WARREN SIMONS & BRIAN KEENE ON MAX's DEVIL-SLAYER

[MattBrady]

by Lucas Siegel

Joe Quesada had a surprising announcement in last Friday’s MyCup of Joe column. A fan mentioned enjoying Dead of Night Featuring Man-Thing, and Quesada took the cue to announce September’s Dead of Night Featuring Devil-Slayer, a new four-issue MAX mini-series. Written by Brian Keene, and featuring art by Kaare Andrews, the book will update the long-unused character, placing him “directly into some key events going on in the world today,” according to Quesada’s announcement.

With more details coming out of Wizard World Philadelphia, Newsarama spoke with horror novelist Brian Keene and editor Warren Simons about the upcoming revival.

Newsarama: Warren, why now for new Devil Slayer stories? Did the Defenders and Man-Thing revivals lead to this?

Warren Simons: Dead of Night Featuring Devil-Slayer will be a four-issue MAX limited series. Brian has noted that fans of classic Marvel horror titles will see some subtle nods to continuity, but this series wasn’t created as a result of either the recent Dead of Night: Man-Thing series for the MAX line, or the Defenders series.

NRAMA: Warren, what about Brian’s pitch made this the right story for a relatively obscure character?

WS: Tom Brevoort, Brian, and I had all been discussing Devil-Slayer, and how he was a fascinating character who might be perfect for a reinvention for the MAX line. Brian came up with a very intelligent and fresh take on the character, and put together a tremendous pitch that dealt with real-world matters in the classic Marvel fashion. Joe Q. added a few terrific ideas, and we think that this relatively obscure character could pack a helluva punch.

NRAMA: Brian, this is your first comics work for the “big two.” What about this character appeals to you that made you cross into this new realm?

Brian Keene: I’ve been a fan of The Defenders since childhood, and Devil Slayer was always one of my favorite members of the team—especially during J.M. DeMatteis’ wonderful run on the series. I’ve wanted to write comics for a long time, and Devil Slayer seemed like a good place to start (I also pitched Ka-zar and a few other second stringers).

NRAMA: From the character designs, we see a very different-looking Devil Slayer. Is this still Eric Payne?

BK: Nope. This is Sergeant Danny Sylva, US Army, taking up where Eric Payne left off.

That being said, the original Devil Slayer had a lot of interesting facets that I hope are reflected in this new incarnation. One of the most fascinating aspects of Eric Payne’s character was his dark side. He was a superhero who struggled with clinical depression, alcoholism and insanity. Today, we see similar pathos in Moon Knight, The Punisher, The Sentry, etc., but Devil Slayer always seemed more unstable—more brooding—to me. How many other superheroes tried to commit suicide via the Negative Zone?

The original Devil Slayer was a character full of contradictions. A Vietnam veteran turned Mob hitman turned occult assassin turned superhero turned Christian warrior. He believed he was doing God’s work, but at the same time, he was a member of a team that featured the Antichrist (Damion Hellstrom), other gods (Valkyrie) and Earth’s sorcerer supreme (Doctor Strange).

My goal is to bring some of those conflicts and contradictions to Danny Sylva, but at the same time, to give him his own set of foibles and weaknesses and a unique worldview more in line with today’s generation of readers.

NRAMA: The character of Devil Slayer already held a lot of darkness. His story is mired in demons, cults, and mystical powers. What does the move to the MAX line do for the character and his focus?

WS: This will be similar to the reinvention of TERROR, INC. we just finished for the MAX line. We’re excited to have Brian on board for this one, and while he’s got a keen understanding of Marvel continuity -- and would probably be comfortable working under any rating system -- the MAX line gives him a lot of room to cut loose.

BK: As a horror novelist, I’m not who’s not used to pulling his punches. So the MAX guidelines gives me room to play. I think we’ll be able to address complex, adult sociological, religious and political themes without the storytelling constraints of, say, Franklin Richards: Boy Genius (although I do love that book).

NRAMA: Payne’s powers and weapons changed a couple of times as his stories were told. Can you tell us what power set Danny has in this story?

