C.B. CEBULSKI: A LONERS POST MORTEM

[MattBrady]

by Vaneta Rogers

When the support group for former teen superheroes called Excelsior gathered in the pages of The Runaways for the first time, Marvel fans were thrilled to see the return of characters like former Green Goblin Phil Urich, Ricochet and Darkhawk, even if they weren't in costume and were trying to stay away from using their powers.

And when the success of that storyline spawned a new comics series by C.B. Cebulski and Karl Moline called The Loners earlier this year, fans of those characters rejoiced.

Now, it's almost a year later, and those fans are wanting more. Although the series only lived for six issues, wrapping up at the end of November, the developments in the characters' lives were numerous. Not only did Phil reveal a mad (both crazy-mad and angry-mad) crush on Mickey Musashi, but Julie Power hinted at a secret in her closet and fans got a mysterious peek at the power behind Darkhawk's dual armors.

Add to that some new characters joining the group and revealing unexplored secrets of their own, and The Loners became the center of a lot of discussion and questioning among fans as many of the characters' stories seemed to be left open-ended.

Cebulski heard the questions and asked Newsarama to help him answer a few, so we sat down with the Marvel writer to talk about the end of The Loners mini-series and what comes next for these characters. And true to his promise to fans on Newsarama discussion threads, he answered a slew of their questions individually.

Newsarama: I think the first thing people are wondering, C.B., is are we going to see these characters again?

CBC: Definitely. Marvel is very happy with the way the book turned out. Sales weren't the greatest; let's just be honest about that. But it was enough to pique Marvel's interest in, hopefully, a second series. And they've been very supportive of me and of the characters. Other creators have asked now about using Darkhawk or using Power Pack, and Marvel's always been good about certain characters being associated with certain creators when there are possible plans out there. And in the case of the Loners, when other people have asked for them, Marvel has always said that they're working with me on a pitch. They've asked people to hold off using Ricochet or using Mattie Franklin for the time being as I get my thoughts together and we get our ideas going about a second series.

So hopefully, there will be a second series coming, be it Loners or a Power Pack series or a Darkhawk series. In one shape or form. These characters aren't going anywhere, and Marvel was happy with the way things were left with the group at the end of Issue #6.

NRAMA: When they appear again, will there be some further exploration and resolution of some of the plot threads that were introduced in this series but weren't completely tied up or explained?

CBC: It's coming. I know that's been a bone of contention online with many fans. I think it's been polarizing people and their opinions on one side or the other. Some people are very satisfied with where I left certain characters and how I left the door open for further adventures and left us a feeling that the story will continue someday. But other people were kind of saying they thought that subplots got away from me, and they were disappointed that I didn't wrap everything up in a nice bow. But I didn't want to resolve all those plot points. The Marvel Universe is a big sandbox and we all get to play in it. And I thought resolving it too neatly would put the characters in a place where there wouldn't be room for exploration in the future. I wanted to leave certain plot threads hanging so it would leave fans guessing, leave fans clamoring, and I know full well I will be able to come back and wrap them up in one way, shape or form in the future.

NRAMA: Some characters showed some sides we haven't seen before or exposed some things that were maybe implied before, but weren't really brought to the forefront. And others grew as the series continued. Was that part of your plan?

CBC: Yes. And I've seen where people are saying, "Oh, Cebulski didn't research Darkhawk, he doesn't understand Phil Urich, he doesn't know what Julie Power's personality is." I know full well about those characters; I was a fan of the books growing up; and I've read every issue of Darkhawk, Power Pack, Green Goblin, and everything going into this series. I have meticulous notes. I went in with my eyes wide open and knew where I was taking these characters. Everything from Phil's madness to the use of the Darkhawk amulet to call down the armor to Julie's sexuality will be hopefully addressed more fully in the coming year, when we figure out where we're taking these characters, in what form and in what book.

NRAMA: OK, C.B., you said you were going to answer a few questions from Newsarama readers, so let's give them a chance to get into specifics...

