NYCC '07: GREVIOUX INTRODUCES THE NEW NEW WARRIORS

[MattBrady]

With the Friday announcement from the New York Comic Con of Paco Medina handling the art for Marvel's June New Warriors relaunch with writer Kevin Grevioux, we thought it might be time to check in with Grevioux for another conversation about this new team, particularly with Civil War now concluded. .

Today, we'll reveal and show you a few members of the team, and the writer will talk in more detail about his plans for the series...

Newsarama: All right since last we spoke Kevin, the veil has been lifted somewhat on the new New Warriors launch, so let’s run through some of the basics you were able to reveal last time and update readers with what you can at this time?

First of all, the artist has been announced as Paco Medina. And any thoughts on him?

Kevin Grevioux: He’s doing an amazing job on this book. I’ve recently received the first couple of pages and they’ve blown me away. I can’t tell you how excited I am, and I think fans will really dig it.

NRAMA: Also, last week spoke New Warriors was slated as an ongoing, but since that time, another post-Civil War launch Omega Flight was changed from an ongoing to (at least initially) a limited series. One can find a fair amount of similarities between Alpha Flight and the New Warriors. They’re both concepts that had a popular initial runs and garnered loyal cult followings based on those early years, but since then neither have been able to sustain attempts to relaunch.

So first all, what’s your series current status, ongoing or limited series?

KG: The series is definitely an ongoing. I have a lot of cool things planned.

NRAMA: So before we give you a chance to attract some readers to your concept, can you talk about what seems to be an uphill battle for books like New Warriors and Omega Flight and trying to overcome that?

KG: I’d say it’s a couple of things, but mostly it’s fan skepticism. We’re dealing with books and concepts that have an entrenched history with a very vocal cult fanbase. And these types of fans seldom accept change. They’ve become so familiar and comfortable with what has transpired in the past that nothing else will do, and I understand that.

As a fan myself, I was very skeptical when the Thing was replaced by She-Hulk in the Fantastic Four, or when Thor was replaced by Eric Masterson. But, things do change. And just like with those books, the creators where still able to do some cool and very interesting things that kept old fans satisfied as well as bringing in new fans. The New Warriors is no different in that respect. The old team had a certain charm, feel and chemistry, but so will this one. I think it will be a great challenge.

NRAMA: Also, we touched on this last conversation, but by the time this series launches, already on the market will be New Avengers, Mighty Avengers, The Initiative, Fantastic Four, Uncanny X-Men, X-Men, New X-Men, Exiles, Heroes for Hire, Omega Flight, Runaways, the Loners, and by the time of this publication Marvel will have announced The Champions.

Can you describe to readers your thoughts on trying to find a concept for a Marvel team title that stands out among this pack and has a unique voice and angle?

KG: Well, it can be difficult given the plethora great teams that Marvel has always had. But that said, I’m not reinventing the wheel here. I think that although you have an idea for a salient concept, it’s something that really doesn’t coalesce until later on in the series after you’ve discovered exactly who the characters are and what makes each one of them tick.

A book like this is pretty much operating in virgin territory. Given that Cap’s side lost Civil War, the landscape of the superhero is radically different now. Characters cannot behave in typical ways anymore. So now you have an environment in which any super-powered behavior outside of what is deemed legal by the new status quo brands you an outlaw. It is out of that crucible that I found my initial concept and how the characters can still function despite these new obstacles. This alone makes it different than the old team, and gives it a unique position in the Marvel Universe.

Now, the challenge will be to maintain this unique position while at the same time bringing in new and old members, characters and villains to make this a really exciting book. I can’t tell you how fun this has been.

NRAMA: So before we ask our specific questions, let’s just ask you for your own description. Now that the ending of Civil War is revealed, and we know Superhero Registration is the law, the 50 State Initiative is in place, how and why are the new New Warriors formed?

KG: In a word…RESISTANCE. They don’t like the fact that heroes now have to register. The analogy may not completely fit, but it’s akin to slaves walking around with “freedom papers” in the south after the war is over. The New Warriors are thinking that if secret identities, anonymous heroism and the like were good enough for Spider-Man and other superhumans back in the day, it should still be good enough now.

For them, registration is yet another way for “the Man” to control the masses. The New Warriors know, or they think they know, where that kind of control can ultimately lead, and they will fight it to their last dying breath to make sure that doesn’t happen.

