series no matter what. The team Dynamite assembled is fantastic to work with, and the characters are so fun to play with.
If I had to give my Charmed “wishlist,” I’d love to do a story about Leo before the war. Who was he before he became a whitelighter? We got that one episode where his former friends were haunting him, and there were hints here and there, but nothing truly substantial on him. I think it’d be fun to explore his background.
I’d also love to expand on Shaina and maybe give her an adventure of her own. Maybe she goes back home for a holiday and there’s a demon attack in her hometown. How does she handle it on her own?
I also think it would be fun to explore the Warren line more. We see these three powerful witches and have an inkling of how they got that way through the TV series, but really focusing on their ancestry for an entire mini would be a fun story. Writing a Charmed series where we just focus on Melinda, her life, her adventures would be really fun to do.
If you read Charmed #3, here is Erica's commentary on some of the pages:
Page One
We pick up right where we left off from book two, in the Eisenberg Gallery, where the Halliwell sisters are confronted by Djall and Vephar (in the guise of Gillian, the gallery manager). We wanted there to be a smooth transition from the previous book into now, because there’s so much ground to cover.
So we start off with sisters taken off guard, but we all know how they can turn on a dime.
This just has to be pointed out: Maria and Heartwork Studios have done such a great job in giving these paintings life. Even in the smallest way, they really pop off the page.
Page Two
I love Piper’s tug of war with Djall. It’s fun and shows a playfulness and humor that was part of the TV show.
What I think this page really shows is Maria’s incredible talent for character acting. The facial expressions, the looks in their eyes, Maria really brings them to life in her line art.
Also anyone who knows Charmed from TV knows the fun fashion that was showcased in the series. Maria has such a great sense of style with these outfits.
Page Three
Okay, I love Shaina. I think she’s gorgeous. Maria created a beautiful, fun, and kick ass gal. She’s got style, and she’s so eager to help the sisters out. Shaina will play a big part in our finale, so keep an eye on her.
We also see Paige taking charge here, which plays off her back and forth with Piper. Sibling rivalry is something that was always a part of the show. I think the interesting parts of season 4 of the show was Piper taking on the mantle of the big sister and Paige reconciling her independence with being part of a larger family now.
Page Four
The enemy of my enemy…that seems to be the way Vephar is looking at her alliance with Djall. Could he possibly make good on all the promises he made to the demons of the Underworld? We’ll soon find out. But Djall can’t resist asserting his authority one more time.
Page Five
Lest we forget Gabe! The man of the hour! Gabe is so humble in Paige’s praise. We’ll see more of that, don’t you worry.
And who can get over Shaina’s fangirl expression? Love it!
We also get a glimpse of Paige’s own protective nature toward her charges. When Djall gets a little TOO close to Shaina, Paige is quick to change the subject and get between them, even physically. She has her own mama cat streak in her.
Finally, Erica was on the Sundaycomicspodcast talking about Charmed and more. You can listen to the whole podcast in the link.