Starleafgirl: If you read this and want to respond to it, I was wondering if you could at least tell me if you meant for Hollow to be flying or super-leaping away with Phil. She obviously knew what she was doing, because she picked him up in a previous panel in preparation of flight, so it's definitely something she can now do.

CBC: No, Hollow cannot fly, Star. I'm sorry if the angle that panel is presented at makes it look that way, but I assure you she's jumping with Phil in her arms.

Zechs: I just wonder if CB will go into just how different or wacky the modified Osborn formula Phil was given. Cause when I saw him seeing Goblins again in this first thing I thought of was that issue way back in his old series. Or was that whole imagining a small nod to that moment? Still I wonder even more is Phil going to become a new Goblin?

CBC: That's a distinct possibility, Zechs. And Phil's madness was not a decision we made lightly. It was discussed numerous times in editorial and the hints were planted early. We've seen Phil follow his path into, and now out of, the Loners lives. His actions in this series will now take him to bigger places in the Marvel Universe.

Angelo Esp: Will there be an ongoing?

CBC: I'm currently pitching a couple of Loners series ideas, but there's no telling what the future holds for the team. I'd love to get the book to continue as an ongoing, but I think that another mini might be more realistic at this point. Roswell was saved by Tabasco Sauce. Jericho got saved by fans sending in peanuts. What can Loners fans send Marvel to show their support and demand more?

Angelo Esp: Any of the Loners appearing in other comics? (I'll be picking the Christmas Special SOLEY because of the Loners).

CBC: They will be in the Marvel Holiday Christmas Special on sale December 19th. After that, I can't reveal any more details just yet. There are a few irons in the fire though...

Magnus P.I.: I guess my question is: in subsequent Loners stories, will we see the group try to come to terms with their abilities and actually use them instead of trying to repress them and hide them away?

CBC: Ideally, that's the plan. I think the Marvel Universe will soon be a place where trust is going to be a major issue and the Loners having always been open about their identities and desire to give up their powers will make them a focus of attention in certain circles. This will eventually call them back into action, where they can finally do more good with their powers then they originally believed. But not without some pangs of guilt...

Magnus P.I.: My other question is related to Darkhawk (surprise). Now, I know you can't answer anything related to his second armor, but I’m hoping you could shed some light on these observations - 1) Darkhawk is a LOT more powerful now than he was in his original series, which is very awesome. Was this an intentional "in-canon" powerup with an explanation, or just creative liberty on yours and Vaughn's part? - 2) This instability and psychosis that occurs when Chris is wearing the Darkhawk armor - will that ever be explained at all? To be honest, I find it a little troubling, as nothing like that was ever exhibited in his original series. Was this again an intentional "in-canon-with-explanation" change, or more creative liberty with a dash of ret-con?

CBC: I can't speak for BKV, but I know I intentionally kept him powered up "in-canon", following what Brian did with him in Runaways. To that effect, I researched every Darkhawk appearance I could to make sure everything I planned with him amulet and armor, including the re-appearance of the second armor, could be done properly and explained. 2.) There is a larger plan for Chris and the Darkhawk armor that will slowly unfold and clean up/explain a lot of Darhawk's continuity. It was all done intentionally.

motteditor: I guess mine is pretty simple: Is anything in the works that will give us some answers to some of the danglers in this series (I'm a Mickey fan, so for me, I want to know more about what kind of deal she cut)? I know they'll be appearing in the Holiday Special, but have we had another mini greenlighted, or does it look like that's an XX percent probability for '08?

CBC: All the danglers will hopefully be cleaned up in one way or another in 2008. I know what Mickey's deal with Fujikawa was, as well as the details of Phil's bargain with her, and hopefully you will too soon. It's not pretty.

Edogawa 1983: 1) is Julie a lesbian or bisexual, if she's not, why are there hints that she is.

CBC: As Julie stated in the final Loners issue, she's a bit confused as at the moment. This will be addressed more in depth shortly.

