DAN SLOTT: TAKING THE INITIATIVE

[MattBrady]

by Matt Brady

It’s only seen five issues, and already, Avengers: The Initiative has had a death, a dismissal, a Spider-Man appearance, a covert ops team, a Hulk battle, a betrayal, mystery characters, cameos, revelations and guest stars galore. It’s probably easier to say what hasn’t been in the book, written by Dan Slott, with art by Stefano Caselli. While we’re not going to go so far as to say that The Initiative is the “spine” of the Marvel Universe, it’s certainly near the center of everything that’s going on. It’s had ties to the X-Universe, the Spider-Universe, Marvel history, and of course, the Avengers.

And it still makes sense.

Short form - The Initiative is the world after Civil War - new heroes must be trained. There are 50 states in the US, and each one is to have its own superhero team. Some new heroes will make the cut. Others won’t. The program, set up in Stamford, is building the future, one hero at a time, and everyone wants a piece of it, and a say in it. It’s complicated, it’s messy, and…well, we talked to Slott.

Newsarama: I think it’s fairly safe to say that, along with the characters and action, the series is resonating on two levels with fans – a) it’s reality and real-world feel – here’s a program set up with the best of intentions, and it’s just a godawful mess; and b) for those readers not thrilled with him, it’s appealing in that it’s Tony Stark’s godawful mess…

Dan Slott: And Gyrich’s mess, and Hank’s mess, and Rhodey’s mess. I just love that people are digging this book. The way I’ve been selling it since day one is that this is the book for people who love arguing about Civil War. I love it when people argue about this books and say, “Well that’s stupid. The thing that character did was stupid. Why would they set things up like that?” I’m left thinking, “What world are you living in?” Are you watching the news? Cheney, Gonzales, Tora Bora, Haliburton, the Democrats, the Republicans…if people did things that weren’t stupid, we wouldn’t have the many of the situations that we can now play with in the Marvel Universe. This is our world. People don’t always make the right choice, and people have different intentions from what they start out to be – they’re the best intentions when they start out, but they don’t remain that way.

NRAMA: Not to mention that people who don’t make the best of choices at time, but then stick with it due to circumstances beyond their control…

DS: We put medals on people like Wolfowitz one day, and then the next; you have the World Bank Scandal the next. I think we’re doing a good job in The Initiative in presenting all sides, in that I’ve seen people who are one political leaning praise the book and people of that same political leaning slam the book – on both sides. I’ve heard that it’s such a right-wing book, as well as it’s a book that makes right-wing people look stupid. Or that it’s an Anti-Registration book, or that it’s a Pro-Registration book. There are characters like Rage and Justice who are taking a stand against things in the series; but at the same time, there are characters, like Rhodey, who’s doing the best he can, and trying to do the right thing from a different point of view. There are so many different points of view in this book, and I hope we’re showing them all correctly.

I honestly think that the Gauntlet is trying to do the best job he can – he’s breaking the kids down, and that really ticks fans of the kids off. But still – he’s a drill instructor – it’s his job. He’s R. Lee Emery, he’s Louis Gossett Jr., or Michael Ironside in Starship Troopers. He’s the D.I. – you’re supposed to want to smash his face in.

NRAMA: Which brings us to the cover of issue #6 – it looks like someone does just that, and tags him while they’re at it…

DS: It looks like that…

NRAMA: Going by the cover alone – the “New Warriors” tag on Gauntlet is the next step along in a subplot where Gauntlet’s been bad-mouthing the New Warriors, using their name as an insult. And at almost every turn, you have Justice saying, “Hey, that’s not cool…” to anybody who will listen. It looks like retribution.

DS: Are you saying that Vance does this?

NRAMA: No – I’m saying that it fits in with what’s been building…

DS: So you’re saying that Vance doesn’t do this…?

NRAMA: Well, maybe not…

DS: [laughs] Yeah – it’s fun. We’ve got what, 15 or 16 characters on the recap page each issue, and then on top of it, we introduce things like the Shadow Initiative, and give readers six more characters to follow. But if you look at every issue, each issue has taken one character and (hopefully) put them in the forefront.