NRAMA: You previously told us Marvel came to you with the basic concept for a new incarnation of the New Warriors, and that it encompassed two main elements – they wanted you to use certain characters, and in your words, “absolutely no ___________” – and it was up to you to build your own concept around that. Can you be more specific about either at this time?

KG: Unfortunately, I really can’t say anything about that yet. Not without giving too much away. That said, I think everyone will be surprised by who exactly is on the team. And no one will be able to guess. So if any of you think you know, trust me…ya don’t! [laughs]

NRAMA: From another of your previous comments, “There was one particular way I felt the New Warriors should approach their status quo that I didn’t think was going to go over too well. An idea I had which was actually sparked from an old Fantastic Four arc during Stan and Jack’s run. Joe seemed to love it and it really opened up some cool story possibilities for me for the first as well as subsequent story arcs if sales permit.”

Can you talk about that in any more detail?

KG: Sorry. Too related to the last question.

NRAMA: We’ll shoulder on then…Here is the most specific thing you told us back in your first talk.

“These new New Warriors are more rebellious. Probably more rebellious than any super-team we’ve seen in some time. And probably more rebellious than Cap’s crew was. Their thinking is that there are people out there who need their help and you can never have enough heroes. That’s like saying there are too many good Samaritans around. That’s ridiculous.

“Unfortunately, the public doesn’t see it that way, and because of that the group has become a serious political liability to the powers-that-be. Not only in America, but the world. And the methods they use to implement their personal crusade are really going to get under a lot of peoples skin. A lot of powerful people.”

Judging by the cover of issue #1 Marvel provided us, the rebellion/getting under the skin of the powers that be really seems to be the main theme here…As we say, now with the post-Civil War Marvel Universe established and revealed, what more can you tell us on this front…

KG: Well, Stark is not happy with the New Warriors at all. First of all, they’re using the name New Warriors. An infamous name that already comes with a lot of negative baggage given what happened at Stamford. The public is going to be outraged by this and they’re going to look to the government, specifically S.H.I.E.L.D. to do something about it and squash them before something bad happens again.

Secondly, their mere existence is going to upset the apple cart in a way that not even Luke Cage’s New Avengers are going to do. This will undermine everything Stark has tried to do over the course of the last year. Why? Because even though the vast majority of the public likes the new status quo, there’s still a segment of the public that doesn’t. You see, these are kids that are spear-heading the resistance, not adults. And kids often don’t understand the ramifications or consequences of what they’re doing to because often they lived long enough to see tragic loss. As a result, Stark sees them as dangerous because it makes them very fearless and even reckless.

One of the unforeseen ramifications is that the New Warriors have unwittingly created a kind of youth movement or subculture amongst the populace. A subculture that a growing number of the youths have bought into it. Youths from all over the world. And like with any subculture, its influence grows and spreads to the adult populace. This could have a profound effect on the way the rest of the world perceives the rightness or the wrongness of the Superhero Registration Act. Stark can’t have global public opinion swinging against him, and so he is forced to do something about the new team.

I think the ironic thing about this series is that the New Warriors don’t necessarily look at themselves as superheroes. At least not in the conventional sense like their predecessors did.

Remember, in this post-Civil War/”Reconstruction” era, the traditional superhero has gone the way of the dinosaur. These new New Warriors look at themselves more as soldiers or freedom fighters of a sort, much like the French Resistance during World War II. Or better yet, the group of kids who called themselves the “Wolverines” in the movie Red Dawn. The only difference is that they’re not out to bomb government buildings, hurt people or even center on Stark as the focal point of their ire. They don’t like this new registration system and they’ll do whatever they need to do to show people how wrong it is. They’ll use hit-and-run techniques to stay ahead of the Initiative and S.H.I.E.L.D. and to do what has to be done.

In other words, they’ll save people by any means necessary. Just like the old days. And if they feel the occasional urge to tag a few registration posters or S.H.I.E.L.D. vehicles in the process, they’ll do that too.

NRAMA: You also told us, “We’ll also be seeing a crossover with Dan Slott’s The Initiative as well as a few other titles. This book is one where we are going to have guest-stars galore!”

Any more details on that front?

KG: Let me put it this way… It’s going to be a battle royale! Everyone and their bother will be after the New Warriors. The thinking is that these crazy kids are going to spoil it for everyone, so they have to be put down and put down hard. The kids will have their hands full. Not only with the execution of their mission, but the inevitable pursuit from other superheroes that will dog them throughout the series. I wouldn’t be surprised if Stark gave out a special citations, commendations or medals of honor for whoever brings the New Warriors to justice. So that adds some motivation to hunting the kids down.