2) who is inside Hollow, and why is she so attached to Phil?

CBC: Again, more on that soon. But who says anyone is inside Hollow.

3) What happened to Dusk, she showed up on one page and was ignored, so what happened to Cassie, why was she in Johnny's room stalking him?

CBC: Dusk was always meant as just a tease in Loners, for all the Slingers fans, and you'll be seeing more of her and her relation to Johnny, as well as more about Hornet, in 2008.

4) What was the deal Mickey made with the mystery woman?

CBC: See above.

5) Why did Namie just suddenly show up, what is her purpose, and why was a new Red Ronin created in a form of a teenage girl?

CBC: I love the old Red Ronin but felt that a giant robot of his size was something very ‘70s, very trapped in that day and age. And while I still love that robot and he's still around, I looked at how computers have developed over the years and used that comparison for the Red Ronin. Computers used to be the size of houses, now they're small enough that you can hold them in the palm of your hand. And that's what the Fujikawa Corporation has been doing for the past two decades; using their knowledge and technology to upgrade the Red Ronin robots while reducing their size at the same time, most recently into the form of the female cyborg Namie. The original Red Ronin is the SJ3-RX and Namie is the UJ1-DX, but there were plenty of models in the middle as well! I have a whole story planned out to explain that some day.

6) Why did Phil go crazy?

CBC: See above.

7) Is Rick Jones still funding them? and do they know what happened to Rick Jones in WWH?

CBC: No, Rick's sponsorship and money ended somewhere between his appearance at the end of the Runaways “Excelsior” arc and the start of World War Hulk.

Mindblower: I have a couple of questions:

1. There's a lot of questions about who could possibly be inside her, but what exactly is Hollow? Is she a mutant, a mystical creature, a simply a Fujikawa experiment, or simply none of the above?

CBC: Can't answer that one for you yet without giving away too much, but I can tell you that Hollow's not a sixteen-year-old Yugoslavian orphan named Yvette. Sorry.

2. Are there plans to reunite our Loners with any of their former teammates?

CBC: Eventually someday. I have a Power Pack reunion in mind that I would love to tell soon.

3. Will the team, either as a group or as individuals, be involved in the upcoming Secret Invasion event?

CBC: I've spoke to Brian Bendis and Tom Brevoort about it briefly and there are no plans for a Loners appearance in the event. Secret Invasion is an amazing story with plenty of characters involved as is. The Loners just don't fit at the moment. However, discussions continue and things can change, so you never know.

PaxHouse: 1.) Will the Initiative Program take an interest with the Loners...??

CBC: Nothing planned at the moment.

2.) Will the Loners encounter THE ORDER....??

CBC: L.A.'s a small town, so you never know. I'll see Fraction in a few weeks so I'll ask him.

3.) How will some of the "Pro-Teams" {such as the F4, Mighty Avengers, X-Men, etc} react as to what the Loners are doing...??

CBC: The Loners are all registered, so the pro-team support their actions.

4.) Where indeed will we find where both Phil & Hollow next....??

CBC: Wait and see.

5.) What about the Million Dollars that their sponsor that Rick Jones donated to the group, as well as the EXCEL...[The group's prototype jet last seen within Runaways (VOL II) #6]....??

CBC: Rick's money and the sponsorship ended, as per my earlier answer, and the money they did have they blew through quickly. Church repairs are costly! And as The Loners have been trying to keep a low profile, the Excel has remained in long-termparking. The Order can borrow it whenever they need it though, Matt.

6.) And more importantly.....will there be any more former heroes joining the Loners?

CBC: Yes, there are plans for one other former teen hero to make his/her way out to L.A. looking for a change of pace very soon. With Mattie, Phil and Hollow gone, the Loners'll be starting a membership drive soon.

Starleafgirl: Edogawa1983 is the one who first brought this to my attention but "Holly" is a cute nickname for Hollow just as "Penny" was for Penance.

