BILL ROSEMANN TALKS GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

[MattBrady]

by Vaneta Rogers

Three years ago, it would have been tough to find a Marvel cosmic character in any of the publishing company's comics.

But that all changed with Annihilation in 2006. The mini-series renewed reader interest in Marvel's space landscape and spawned a new ongoing Nova series last year by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning.

Now Marvel is adding another cosmic ongoing to their line-up, this time resurrecting Guardians of the Galaxy as a team book featuring sci-fi heroes and concepts spinning out of the Annihilation: Conquest mini-series. As we found out in May solicitations, the series will feature art by Paul Pelletier and will be written by Abnett and Lanning, who are also the writing team behind Conquest.

Newsarama caught up with Marvel editor Bill Rosemann to find out details about the new series.

Newsarama: Where did the idea for this series come from? And why does Marvel think now is the time to bring back the name, “Guardians of the Galaxy”?

Bill Rosemann: As the planning of Annihilation: Conquest came together, it occurred to us that, if things went well, there would be a group of characters left standing who would make a very fun team. We were able to launch the solo book Nova out of Annihilation -- could we build on that by launching a team book out of Conquest?

Lucky for us, readers responded strongly to our motley crew, and here we are! As for the Guardians name itself, it just seemed to fit. Not only does it say what the team is, but it also gives us the opportunity to not only salute the heroes who first blazed the trail, but to also introduce a new group of readers to the Guardians' brand of sci-fi butt-kicking.

NRAMA: Will this series echo the premise behind the original Guardians comics? Or are we looking at something completely new here? What's the idea behind the comic?

BR: Just like the original Guardians, this squad -- initially comprised of Star-Lord, Adam Warlock, Quasar, Drax, Gamora and Rocket Raccoon -- is a band of diverse warriors united to fight against those who threaten freedom throughout the cosmos. Also, on the heels of two back-to-back wars, they’re out to prevent any new Annihilation-size disasters from erupting. And as the line-up reveals, you're dealing with a whole new Guardians cast -- who have many different personalities and opinions, and who will be facing all sorts of new threats! Or, to put it all in "big picture" terms, if Nova is a cosmic Lone Ranger, the Guardians are the galactic Knights of the Round Table.

NRAMA: What type of reader would this comic appeal to? What type of stories can we expect?

BR: Guardians of the Galaxy is for all those hungry for a big slice of righteous bad-assery drenched in awesome sauce. It's for those who love smart superheroic sci-fi, courtesy of the brilliant writing cyborg known as Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (who may be familiar to non-Marvel readers as the brains behind such cosmic coolness as Warhammer 40,000 and Legion of Super-Heroes), and amazing art from the talented trio of penciler Paul Pelletier (hot off a sweet Fantastic Four run), veteran inker Rick Magyar (who’s worked on everything from Great Lakes Avengers to Exiles) and colorist Nathan Fairbairn (who helped make Star-Lord look so great).

It's for those who dig cold-hearted killers like Drax and Gamora, wise-cracking everymen like Star-Lord, cosmic warriors like Quasar and Adam Warlock, and talking animals (that's right, friends…talking animals) like the bazooka-loving Rocket Raccoon and Cosmo the telepathic Russian space dog. In short, Guardians of the Galaxy was hand-crafted just for you!

NRAMA: Since it spins out of Conquest, can new readers understand what's going on with the comic? Or does it require being familiar with the Annihilation characters first?

BR: Just like Nova #1, Guardians of the Galaxy #1 blasts off right into the middle of the action while supplying readers with all the info you need to enjoy the ride. So if you haven't read a single Annihilation or Conquest comic, but have seen the reviews raving how good they are, this is your chance! Every Marvel comic with a #1 on it should be new reader friendly, and Guardians #1 will deliver exactly that. But on the other hand, if you have been enjoying our recent run of cosmic craziness, you'll be happy to see how Marvel's sci-fi heroes and villains are continuing to receive mucho love from creators that know how cool they truly can be.

NRAMA: Tell us what you can about the first issue/first storyline and how you're hoping to kick off the series.

BR: When you read the first draft of a script and it has you laughing and gasping and thinking “that is so cool!” from page 1 to 22, you know the writers nailed it. And after seeing what Paul & Rick are delivering in their issues of Nova, I know this will look as good as it reads. So without spoiling any fun stuff, just get ready for instant calamity, hilarious dialogue, buckets o’ smart characterization, and an opponent that will have many of you saying, “Oh yeah…cool, it’s been a while since I saw them!”

NRAMA: A mystery opponent? Can you tell us who some of the fan favorite characters are that might be popping up in the new series?

BR: Hmmm…I don't know about fan-favorites -- because guys like Wolverine and Spider-Man are a bit busy right now -- but I do think we corner the market on cult-favorites. Dan & Andy are flipping through their cosmic Rolodex and calling up characters who haven't been seen in quite some time. And while Marvel's A-listers are some of the greatest characters in all comicdom, it's often the so-called B and C-listers that provide creators and readers with untapped potential and unlimited possibilities.