BK: No powers. In truth, when we first meet his character, Danny has lost faith in just about everything—including costumed heroes with powers. He believes that a lot of the world’s current problems are partially their fault. So he has no mutant abilities. No gamma irradiation or radioactive spider bites or possession by Captain Universe. All he has are his wits, his military training, and his own determination to see things through. That being said, there are some similarities to the original Devil Slayer. He has a cape, although it’s not magical. And in the story’s setting, he’s got access to just about every type of weapon you can imagine.

NRAMA: Devil Slayer has had more than one run-in with the last Dead of Night star, Man-Thing. Can fans look for more of that in this series? What about any of his old pals from the Defenders? (After all, Hellstorm has been MAX-ed recently, as well…)

BK: Not in these initial four issues, at least (although eagle-eyed readers will spot a link to Hellstorm that might prove a harbinger of things to come). Old-school Marvelites will be pleased to know that they’ll see a darker, more sinister version of Bloodstone, as well as some subtle nods to some of the more obscure Marvel horror staples like Gideon the Devil Hunter. But no Man Thing or Son of Satan directly (although I’d kill to cut loose on either of those characters).

NRAMA: Is Kaare Andrews just doing the character designs, or the full art chores? If not, can you tell us who is?

WS: Kaare will be completing covers for the series. Chris Samnee, whose terrific artwork can be seen in Daredevil: Blood of the Tarantula, will be completing interiors.

NRAMA: Devil Slayer is a somewhat obscure character with a 30+ year background; how new-reader friendly will this series be?

BK: Extremely reader-friendly. You can pick this up with absolutely no knowledge of the previous Devil Slayer and you won’t miss a thing.

WS: I try to make sure that every book that I edit is new-reader-friendly. As we’re reinventing the character here, it will be 100% new-reader-friendly.

NRAMA: Brian, you mentioned on your website that this story takes place on the front-lines of Iraq. Did your Navy background bring you to this setting?

BK: Somewhat, I’m sure. That sense of camaraderie and brotherhood (even during peace time)—there’s no way to accurately and truly understand it unless you’ve experienced it for yourself. So that certainly plays into it. But I think more than my own experiences, I’m drawing on the experiences of readers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan who have written to me over the past few years. They’re never far from my mind.

NRAMA: Brian, your “dream” to work for Marvel Comics is fulfilled. Has it been fun enough so far to steal you away from horror novels again in the future for more stories?

BK: Oh, hell yes. Warren’s already sick of me begging to write another one. (laughs)

[Blind Assassin]

Very excited about this.

I admit I know nothing of the character or his origins and appearances, but I will give this a look to see how the new guy picking up the mantle does.

Kaare Andrews on art is always a good thing.

[phylemon]

I really loved "Dead of Night featuring Man-Thing" and really hope that this is structurally similar (I want to see Digger in this series). With that being said, this sure seems like the usual "War is the real horror" anti-Bush tripe I've seen more than enough of for a lifetime. I'll give it an issue, but if it is simply more anti-war propaganda I'll take a pass on the rest of the series.

[Mrfixit1]

I've read four of Brian Keene's novels which have been pretty good. They are all in the vein of early Stephen King/EC comics stories. The Conqueror Worms had some real interesting elements that would actually make a good comic. This could be pretty good.

[KillJokrz]

If I said "suckfest"? would that be wrong?

First of all the guy goes on and on about Eric Payne then states that this isnt him...

[Derek Ruiz]

Originally Posted by KillJokrz

If I said "suckfest"? would that be wrong?

First of all the guy goes on and on about Eric Payne then states that this isnt him...

Yea it would be wrong...I'd wait until you've actually read the material before you say it sucks.

And I've took the Eric Payne as meaning he knows the character...who's to say Eric won't show up...

Originally Posted by Blind Assassin

Very excited about this.

I admit I know nothing of the character or his origins and appearances, but I will give this a look to see how the new guy picking up the mantle does.

Kaare Andrews on art is always a good thing.

Kaare is just doing the covers Chris Samnee is doing the art on the series. But yea this sounds good all around.

