JOE CASEY PREVIEWS THE LAST DEFENDERS #1

**MattBrady** · 03-04-2008, 12:40 PM

Next week sees the release of The Last Defenders #1 from Marvel, the latest take on the classic “non-team team.” Written by Joe Casey with art by Jim Muniz, this iteration of the Defenders finds itself in a much different world than those previous – the superhero landscape has changed due to Civil War, to operate legally, heroes must register, and being a “non-team team” is just…different than it was.

But that, according to Casey, isn’t stopping Nighthawk from getting the gang (or a gang) together again.

Marvel has provided Newsarama with the first six lettered pages of next week’s issue #1 (Marvel’s earlier preview was unlettered), and Casey has offered himself up to field a few more questions.

Newsarama: Joe, with these pages, we've got the confirmation - Kyle is not only the heart of this team, he's your POV character. From a craft/storytelling view, why him? Why not a “no direct pov character” as team books tend to do these days?

Joe Casey: I've probably said this before, but Kyle Richmond/Nighthawk is really the heart of the Defenders. He always has been, probably because he's the most "traditional" superhero that's ever been a part of the team. And there's a great added element to him... he's a very emotional character, he feels things pretty deeply. What else would you expect from a reformed criminal? More than any other character I've ever written at Marvel, he is a true reader identifier. For whatever reason, those kinds of characters are becoming more and more rare. But for a writer, they're gold.

One thing I really like about the beginning of the scene with Stark, we see that Kyle has a real sense of the history of the Defenders. I mean, look at the team he's proposing. It's probably a lineup that most Defenders' fans would be pretty happy to see in action. Me included, but it's a new world and new ideas are needed. At first, Kyle will be forced to adapt just like the rest of the heroes in the Marvel Universe. Soon enough, though, he learns that there are larger forces at work -- cosmic forces that supersede any kind of Earthly political agenda. Cue ominous music...

NRAMA: Recap Kyle's most recent history here - while Dan [Slott] hasn't been exactly featuring him, he's been at Camp Hammond, which is the home of the characters in The Initiative, right?

JC: Yeah, but that's part of his problem (and mine, as a fan of the character). He's just one of the many instructors there, and not one of the high level ones, either. He kind of blends in with the endless sea of costumes and capes. And that's certainly not how he sees himself. He's really for more. As the pages suggest, he's been bugging Stark about rebooting the Defenders as an Initiative team, probably since its inception. Now he's getting his chance... but, as you can see, not at all in the way he was expecting (or even hoping for).

NRAMA: Speaking of that, the team that's being put together...just that - it's being put together for Kyle. Obviously, if Colossus’ body language is any clue, the friction is being built in from the start, right?

JC: Yeah, it's really all over the place. But what are team books without friction? It certainly makes for interesting situations, all of which will play out over the course of the series. You can see that Tony Stark is just slightly condescending to Kyle (and, since I'm just as much of an Iron Man fan as anyone... I'm not writing it as intentional on Stark's part, because I don't think he's a prick at all). And then, there's the notion that you can't necessarily just pick a lineup out of a hat and expect it to be smooth sailing right off the bat. I mean, c'mon, where else are you going to see Colossus and the Blazing Skull trade barbs? That's gotta' be worth the price of admission right there...!

NRAMA: We’ll take your word for it. On the realistic side of things, since we've started talking with you about The Last Defenders, The Order - admittedly a kissing cousin to TLD has ended. Does/did that series end get anything more than an eyebrow raise from you?

JC: Unfortunately, I've been around long enough that a series ending prematurely doesn't illicit even that little of a reaction from me. It's certainly happened to me enough times. The downside is that I really think Marvel needs books like The Order... series that will never be in the Top Twenty but add a very cool flavor to the overall fabric of the Marvel Universe. That's whats always made Marvel so cool... for every Fantastic Four> or Amazing Spider-Man there was a Nick Fury, Agent Of S.H.I.E.L.D. or an Invaders or a Man-Thing, books that were more underground. Those second- and third-tier series have a place in the publishing plan. I'm a writer, not a businessman (or an editor), so the argument that they don't make enough money to justify their existence just doesn't have to fly with me. Let the accountants worry about that shit... I want my art!

NRAMA: Fair enough. The preview cliffhanger - Tony has to convince She-Hulk to join? Given their recent past, how is Tony in the position to convince She-Hulk to do...anything?