Issue #1 was a Cloud 9 issue, even though we are introduced to the whole team and the team comes together; issue #2 was a Yellowjacket issue; issue #3 was Komodo; issue #4 was Hardball, and #5 was Trauma. Even though we’re introducing all of these characters and showing these characters and hopefully telling a complete unit of entertainment in each issue, we’re still focusing on somebody and giving you new insight on them. Issue #6 is a nice way to show you all about The Gauntlet, even if it’s all in flashback…oh snap! Did I say that? [laughs]

NRAMA: Or as people talk about him while walking through a nice memorial garden?

DS: Shhhh! [laughs] Issue #7 will focus on the Scarlet Spiders and we’ll unmask at least one of them in the Annual in November – it’s all classified documents that have been declassified. We’re finally going to find out about the origins. This is all post M-Day, so we’re not taking that cheap way out of “Oh, he’s just a mutant.” These are all people who got their powers or abilities in some amazing way that made them the people they are. We’re going to learn the origins of The Gauntlet, Armory, (of course both of those are flashbacks), MVP (also a flashback – laughs), but we’re going to be looking at the pieces of the puzzles and all the many secrets...and oh, poor Hardball. And what’s also going to be fun is that there’s something that people have wanted to see for a long time, and we show glimpses and hints – which is, what are the other teams in the other 50 states? We’re going to show a quick adventure of the team in Pennsylvania, which is a team based on Philadelphia.

NRAMA: And that’s the Liberty Legion, right?

DS: It’s our take on the Liberty Legion. We don’t even call them the Liberty Legion – I don’t think…we’ll just see.

NRAMA: So, speaking nation-wide, we know that The Order is in California, Texas has the Rangers, the Philly team is your take on the Liberty Legion, and that’s coming in the Annual…so, sticking by this plan, you’ve got 47 more years to slowly reveal the other teams in the other states?

DS: Oh sure – so by the time we hit year 47…[laughs] Nah – you’re going to see teams every now and then in the issues. You’ll get to see different teams as we go along.

NRAMA: And more new recruits?

DS: Mayyyyybe.

NRAMA: Okay – something you do have coming up is the last pre-One More Day appearance by Peter Parker in issue #7. How does that work? Komodo and Rhodey already ran into Peter, and he spanked them and sent them packing…

DS: Well – I will say that issue #7 will feature the first time the Scarlet Spiders go into action in the public eye. This does not make Peter Parker very…well, you’re going to have to read it. In the story he’s doing stuff, and it’s pretty darn important. The way I was telling people about it is this: One More day is going to shake up Spider-Man’s world. There’s no way around it. What happens in One More Day is jaw-dropping. It’s huge. When it’s over, you’re going to want to have your copy of Avengers: The Initiative #7 tucked away that you can come back to. You’re just gonna want it – when you start arguing with people on the internet, you’re going to want your copy just so you can say, “Aha – but in Avengers: The Initiative #7….!” Study it, memorize it. You’re going to want it in your arsenal when you start arguing with everybody. Truuuuuust me.

Even if you’re not winning the argument, you can always roll up the issue, and swat some people on the nose.

NRAMA: Touching on a couple of other issues with The Initiative – the members of Young Avengers who showed up, albeit in the background – why were they there?

DS: Read She-Hulk #21. Sounds weird, but read it.

NRAMA: Next up - Mutant Zero, who’s with the Shadow Initiaitve. Have we seen Mutant Zero before in any form?

DS: Outside of her costume?

NRAMA: Yes.

DS: Yes. In fact, you’ve seen Mutant Zero many, many, many, many times. Mutant Zero, outside of that costume, one – is not a guy – we’re not pulling a Ronin. She’s a chick. She’s a mutant chick who’s been cover-worthy many times. This is not some obscure-o mutant dusted off just for this arc. I know it’s me – and I know that I come with that baggage of pulling out obscure characters, but this isn’t She-Hulk - this is a big, huge Marvel Avengers book, and this is one of our big, huge secret characters. When that mask comes off, there will be a “whoa” among those reading it. People who don’t even follow comics regularly will know who it is.