NRAMA: As we head toward Secret Invasion, is there any chance we'll see some Skrulls show up in this series?

BR: Wow, now that you've mentioned it, I'm just hoping Conquest hasn't already been infiltrated by one of those no good, pointy eared, wrinkly chinned, shape-shifters! Hey, maybe Super-Skrull is really a Skrull!

NRAMA: With the success of Nova and now the launch of Guardians of the Galaxy, is it safe to assume that Marvel's cosmic characters are back for the long haul? And will there be more series launching out of the Marvel cosmic universe?

BR: Marvel's cosmic characters are definitely back with a vengeance, but the length of their stay is up to you readers. If you keep showing up, we'll keep doing our best to wow you. We've been hunting through the Marvel Handbooks and have found many personal favorites to revamp next, but only you True Believers can make those dreams become reality. So c'mon, people -- if you're enjoying Conquest and Nova, and if you want to see Marvel keep exploring a variety of genres, spread the word and let your retailer and fellow readers know what they're missing! Cosmo and Rocket Raccoon are counting on you!

[Adam Grace]

This series is already on my pull list!

[POWRSURG]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

NRAMA: As we head toward Secret Invasion, is there any chance we'll see some Skrulls show up in this series?

BR: Wow, now that you've mentioned it, I'm just hoping Conquest hasn't already been infiltrated by one of those no good, pointy eared, wrinkly chinned, shape-shifters! Hey, maybe Super-Skrull is really a Skrull!

Er, is Super-Skrull on the team/in the book? I hope that his, nor Ronin or Mantis, not being on the team does not mean that they won't make it out of Annihilation.

PLEASE bring back Quasar's brother Genesis. He was my favorite character for the longest time, and I would love to see him back. Also, with half of the Infinity Watch on the team (which is every member still alive save Pip the Troll), they really should look into getting the Infinity Gems back from the Illuminati. Cosmic powers should be left to those that deal with the cosmic, not singular planetary super heroes.

[motteditor]

BR: Hmmm…I don't know about fan-favorites -- because guys like Wolverine and Spider-Man are a bit busy right now -- but I do think we corner the market on cult-favorites. Dan & Andy are flipping through their cosmic Rolodex and calling up characters who haven't been seen in quite some time. And while Marvel's A-listers are some of the greatest characters in all comicdom, it's often the so-called B and C-listers that provide creators and readers with untapped potential and unlimited possibilities.

Hurrah! Rosemann for EIC.

Looking forward to seeing this. I really hope K'lrt isn't a Skrull though. Major retcon! : )

[Rich L]

You had me at Rocket Raccoon and Cosmo.

Would have been nice to see Super Skrull and Ronan in there too - assuming they survive Conquest.

[Foenix]

I am so looking forward to this. I loved Annihilation, Conquest, Nova, all the minis...so the odds are good here, and they're saying a lot of the right things so far, but...

While I'm eagerly awaiting this, I am also a huge fan of the original Guardians of the Galaxy, and am sad that they're not the stars of a book with that particular title, and hope some nod or two can at least be made to Vance, Aleta, Martinex, and the gang.

J

[durkadurka]

Guardians of the Galaxy is for all those hungry for a big slice of righteous bad-assery drenched in awesome sauce.

And what else could you ask for?
So freakin excited about this. I hope Wraith and Super Skrull show up at some point as well (if they don't die in Annihilation: Conquest).
I can't remember the last time a comic gave me a big enough serving of righteous bad-assery. Just that cover makes me want to destroy things.

[Ace]

I really hope they're building to a big Guardians of the Galaxy/Guardians of the Galaxy team up around issue 12. That would be fun.

[Adam G]

I met Bill a few years ago at the first Wizard World Philly. His love and affection for the medium is awesome.

Like other posters, this book was already added to my pull list and I agree with the return of Genis. (Hopefully they could put him back in the red and blue costume like Captain Marvel)

That being said, I am a big fan of Nova and I hope that the market is big enough to support 2 cosmic Marvel Books. I know in the end, the worst that could happen is that (and I hope that it doesn't), Nova comes to an end and then he joins the team.

[Snowspinner]

Man... I loved Guardians of the Galaxy back in the 90s and under Valentino, but this just doesn't sound like the same series. It's not even primarily set in the far future, and has none of the classic Guardians characters. That'd be like creating a team of Adam Strange, Guy Gardner, Starfire, Martian Manhunter, and Mr. Terrific and calling it the Legion of Superheroes. It may be a fine title, but it only makes me miss the, you know, Guardians of the Galaxy. 31st century C-list space fighters. Vance Astro. Charlie-27. Starhawk, for God's sake! It's not Guardians without Starhawk!

[Moosarama]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

Three years ago, it would have been tough to find a Marvel cosmic character in any of the publishing company's comics.