NRAMA: Okay, fans are always interested in team line-ups, so let’s go through the characters Marvel has provided us sketches for as well as any they didn’t, and have you tell readers a little something about each…

NRAMA: Wondra – May we assume she is the team leader/star of the title?

KG: I wouldn’t say she’s the star, but she’s definitely an alpha personality and thus a leader type. To see exactly what her role on the team will be, you’ll have to wait and see. I will say she may be the most powerful member of the team.

NRAMA: Now Sophia (with the iPod) is Wondra? Judging by the color sketch may we assume she’s Latina?

KG: Ha! I think It depends on what you call Latina. Also, who even said Sophia was Wondra?



NRAMA: Tempest?

KG: She’s a young black girl with semi-elemental powers. She can generate wind, cold and fire.

NRAMA: War Hawk?

KG: He’s a white kid with the ability to fly obviously and has a host of cool weapons at his disposal.

NRAMA: Decibel?

KG: He’s also a white kid who of course has sonic powers given his name. Once you see him in action, you might notice the strange connection he has to another familiar character in the Marvel Universe.



NRAMA: Any more characters Marvel didn’t provide sketches for?

KG: Yes. At least five others, including characters named Ripcord, Renascence, plus a few secret associates that the team will be dealing with in the coming months.

Again, not to let too much of the cat out of the bag, I can tell you that Ripcord is the fighter of the group. She’s a white female, who given her power set, is not someone you really want to mess with. And Renascence, who is also a white female, has a host of different abilities that are constantly changing over time depending on her mood.

NRAMA: Okay, finally Kevin, again, here’s your opportunity to speak directly to potential readers. Anything you want to say to them in conclusion?

KG: I think people will really enjoy this book. But, don’t expect it to be “your father’s” New Warriors though. This is your New Warriors. The New Warriors of the future. The New Warriors that will make their own mark in the Marvel Universe. And even though they’re at war with the other heroes in the Marvel Universe (and oft time with each other), their future is as bright as it ever was. Check us out!


New York Comic Con 2007 coverage brought to you by Comicraft's ELEPHANTMEN #7, on sale right now from Image Comics!

[Joementum]

Another Scottish screamer?

Ok by me

[Hoylus]

From the look of the guy in the kilt, his connection is with apocalypse.

and what do we mean another 'scottish screamer'?

Aren't Siryn and Banshee Irish?

[Bevbos]

I like the character designs... I'll give this a shot, depending on how broke I am...

[JamesJesse]

Is it just me or does Warhawk bear a striking resemblance to a certain winged, multi-weaponed DC animated superhero named...um, coincidentally...Warhawk?

Nevertheless, I followed the first New Warriors run and I may give this a look. Speaking of which, when are we gonna see tpbs of that first NW series?

[puckett]

the kilt guy looks like apocalypse in the mouth... reminds me of chamber... also, he has x-logos on his shoulders... is he a mutant or x-men related....

[BKole]

Speaking of looking like characters...Anyone notice that the design for Decibel bares a striking resembelance to Chamber after he got mucked around with by Apocolypse?

Those Big Lips, the Generation X logo Tatoo on his Shoulder. I didn't think Jono was Scottish, i thought he was just a stereotyped "common" english man with the "wots" and other accentified words.

[puckett]

Originally Posted by BKole

Speaking of looking like characters...Anyone notice that the design for Decibel bares a striking resembelance to Chamber after he got mucked around with by Apocolypse?

Those Big Lips, the Generation X logo Tatoo on his Shoulder. I didn't think Jono was Scottish, i thought he was just a stereotyped "common" english man with the "wots" and other accentified words.

we posted similar comments almost on top of eachother... but your right.... apocalypse did get his hands on jono at one point, didnt he?

ealry chamber was more common english... late writers did sort of move him over to being skottish... i think james robinson implied that. could be wrong.

[BlueThunderArmy]

I like the concept, may check out the first few issues at least.

[Samy Merchi]

Great concept, but there's so many great characters already out there, begging to be used, that I find it difficult to embrace new ones.

