C.O.W.L. is a series that's doing many things I like. One thing is particular is combining the idea of super-heroes with some aspects of the real-world. We often read stories where the heroes put everything on the line in order to do their duty and save others. This usually means with no compensation.
Kyle Higgins and Alec Siegel, with Rod Reis on art, are taking these topics and more in C.O.W.L. Set in the 1960s, we're seeing a super-hero union in Chicago. C.O.W.L. was inspired by Higgins and Siegel's short film, The League and we're now seeing the ideas and characters in a super-hero union expanded upon. C.O.W.L. #5 is on sale this week and where we left off was C.O.W.L. was on strike.
We asked Kyle a few questions about the concept of the series and what we can expect in this week's issue.
COMIC VINE: How much research have you done over the years about different sorts of unions?
KYLE HIGGINS: I’ll be honest—initially, when we made The League, Alec and I didn’t do much research. We were more interested in using the idea of a superhero labor union as a backdrop for the relationship between a former sidekick and his older, morally compromised mentor, as well as exploring the murder mystery and some of the moral questions that came out of the concept. The story was a bit glossy as far as the mechanics of the union went, since we only had twenty five minutes to world build and tell our story. However, over the last couple years, we’ve spent a lot of time researching the labor movememnt and unions throughout history, as we built the rules for C.O.W.L. and how the organization functions within the city of Chicago.
CV: With C.O.W.L. on strike, what happens if someone crosses the picket line or if new heroes are found to take their place in times of need?
KH: That’s a great question, and something we deal with pretty heavily starting in issue five. C.O.W.L.’s jurisdiction applies to costumed and super powered crime. At the moment, there doesn’t appear to be very much of that in Chicago. But what happens if that changes and C.O.W.L. is still on strike? Are the heroes and the organization prepared to do nothing, in order to secure their future? Even if that means people getting hurt? For us, that’s the ethical question that comes into play on a hero-by-hero basis. If you go around the locker room, you’ll find quite the difference of opinion.
CV: Talk about the decision some members have made to continue fighting crime anonymously.
KH: In the case of Eclipse and Radia, there’s a focus to their efforts—tearing apart Camden Stone’s operation. Eclipse started this as retaliation for what one of Camden’s men did to Grant (Eclipse’s partner), and enlisted Radia for muscle… but now it’s morphed into something a bit bigger, with Radia really enjoying the work.
Keep in mind, aside from the opening Skylancer fight, most of Radia’s work in C.O.W.L. has involved posing for cameras, signing autographs, and being a pretty face. She’s sick of it, and when Eclipse comes along with the opportunity to go after a mob boss and his powered enforcers, she’s not about to turn it down. Of course, now that C.O.W.L. is on strike… Eclipse is in a weird spot—he’s as nine-to-five as they come. He believes in the union and stands with his fellow heroes. But by secretly crossing the line, he’s undermining what they stand for. He tries to justify it in his mind that it’s to help his partner, and he also genuinely enjoys his time with Radia, but if others found out what he was doing… it wouldn’t matter. He’d be in bad shape among his peers.
In my mind, the strike, the crossing of the picket line, the possible end of C.O.W.L.… these are all things that serve the greater purpose of the book, which is to explore how these characters deal with change. We’re using the organization as a way to force every person in the book to look in the mirror and confront—or shy away from—the type of person they really are.
CV: Are C.O.W.L. members paid through the city of Chicago?
KH: They are. C.O.W.L. has a contract with the city, and a budget, that they hire heroes with.
CV: If C.O.W.L. is the “world’s first superhero labor union,” is it the only one in 1962? Have other cities decided to implement something similar?
KH: There are other superhero organizations around the country, yes. However, each city is different.
CV: If a hero is on strike and suddenly lives are in danger, does it come down to personal beliefs whether or not to spring into action?
KH: Exactly. And of course, there are two school of thoughts as to what a hero should do in said situation.
CV: Will we see more of your world outside Chicago? Are there other superheroes out there?
KH: Yep.
CV: If a hero from another city or state passes through, are they “encouraged” not to use or display their powers?
KH: They’re not technically allowed to operate in Chicago unless they have permission and clearance from C.O.W.L. (there may actually be a temporary membership required, too, depending on circumstances). That said, if they happen to be in the city off-duty, and something happens… then depending on who they are, they might decide to get involved. If that’s the case, it could cause political problems.
CV: If there are super-heroes out there, are there also super-villains?
KH: There used to be. But, at least in Chicago, why would you put on a costume in a city controlled by a large organization of heroes whose entire purpose and jurisdiction is defined by you wearing a costume and/or displaying your powers?
Camden Stone’s organized crime ring is a good example of the way the world has changed. Super powers work for him under the table, as enforcers, extortion muscle, etc, without costumes and flashy displays of theirsuper powers. This creates a jurisdiction issue between C.O.W.L. and the Chicago Police, and up to this point… keeps them immune from C.O.W.L.
C.O.W.L. #5 by Kyle Higgins, Alec Siegel, and Rod Reis is on sale this week. Check out the preview along with a couple extra exclusive pages.
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