NRAMA: When will that mask come off?

DS: Eventually… But every time you see Mutant Zero, something will happen – a superpower or two might creep in which will cause people to perhaps recognize 20 or so characters who may have that same power…and then narrow it more in her next appearance, and next…but it will come off.

But I’m so bummed that the current Ronin got revealed over in New Avengers - I was hoping that would stay a secret for long enough so that Ronin and Mutant Zero could have an adventure together, and they’d end up in bed, but they’d keep their masks on, so even they wouldn’t know who the other one is.

NRAMA: Comics for costume fetishists…

DS: [laughs] I thought that would be a riot!

NRAMA: You need help.

DS: It would be funny!

NRAMA: Anyway – let’s talk about the overall goal with The Initiative - it’s never going to be “team book” is it? From what you’ve shown and said now, it seems as if there’s going to be a fairly regular rotation of the cast, if not through graduation, then through…other means…

DS: I recently polished the solicit for issue #8, and the storyline we have coming up…we’re moving towards the first graduation. If you don’t watch out, and aren’t killed, then you’ll get to move on, and you’ll get to be in one of the states. And since we keep popping by the states, it won’t be that hard to drop some folks off here and there. But yeah – we’re meeting all of these characters, and I want you to get invested in them, and I want you to care about them. But they’re going to go off and do different things, but they’re still, on some level, always going to be part of The Initiative – if they survive.

But also – it’s not all about bringing in characters and training them to be on the teams. We’ve got characters like Triathlon – who obviously has Avengers training. He’s there to see if he has what it takes to be a team leader. There are 50 states, so there have to be 50 guys running those teams – so he’s a team leader in training. Maybe someone who will graduate from the program will stick around and see if they can be a team leader. So yeah – there will be a turnover, but there will be turnover for many different reasons.

[btjs]

This is such a goddamn great book.

The only name I can come up with for Mutant Zero is...no, nevermind. Wait a minute, I need a hand, someone - has Slott said whether MZ was confirmed powered or depowered?

[BubbaKanoosh]

I still say one of the Iron Spiders is the spider clone from waaaay back...

*brain farting on the name*

[OMEGA_Red]

Originally Posted by BubbaKanoosh

I still say one of the Iron Spiders is the spider clone from waaaay back...

*brain farting on the name*

Kaine? I think that's what you're talking about.

That'd be pretty interesting.

[Michael Heide]

Originally Posted by BubbaKanoosh

I still say one of the Iron Spiders is the spider clone from waaaay back...

*brain farting on the name*

"Ben Reilly" (not "Riley", like they wrote in Amazing Spider-Man #543). But while I loved the character (and his Daily Grind supporting cast), I seriously doubt that Marvel will open that can of worms again.

[CodeGuy]

The only name that comes to mind for Mutant Zero is Jean Grey. She seems appropriate in a couple of ways.

[durkadurka]

I do have to give Mr. Slott credit. This book is probably the best thing to come out of Civil War. I only say that because it has had more issues out than New Warriors, but it seems like they will kind of be in a rivalry situation. All the more reason to like it, really.
It's a joy to read and i love all the new characters. Emo Boy is great!
Now, who is Mutant Zero?

[durkadurka]

Originally Posted by CodeGuy

The only name that comes to mind for Mutant Zero is Jean Grey. She seems appropriate in a couple of ways.

I could see how you would say that, but there's no way they can have a big return for her outside X-Men. The return could start in something else (like FF) but no way would she see so much action outside X-Men. I refuse to believe it.

[TCJohnson]

Still think Mutant Zero is the Scarlet Witch.