[subhuman]

This series might be interesting. I'll see how the old wallet is doing around this time....may grab Champions as well/instead. Don't want to grab too much Initiative stuff, lest I have another Decimation. I just wonder how many of these titles will be lost amongst the flood of post-Civil War titles, World War Hulks, X-Crossovers, Annihilation: Conquests, etc....don't forget whatever DC is doing...still, this series could have some potential.

[Ruggaman]

Why Scottish? Kilts originated in Ireland

Although I agree with the link to Apocalype ...

[sexyjesus]

The art's good, but why do the hands and feet on the guys have to be so huge?

[Salieri]

I think using the name of a Team that accidentally killed 600 people is a pretty good way of saying to the Government, 'Yo, We're Rebels! Hunt us Friggin' Down already!'

[NedPepper]

Originally Posted by puckett

the kilt guy looks like apocalypse in the mouth... reminds me of chamber... also, he has x-logos on his shoulders... is he a mutant or x-men related....

I'd wager to say that that is Chamber! And I'm kind of stoked by that...

Although, I thought it was more of a cockney English accent that Lobdell was originally using. Like the accented dialogue from Guy Ritchie films. Or Michael Caine. Not that it's a big deal.

[DarthOverkil]

Kinda sounds like Tony Stark is going from futurist to fascist. And that makes me a saaaaaad panda ...

[SyVyN11]

Originally Posted by JamesJesse

Is it just me or does Warhawk bear a striking resemblance to a certain winged, multi-weaponed DC animated superhero named...um, coincidentally...Warhawk?

Methinks that JoeQ will get a call from DC's Legal department come monday.

[Layters]

When has this ever worked?

Yes there was Thunderstrike/Thor and She Hulk on the FF but at heart the books were still Thir and FF.

This is a whole new team with the New Warriors name. A whole new team with a really boring power set at that.

Tempest is just Storm lite then.

Warhawk sounds so completely generic.

I mean if they want su to buy this book at least give it an edge.

At first I read this to mean this would be a bunch of known hereos dressing up as new heroes to form a resistance. That would have been a great concept.


So this is a no rep writer (Im sorry Underworld doesnt count, it was a film this is comic and it wasnt all that good anyhow)

Brand new characters. Old team name with only one apparent character linking to that name. Sounds like that Lobdel, Alpha Flight revamp that tanked so bloody fast.

Whats with the descriptions been skin colour first? It just makes it sound like the writer has issues there.

That being said thats what im gettign from these interviews. I will chekc out future interviews, review and probably the first issue so there is every chance ill be pleasantly surprised.

Plus new characters and tires concepts aside. That doesnt matter with a good enough writer.

[speedbaldwin]

From the interviews Grevioux has done about this series, I am getting very excited for it. I really like the sound of this. Can't really say much about the characters at this point, seeing as how they all appear to be new characters. I kinda wish that they had gone with a few previously created characters. There are tons of characters in marvel's back catalog that could be used.

Also... why the heck didn't he say who the returning member was? C'mon... that's just dirty!

[hushy]

Would it be totally impossible that the returning member wouldn't be any of the Warriors featured on the Intitiative pic? If so, then Angel's chance of being the returning member would be a higher chance... it would make some sense too if the series is based on college kids, although the fact that Wondra may be the most powerful member on the team reduces Firestar's return to the team. I would hate it very much if she's really gonna stay retired.

[The Mirrorball Man]

Originally Posted by Layters

When has this ever worked?

Grant Morrison's "Doom Patrol"
Peter Milligan's "X-Force"
Brian Michael Bendis "New Avengers"
...

[JacktheKnife]

This just isn't doing it for me.

I was keeping my fingers crossed for an artist I liked a lot, but Medina ain't really it.

And. It's the New Warriors, but not with any of the New Warriors.

So much like the forthcoming Champions-less Champions. Count me out.

[Samy Merchi]

Yeah, if they could just announce three or four team members from the previous incarnation (or even from elsewhere in the Marvel Universe) my excitement would jump up exponentially.

[Lex]

Good concept. If there's one group who would naturally want to defy registration, it's teenagers.

[purplerocket]

Yeah I think your all right thats almost definately Chamber, which gives me another reason why I want to pick up this book (others being anti-reg team and paco medina art) even though I don't have enough money to buy all these new titles.

Already put Loners, Omega Flight and Iniative on my pull list and now Champions, New Warriors, Thor, Namor not to mention World War Hulk and all its tie ins look to good to miss.

Good times for Marvel bad times for my wallet.