JC: Well, this is a prime opportunity to show how well-suited Nighthawk is for leadership (or not). Like Stark tells him, it's his responsibility to bring her into the fold. A feat in and of itself, no doubt.

I can't wait for readers to see how he does it... and they'll be able to in just one short week...!

Check out The New Defenders #1 next week, and check back next Friday some more…

SeamusMcClernan · 03-04-2008, 12:50 PM

Nice to see GARGOYLE back.

I can't remember the last time I saw him - other than in "Earth X", which doesn't count, right?

Jmd211 · 03-04-2008, 12:59 PM

They mentioned that Colossus is "formally from the Xavier Insitute", so does this mean that Colossus is not going to be on Uncanny X-Men???

Ravager · 03-04-2008, 12:59 PM

Liking the art. Very ed mcguinness-y.

samnoir · 03-04-2008, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeamusMcClernan

Nice to see GARGOYLE back.

I can't remember the last time I saw him - other than in "Earth X", which doesn't count, right?

I'm on board if Gargoyle is part of the team.

One of the most unique characters in the Marvel U under the pen of JM Dematties during that particular era of "The New Defenders".

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TheMightyGeek · 03-04-2008, 01:03 PM

I like the idea, but the art looks a tad...uneven. Compare the angles and depth of the faces on page three and the ones on page six. They look as though they were done by two different artists. Maybe they were?

AnalSurprise · 03-04-2008, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeamusMcClernan

Nice to see GARGOYLE back.

I can't remember the last time I saw him - other than in "Earth X", which doesn't count, right?

He made an appearance in Marvel Comics Presents, in the Patsy Walker storyline.

But I really hate the fact that Marvel's using him at all. His death in the last issue of the original Defenders book (when Moondragon ripped his soul out) was a very memorable scene in an awesome final issue.

I realize Marvel's making a lot of money right now not giving a damn about rules and such, and more power to them... but I can't help but worry that the unfortunate and unavoidable side-effect of this philosophy -- ie, the sentiment that nothing matters anymore because none of the writers or editorial feel they should be bound by anything -- will someday backlash in a big way.

It's already gotten me to drop Spider-Man. Not out of protest for One More Day (too late for that, I had to buy those issues to know they sucked) but simply because I know this status quo won't stick and someone's going to undo all of it again. It's what Marvel does, now. Magic wands left and right. No point investing in anything that isn't entertaining the pants off of us right away (like the excellent AVENGERS INITIATIVE book).

/AS

Chief Jon · 03-04-2008, 01:06 PM

Dammit' I wanted to not be interested in this series but Casey's interviews here keep tempting me and with those preview pages I'm pretty much sold to try issue 1.

Rich L · 03-04-2008, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnalSurprise

But I really hate the fact that Marvel's using him at all. His death in the last issue of the original Defenders book (when Moondragon ripped his soul out) was a very memorable scene in an awesome final issue.

I realize Marvel's making a lot of money right now not giving a damn about rules and such, and more power to them... but I can't help but worry that the unfortunate and unavoidable side-effect of this philosophy -- ie, the sentiment that nothing matters anymore because none of the writers or editorial feel they should be bound by anything -- will someday backlash in a big way.

Gargoyle's resurrection happened years ago in Solo Avengers - I'm not saying it was a good idea but he's already out there in play to be used. Better here than elsewhere.

This looks good.

SlamBurger · 03-04-2008, 01:23 PM

Man, I wish this book actually had Gargoyle, Hellcat, Valkyrie, Nighthawk, Iceman, Beast, Angel...

yknow, the Defenders!

I am MODOK · 03-04-2008, 01:30 PM

Looks great. I'm looking forward to this!

SeamusMcClernan · 03-04-2008, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnalSurprise

He made an appearance in Marvel Comics Presents, in the Patsy Walker storyline.

But I really hate the fact that Marvel's using him at all. His death in the last issue of the original Defenders book (when Moondragon ripped his soul out) was a very memorable scene in an awesome final issue.

Kinda sounds how I feel about seeing CAPTAIN MARVEL & ADAM WARLOCK running around again.

Once I asked Dave Cockrum about how he felt that COLOSSUS (another recent resurrection) had been killed off.
While he wasn't too pleased, he comforted himself in that knowledge that ".. no one STAYS dead forever - except Ben Parker and Bucky Barnes."

thefrogman · 03-04-2008, 01:45 PM

Quote:

They mentioned that Colossus is "formally from the Xavier Insitute", so does this mean that Colossus is not going to be on Uncanny X-Men???