[Darquehex]

Originally Posted by Michael Heide

"Ben Reilly" (not "Riley", like they wrote in Amazing Spider-Man #543). But while I loved the character (and his Daily Grind supporting cast), I seriously doubt that Marvel will open that can of worms again.

Loved the Daily Grind characters, easily my favorite part of the Onslaught crossover. C'mon Dan, have them be Kaine, Reilly and Spidercide. Don't them have died in vain.

[Uncle Jawa]

I was kinda cold on the first couple of issues of AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE, but its grown on me, especially with this Shadow Initiative. I love the line-up of that group. I just wish Rhodey had a better looking suit of armor.

[johnny.blaze]

A thought just came to me. What if the initiative isnt just the Super Hero Registration Initiative but the Skrull initiative? What if this whole system of training new heroes and creating superhero teams in 50 states is just another way for the Skrulls to infiltrate our system further before they reveal themselves.

[skinnyboy23]

Mutant Zero as Scarlet Witch would be ridiculous awesome. And I can see why they'd keep it a secret.

Or Jean Grey.

Whatever, Mutant Zero is a BADASS.

[Ace]

Well Slott is real good at talking up his stuff. I'll tell you that much. I'm hyped for what comes next.

[CaptMonkey]

Originally Posted by CodeGuy

The only name that comes to mind for Mutant Zero is . She seems appropriate in a couple of ways.

Same thing I was thinking after he said "People who don’t even follow comics regularly will know who it is." Let's see, female mutants who aren't currently in another book right now who everyone will know... well that kind of limits the options.

[Billy Parker]

I can't WAIT for "One More Day!"

And Initiative is one of my favorite books. I want that little cloud girl to keep kicking ass! And The New Warriors book is awesome too and it's cool it crosses over with this book.

[X-punged]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

While we’re not going to go so far as to say that The Initiative is the “spine” of the Marvel Universe, it’s certainly near the center of everything that’s going on. It’s had ties to the X-Universe, the Spider-Universe, Marvel history, and of course, the Avengers.

And it still makes sense.

Another good title by Slott, but a question for Newsarama...

Who should feel the most insulted, the people working on Countdown or Bendis' Avengers books?


But then again is the truth an insult?

[bishop-m]

This is some great stuff!!!

[e_galston]

Originally Posted by CaptMonkey

Same thing I was thinking after he said "People who don’t even follow comics regularly will know who it is." Let's see, female mutants who aren't currently in another book right now who everyone will know... well that kind of limits the options.

its gotta be Jean i don't see anyone else that "people outside of comics" would know, as Jubilee has been accounted for now.. and she's the only other "big" marvel female mutant who isn't part of the x-books

[Bevbos]

Originally Posted by CodeGuy

The only name that comes to mind for Mutant Zero is Jean Grey. She seems appropriate in a couple of ways.

That's pretty much the only mutant who came to my mind, too. Although "had many aliases" suggests Kitty Pryde a bit more. But why the hell would it be her?

[deadjacket]

Originally Posted by CaptMonkey

Same thing I was thinking after he said "People who don’t even follow comics regularly will know who it is." Let's see, female mutants who aren't currently in another book right now who everyone will know... well that kind of limits the options.

could be Firestar.... (Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends anyone)

[kennyab]

Originally Posted by deadjacket

could be Firestar.... (Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends anyone)

I was thinking the same thing. She'd make sense, considering Vance is in the book.

Of course, she's always been the most stable of the Warriors, so it'd be interesting to see why she isn't anymore.

[Ben543250]

Firestar is my guess. Probably wrong, though.

[e_galston]

Originally Posted by Bevbos

That's pretty much the only mutant who came to my mind, too. Although "had many aliases" suggests Kitty Pryde a bit more. But why the hell would it be her?

but Jean has been, Marvel Girl, Phoenix, and just Jean Grey

[Tiger47]

yeah...female, cover-worthy mutants that even non-readers leaves Jean Grey, Storm, Rogue, and maybe Mystique. And I think the latter three are spoken for...

Even Wanda doesn't have that exposure.