Except for the Thanos series, which lasted from 2004 to 2005. And the Drax miniseries in 2005. And the Silver Surfer series which lasted from 2004 to 2005. And the Adam Warlock miniseries from 2004 or 2005. But who's keeping track?

I find it very strange that neither Rosemann nor the interviewer make any mention of the fact that the original Guardians of the Galaxy was about superheroes in the future. Granted, I don't think that needs to have any bearing on the new series, but it feels like both participants completely sidestepped that rather significant detail.

[Howard]

Groot doesn't make it out alive? NOOOOOOOOOOOO.

[monsterZERO]

This sounds amazing. The cosmic stuff has been money since Annihilation. DnA + Pelletier = fantabulousness

[samnoir]

Who'd have thought we'd ever see the Return of Rocket Raccoon!

Given the rise of Mike Mignola, isn't it time for a Rocket Raccoon trade?



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[drizpiece]

pinch me, this is too good to be true

[DonDaddyD]

I can never understand why the characters, story or this entire genre of comic is referred to as Science-Fiction. Especially compared to titles like Fantastic Four, which aren't hyped as sci-fi, yet clearly run rampant with the sci-fi.

BUT

Guardians of the Galaxy is for all those hungry for a big slice of righteous bad-assery drenched in awesome sauce.

AH HELL YEAH!!!

[Aaron]

Originally Posted by Snowspinner

Man... I loved Guardians of the Galaxy back in the 90s and under Valentino, but this just doesn't sound like the same series. It's not even primarily set in the far future, and has none of the classic Guardians characters. That'd be like creating a team of Adam Strange, Guy Gardner, Starfire, Martian Manhunter, and Mr. Terrific and calling it the Legion of Superheroes. It may be a fine title, but it only makes me miss the, you know, Guardians of the Galaxy. 31st century C-list space fighters. Vance Astro. Charlie-27. Starhawk, for God's sake! It's not Guardians without Starhawk!

Count your blessings. I still believe the Valentino relaunch of GotG was the single best team book I've ever read. Even after he left, the team grew and developed in interesting ways. It was a very "90s" book, yes, but it had the kind of depth and fun that was seriously lacking in other books of the era.

I've often wished for a return for this book, but I've dreaded seeing how the current Marvel regime would piss all over the concepts and continuity so lovingly built back then. So, it's for the best that this is an "in name only" relaunch.

[Omega Flyer]

Starlord+ Rocket Raccoon + Cosmo= Automatically Bought!

[J.D. Lombardi]

This interview worked in that the answers really gave me the info I need to wanna check these series out. It didn't work in that this is a rare time when Newsarama offered up every over-done softball question in the book. I'm not looking for hardcore journalism, but can't we at least leave the cookie-cutters in the kitchen where they belong?

I was never into the Guardians in their old incarnation because it was jsut way too derivative of the Legion of Super Heroes. But this...bringing it out of the "far future" and loading it with more original characters rather than silly would-be descendants of current MU heroes...this sounds good. DnA have ALWAYS written high quality stuff too, so those two as the writers makes this easy and I've not read ANY of the current Marvel Sci Fi stuff...but this is on my list now.

Cool!

[Vyper]

PAUL PELLETIER!!!!
COSMO!!!!
HELLS YEAH!!!!!

I'm putting this on my pull list. Right after I change my pants.
Cosmic, out of this world stuff is where Pelletier shines like no other, as he proved time and time again with Negation and FF (and what I've seen of his Nova stuff).

Plus, it's written by the Nova team, which have been producing work that just keeps getting better and better.

Oh, and COSMO!!!!! I love Cosmo.

[ThatGuamGuy]

Guardians of the Galaxy is for all those hungry for a big slice of righteous bad-assery drenched in awesome sauce.

As much as I hate it when Mark Millar says ____ like this, it sounds even worse coming out of anybody else's mouth. It's pretty much a surefire sign that this book will be terrible.

[CapIreland]

As soon as I saw this advertised I knew straight away that it was going to me on my must buy list. I haven't read Conquest yet (waiting for the trades) but I'm so looking forward to this now. Not only do it have a great writing team but also a great art team.

[Krypto]

I'l give this a crack due to the creatives but I'm so sick of painted covers. Slick space adventure demands smooth art - I could barely work out who's who here.

[Krypto]

Oh, and please, no Skrulls; never mind the Phalanx, there must be somewhere in the MU that Bendis can't infect

[Vyper]

Originally Posted by ThatGuamGuy

As much as I hate it when Mark Millar says ____ like this, it sounds even worse coming out of anybody else's mouth. It's pretty much a surefire sign that this book will be terrible.

It's a pretty accurate fanboy description of the current Nova series, which is written by the same writers penning GotG, so I doubt this will be "terrible".

Besides, Mark Millar has never said anything quite as cool-sounding as "slice of badassery drenched in awesome sauce."

I may have to make that my new sig