[Predabot1]

Originally Posted by phylemon

I really loved "Dead of Night featuring Man-Thing" and really hope that this is structurally similar (I want to see Digger in this series). With that being said, this sure seems like the usual "War is the real horror" anti-Bush tripe I've seen more than enough of for a lifetime. I'll give it an issue, but if it is simply more anti-war propaganda I'll take a pass on the rest of the series.

What? You a fan of war or something??

Who, but madmen and idiots are fans of war? No seriously.. it's bloody hell on Earth. And don't give me that BS about "bolstering technology".

[Blind Assassin]

Originally Posted by Derek Ruiz

Kaare is just doing the covers Chris Samnee is doing the art on the series. But yea this sounds good all around.

thanks for the clarification (that's what I get for reading quickly when I should be working)

that works for me, too.

Loved Samnee's work on Capote in Kansas.

I

[Derek Ruiz]

Originally Posted by Blind Assassin

thanks for the clarification (that's what I get for reading quickly when I should be working)

that works for me, too.

Loved Samnee's work on Capote in Kansas.

I

Yea that's why I can't wait to see what Samnee does here.

[Green Llama]

Gideon the Devil Hunter?

I think he means Gabriel the Devil Hunter...Gideon Cross was the Atlas/Seaboard character Demon Hunter who eventually became Eric Payne, Devil Slayer when Rich Buckler brought the idea over to Marvel...

[Green Llama]

In case anyone is interested...

Atlas Archives Demon Hunter

[Cyberleader]

Originally Posted by phylemon

I really loved "Dead of Night featuring Man-Thing" and really hope that this is structurally similar (I want to see Digger in this series). With that being said, this sure seems like the usual "War is the real horror" anti-Bush tripe I've seen more than enough of for a lifetime. I'll give it an issue, but if it is simply more anti-war propaganda I'll take a pass on the rest of the series.

Yeah war rules what is wrong with people

[phylemon]

Originally Posted by Predabot1

What? You a fan of war or something??

Who, but madmen and idiots are fans of war? No seriously.. it's bloody hell on Earth. And don't give me that BS about "bolstering technology".

No, I am not a "fan" of war, but I do recognize that sometimes wars are necessary to prevent the spread of evil. It is all well and good for us to sit in our air conditioned houses watching HD television and ignoring the hardships faced by the rest of the world, but it galls me when people say that a war that stops people from being massacred by their own dictator is evil.

There is a latent racism in this whole anti-war movement. The unspoken point of those that oppose the war is that it is okay for "those" people (Muslims and other Middle Eastern groups) to live with murder and torture and state sponsored rape rooms as long as it doesn't cost any of "us" people (Americans of every stripe) our comfort or lives. But two hundred years of American history, from the civil war to World War II to the civil rights movement shows that freedom only comes to the disenfranchised when those who have liberty make noble sacrifices to secure those rights to those without them.

I'll insert what Matt will probably write here in a few posts: This is a forum for Comic Book Discussion, not political jousting. I have my views, I expressed them. You are welcome to do the same, but I don't have the energy for a political debate today. So, flame away.

[hondo]

Devil Slayer could be so cool.

I forgot that Buckler reinvented the character from Atlas / Seaboard.

SO getting this.

How does he have access to every conceivable weapon ?

[titandeoro]

why do they have to remove any powers and make it so street oriented that it's basically an ex military crazy with just determination.

[RJ Sevin]

Originally Posted by KillJokrz

First of all the guy goes on and on about Eric Payne then states that this isnt him...

From another interview with Keene:

"I pitched a mini-series featuring the original Devil-Slayer (the Eric Simon Payne version). Basically, I had him missing out on Civil War and Secret Invasion because he'd been locked up in an insane asylum all that time, being taunted by the demon D'Spayre. Ultimately, he commits suicide. (He'd attempted it before, so I didn't think that was much of a reach).

"But then Warren [Simons] asked me if, rather than telling that story, I'd like to create a whole new Devil-Slayer. In truth, I think that will make the series more accessible. We won't have to rely on a back story that a lot of readers who weren't around in the Seventies and Eighties might not be familiar with."

[JLAJRC]

I love these MAX minis using obscure characters. Terror Inc. rocked and so did the Man-Thing mini. More Digger, please.