CBC: I like it myself.

Starleafgirl: Most of these questions you probably won't be able to answer (because you don't want to give too much away), but there's no harm in asking, right, so here goes:

Will we see Hollow again?

CBC: Definitely.

Will we see Cassie St. Commons again?

CBC: Definitely.

Will we see Mattie Franklin again?

CBC: Definitely.

How did Hollow get to L.A.?

CBC: Wait and see.

Does Hollow, indeed, suffer from amnesia like Namie?

CBC: Wait and see.

Will Phil ever recover from his madness?

CBC: Wait and see.

How come Hollow can now talk?

CBC: Wait and see.

How come Hollow's skin isn't razor-sharp to the touch anymore? If it were the same as it was in Generation X, to my understanding, she should've cut Phil on the lips when she kissed him.

CBC: Wait and see.

Did Fujikawa Industries use Hollow to refine M.G.H. from her genetic material? I imagine her abilites would be very useful, when mass-produced...

CBC: Not exactly.

Was Hollow experimented upon by Fujikawa Industries when she was being held captive? If so, why would she willingly go back with Phil to them?

CBC: Wait and see.

If Hollow was experimented upon, did this give her new abilities? What are they?

CBC: Softer skin?

Is Hollow her own person with her own mysterious past as she was at the end of Generation X (and a lot of artistic ability, if you want to fit that into a future story, or is she merely an incubator for another character now?

CBC: Maybe a little of both.

Will any of these questions be answered if there's a second mini? (No promises, I understand, but just your best estimate).

CBC: Definitely.

Oh! Also, you said a while back that issue #5 was going to have an explanation for the color change in Hollow between issues #3 and #4. I can understand you ultimately not being able to fit that in, but, assuming it's not terribly plot-related, can you let me (and all the other Penny/Holly fans out there) know now?

CBC: That's one I forgot about. Good memory. It actually had do to her captivity in the Fujikawa lab. The liquid they preserved poor Hollow in in the tube altered her skin color and once she was freed, her skin slowly gained back its natural color.

coolmvm: I would be surprise to see some more former teenage heroes join up with the Loners, maybe even a former member of the original New Warriors that "retired" during Civil War ?

CBC: There's always a possibility.

Also is it possible for the New Warriors to encounter the Loners ?

CBC: Kevin Grevioux and I have discussed it, but there's nothing concrete planned at the moment. But if you're reading, Kevin, I'm happy to do a short Loners crossover arc in New Warriors while you're away filming Underworld 3!

Plus where is Dusk now ?

CBC: Wait and see.

Also what does Julie's super-powered siblings think of her decision?

CBC: We got a little glimpse of what Katie thought in Loners #4, and hopefully we'll be able to see what Jack and Alex think soon enough.

Starleafgirl: That reminds me! Isn't it kind of hard for Julie to keep her powers a secret when her brother Alex has registered his powers, presumably revealing he was a former member of the Power Pack? Everyone knew the Power Pack had four members, two boys and two girls... and Alex has three siblings, one boy and two girls......... HMM...

CBC: All superhero registration is kept secret, with the heroes true identities known only by Tony Stark, certain members of S.H.I.E.L.D. (I think, right, Tom?), and anyone the individual heroes entrust with their secret on their own.

NRAMA: And with that, you have anything else you want to tell fans, C.B.?

CBC: I want to ask the Loners fans a question of my own... I think the Loners need a good catch phrase or slogan. No necessarily a battle cry like "Avengers Assemble", but more like the Runaways' "Keep running..." motto. Anyone got any suggestions?

I also want take a moment to send my heartfelt thanks out to my Loners' partners-in-crime; Karl Moline, Beth Sotelo, Christina Strain, Mark Pennington, Rus Wooton, Jason Pearson, Bill Rosemann, Molly Lazer, and Tom Brevoort. They made Loners a reality and I owe them all a huge debt of gratitude for bringing this book and these characters to life! And also to David Gabriel, Joe Quesada and Dan Buckley, without whose support Loners would not have been possible.