Well, Scott told Tony that the X-men were disbanded after Messiah Complex so this could potentially take place when the X-men haven't reformed. Course, that doesn't mesh with Petey in Russia with Logan and Kurt. I don't really care, though. Continuity on this scale doesn't bother me. Besides, I'm not sure how long he's even gonna be on the team.

bigdaddyhub · 03-04-2008, 01:52 PM

Unfortunately, the art is a turn off to me. Just not my cup of tea, I guess. I still would love to see someone like John Cassady take a serious crack at making a Rangers book. I really think that a guy like Fraction or Kirkman could take that crew and put together a great book.

Flint Reloaded · 03-04-2008, 01:55 PM

Man I don't think I even realized Giffen was involved. While I would LOVE to see Hellcat, Hellstorm, Gargoyle, Valkyrie, Devil-Slayer, etc. I'm digging this team. I hope they are still around when Paladin, Atlas, etc join! Anytime an X-Man is put in a generally non-mutant book, it's a good thing. (Except Wolverine in Avengers...that sucks)

redjb · 03-04-2008, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeamusMcClernan

Nice to see GARGOYLE back.

I can't remember the last time I saw him - other than in "Earth X", which doesn't count, right?

he has been in the background of Avengers:The Initiative. I think he may have even had a line or two.

Seeing future solits where Junta and Atlas come in made me interested, but that one throwaway line about "a new Gypsy Moth" sold me. They just recognized the old Thunderbolts in continuity!!! (FYI the old Gypsy Moth is now called "Skein", although she has not been seen in a while and it would be easy to forget her new status)

seesoul · 03-04-2008, 02:03 PM

This looks okay. I really wish that some old Defenders were on the team, though. Hellcat and Gargoyle in particular.

Spidey616 · 03-04-2008, 02:03 PM

Looks like Nighthawk isn't too pleased to be New Jersey's Initiative team

UltimateMatt · 03-04-2008, 02:04 PM

Very cool. I'll be getting this, but Nighthawk really needs a new costume.

UltimateMatt · 03-04-2008, 02:15 PM

Quote:

It's what Marvel does, now. Magic wands left and right

No, it's what comics do. Things change. Times change. And they often change back. If you are having a hard time with it, maybe comic books aren't your sort of hobby.

camax · 03-04-2008, 02:18 PM

I financially support all Defenders projects that come through, and this one is no different. I've read some great ideas, and am certainly interested in seeing where this story is headed. Like many fans, I'd love to see Valkyrie, Gargoyle, Hellcat, and some of the other long-time Defenders in this series, and we don't know that we won't, but it is intriguing to hear about two possible line-ups already, just in the first few issues.

ejulp · 03-04-2008, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMightyGeek

I like the idea, but the art looks a tad...uneven. Compare the angles and depth of the faces on page three and the ones on page six. They look as though they were done by two different artists. Maybe they were?

Keith Giffen did the layouts, page breakdowns...that may contribute to artist adjusting his pencils to fit the pre established narrative better.

also

COLOSSUS IS A SKRULL!!! That'll be why the line-up changes...and I see no reason why the She-Hulk would agree with Tony or the Initiative on anything...so I'm betting she is too.

MrGreenGenes · 03-04-2008, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnalSurprise

It's already gotten me to drop Spider-Man. Not out of protest for One More Day (too late for that, I had to buy those issues to know they sucked) but simply because I know this status quo won't stick and someone's going to undo all of it again. It's what Marvel does, now. Magic wands left and right. No point investing in anything that isn't entertaining the pants off of us right away (like the excellent AVENGERS INITIATIVE book).

/AS

Wait a second...

In one sentence, you state that you dropped ASM specifically because its "status quo won't stick and someone's going to undo all of it again" and two sentences later you praise and tout your investment in Avengers: The Initiative, a book that's completely dependent upon a specific status quo that most people are sure "won't stick and someone's going to undo all of it again". That makes no sense.

Punchy · 03-04-2008, 02:48 PM

This is going to be great.

Joe Casey rocks at the minis set in Marvel's past, and I'm very interested in seeing how he tackles the post Civil War world.

Mrsupertight · 03-04-2008, 02:56 PM

Jim Muniz should be a regular penciler on a top tier marvel book.