And lastly, THANK YOU ALL for your continued support of Loners! Look for more in 2008!!

[NeoGundamX]

First post! I think that is so cool how Jason Pearson parodied the covers to old 80's teen movies. I heard Loners was pretty cool so I will check out the trade and look forward to it in 2008.

[tkmarvel80]

what a bunch of intresting characters that have come together i liked the mini cant wait to see more of em!

[Xero]

Excellent and highly informative interview, love the update to Red Ronin.

[Mycroft]

I'm one of the fans very disappointed by the series and this interview won't appease me. This mini was a failure.

And I still can't understand why supposed reformed heroes can put their uniforms back, wrestling in the streets, fighting vilains, without the Initiative stopping them.

[Edogawa1983]

Originally Posted by Mycroft

I'm one of the fans very disappointed by the series and this interview won't appease me. This mini was a failure.

And I still can't understand why supposed reformed heroes can put their uniforms back, wrestling in the streets, fighting vilains, without the Initiative stopping them.

because they are registered, and they are kind of under the radar.

[Marius665]

great mini

loved the whole thing, just wishing they all come back together as a whole team

but when this comes out in a Premier HC, please put in the few pages of the Christmas Special

and when it returns, instead of it being restarted, why not just number it issue #7?

[coolmvm]

I have to admit C.B truly does respect the character's history in the LONERS series.


I can't wait to see if a second mini-series is offered....besides I got an idea for whom they could recuirt next.....Cloak and Dagger.


Come on Cebulski, it would be a great idea for the characters to interact with the rarely seen Marvel Universe heroes.

[80Pork]

Originally Posted by NeoGundamX

First post! I think that is so cool how Jason Pearson parodied the covers to old 80's teen movies. I heard Loners was pretty cool so I will check out the trade and look forward to it in 2008.

Not sure why they weren't in the article, but

Issue 5 was like "Some Kind of Wonderful"




And Issue 6 was "Sixteen Candles"



Great series...can't wait for more! Oh, and C.B. doing a Power Pack book...yes, Marvel, make it happen!!

[Salieri]

CB, about that Motto...um..."Single Heroes Alone Together"?

In a serious vein, i'd suggest something to do with looking out for each other, inspired by them being Loners.

[JdRavnos]

Personally CB I really loved the series. Yes it didn't answer everything, but that's not unusual, the assurances that at least some of the questions will be addressed by next year is reassuring.

Regarding a motto the first thing to come to mind was "Coming together" reflecting the group help-session nature of the book and the semi-oxymoronic title.

[nwspencer]

The possibility of a second LONERS series?!!!

Now that made my day. Hopefully people will grab up the trade (digest?) and fall in love with this book. Remember, Runaways wasn't an instant hit, either. This team deserves to stick around.

Oh, and a Power Pack reunion would be sweet. Actually, Marvel should do a series of Reunion specials for some of their old teams: the original New Mutants, the original New Warriors, etc.

[RDFozz]

Possible motto:

"You don't have to go it alone...."

RD Francis

[Marius665]

I miss them being called Excelsior!!!!!

Originally Posted by coolmvm

I can't wait to see if a second mini-series is offered....besides I got an idea for whom they could recuirt next.....Cloak and Dagger.

somehow you have read my mind young padawan, Cloak and Dagger would kick so much tale

and cameos by Rocket Racer, Dusk and Prodigy!!!

oh, and Clayton Henry as a possible artist?!?!?!

[Karmapolice]

Originally Posted by Salieri

CB, about that Motto...um..."Single Heroes Alone Together"?

S.H.A.T.? I like it!

[aceatkins]

I didn't expect the mini-series to address every plotline it raised. But I did expect to address at least some of them and to offer a complete story. That isn't what happened. I've no doubt that CB had all the answers all along, but doling them out on a comic book message board or requiring readers to buy a second mini-series so that they can get some resolution to the first? Sorry, folks: that's bad writing, pure and simple.

I'm glad Marvel was pleased where the mini-series left off. I was enraged, and that's not an overstatement. I will not be buying a follow-up mini if one is released.

[Number37]

Originally Posted by RDFozz

Possible motto:

"You don't have to go it alone...."

RD Francis

I love this. it would sit right up there with it works if ya work it or keep coming back and it suits the title well

[Bathawk]

Ack! didn't knwo there was a request for loners questions, just in case our good writer is reading this though

1.) a bit suprised that they are all "registered" Julie admits she isn't. And I'm suprised Phil,Chris and Mickey are registered because they all wer only super as a result of the gear they never intended to wear again. And lastly "Namie" having amnesia, has no legal identity. Only Johnny as a result of being one of the 198 I thought would be registered, and maybe Mattie.

2.) Speaking of Mattie. I'm not going to set myself up for a "wait and see" by asking what ahe was doing spying on Johnny. But suprised she would sleep with somone to "complete a job" I know she's not a vestal virgin or anything but I was suprised at her. I knwo she had a hard time back from "Alias"...but still

3.) "Red Ronin"....hmm Kinda cool that somone has taken up the name (as long as the huge '70's bot is still around) But I was one of a number of folsk trying to geuss her identity from preview pages. Folks were geussing Psylocke to Firestar. I suppose I was disapointed to be racking my brain for a charcater whose 1st apearance was in "loners".
Or is it? Hollow was glad to see her, but that could mean she was glad to see her "cellmate". Van you at least confirm if Namie (whoever she may be) has appeared in some form before Loners, or if she is a totaly new character?

4.) as far as "catch phrases go" How about

"Never apart, Not Quite Together" or maybe just "Not Quite Together" referring to not just them physicaly, but mentally

[I-Ching]

I was disappointed in the mini overall.

Started off strong but dragged a bit in the middle...Nekra?....blah.

I loved the line-up and loved the internal struggle they had due to the dichotomy of their group and philosophy but it kind gasped and wheezed and flamed out at the end without resolution.

big mistake and very disheartening to for a mini...leaves me feeling cheated.

while I love to see a spotlight on Mattie Franklin (can someone PLEASE give her a cool costume!?) and Darkhawk (character most deserving of a second chance/burned by a 90's rep) I can't say I'd buy another mini fearing another lack of resolution.

[Steve Magnum]

Thank you C.B. for a highly entertaining series!

I was one of those that was somewhat disappointed with the conclusion, but I'm still very much looking forward to seeing more Loners or more Darkhawk in the future! Please keep up the good work.

As for a line, how about this: "We're loners, but we're in this together."

[Gamma Duck]

This may be cornball (especially given the song) but I kinda like the cynical sound of it...

Alone Again...Naturally.

[SmileOnADog]

One of my fondest memories is reading the first issue of the first Power Pack series as a kid. That first storyline was one of the most fun comics I ever read in 25 years of reading them. I think a reunion series with the kids as young adults/teens is very appealing. I think a graphic novel of those first five issues would be a good idea.

[jan arrah]

liked it overall, especially the pearson covers.

i did feel cheated when i figured out the whole thing was narrated by meredith grey. it's not a shot at the writer, but the tone was way too close.

[hellooladiez]

i didn't enjoy this so much which is odd because i like most of the characters, i was just hoping it'd be written more like runaways and have as much humor as drama or maybe even more so since these are all characters not many people can take seriously. i figured it'd be hilarious, instead i got "degrassi: the initiative"

[DaVeO]

Loners:

"Stronger together."

I think I'll grab this when the TPB arrives. C'mon Marvel, surely you can support a lesser selling title, I mean my God. Look at all the X-Titles that will be out after Mesisah Complex!
Let creativity and an original idea flex it's muscles. Just because you screwed over the Omega Flight fans doesn't mean The Loners supporters should be ignored.