[jmb418]

Originally Posted by phylemon

No, I am not a "fan" of war, but I do recognize that sometimes wars are necessary to prevent the spread of evil. It is all well and good for us to sit in our air conditioned houses watching HD television and ignoring the hardships faced by the rest of the world, but it galls me when people say that a war that stops people from being massacred by their own dictator is evil.

Yes, where once their own dictator was the only one with the right to massacre, now they are free to massacre each other. That's working out real well.

And weren't we already fighting a war? Something about people who had actually attacked us?

[jmb418]

Originally Posted by Green Llama

Gideon the Devil Hunter?

I think he means Gabriel the Devil Hunter...Gideon Cross was the Atlas/Seaboard character Demon Hunter who eventually became Eric Payne, Devil Slayer when Rich Buckler brought the idea over to Marvel...

I'm glad you brought this up, I'd been meaning to post to one forum or other to see if anyone could answer a question about Devils Slayers history.

I bought most of the 70's Atlas/Seaboard books and, with the exception of Chaykin's Scorpion, Demon Hunter was by far the best. Great art, great origin. Then the character shows up at Marvel with a new name and alias. He was even returning from the mission to the Caribbean, where he was heading at the end of his first, and only, Atlas issue.

It was pretty easy to figure out that Buckler had taken the character to Marvel when Atlas folded, though I could never understand what he was doing in what was supposed to be the wrap up to Deathlok the Demolisher.

Now the weird part. A few years later I came across a black and white independent comic anthology magazine which featured the character again, once again with the alter ego Gideon Cross, but now called Bloodwing (or something like that, my memory is shaky). The story was written and illustrated by Rich Buckler, and was clearly part of an ongoing serial.

Anybody know anything about this?

[KillJokrz]

Originally Posted by RJ Sevin

From another interview with Keene:

"I pitched a mini-series featuring the original Devil-Slayer (the Eric Simon Payne version). Basically, I had him missing out on Civil War and Secret Invasion because he'd been locked up in an insane asylum all that time, being taunted by the demon D'Spayre. Ultimately, he commits suicide. (He'd attempted it before, so I didn't think that was much of a reach).

"But then Warren [Simons] asked me if, rather than telling that story, I'd like to create a whole new Devil-Slayer. In truth, I think that will make the series more accessible. We won't have to rely on a back story that a lot of readers who weren't around in the Seventies and Eighties might not be familiar with."

Kewl.

So why talk about the old version and how COOL he is and state how you dont need to know anything about the OLD character YET use what was cool about it to make the copycat character sell?
Why not go ON and ON about the NEW character?

[buzzworks]

I realize this is off the subject of the Eric Simon Payne Devil Slayer debate.

But someone said "Aren't we at war with people that attacked us?"
Yes. In Afghanistan.
No. In Iraq.

The Iraq war is not about the suffering of the people, or we would have gone into to Rawanda or Dafur or any other place on earth where people are suffering from a evil regime.

The Iraq war is about oil. It is about making up for daddy's mistake.

It has nothing to do with Al Queda or freeing the people from a heartless regime.
That said, the world is probably better off without Sadam Hussein, but don't believe we are their because we care about the Iraqi people. We've visited plenty of atrocities on them as well.

People that defend the presidency of George W. Bush are just as bad as people that defended the leadership of Sadam Hussien.

And as for comics having nothing to do with war, religion, gay sexuality, etc. It irks me.

Art is meant to reflect life.

Good art makes people think.

If you don't want to think...you should just climb in a hole and watch reruns of Ozzie and Harriet.

[phylemon]

Originally Posted by jmb418

Yes, where once their own dictator was the only one with the right to massacre, now they are free to massacre each other. That's working out real well.

And weren't we already fighting a war? Something about people who had actually attacked us?

It truly saddens me that you think the best course of action would have been to turn a blind eye and let a mad man continue his reign of terror. It is true that we have seen some unscrupulous individuals trying (unsuccessfully) to use violence to fill the power vacuum, but that is exactly why we are still there, to make sure that in slaying one beast we do not give birth to another. And for the record, no one should have, "the right to massacre" another person.

I think that it is interesting that you use the present continous tense of the verb to work (is working). You recognize, therefore, that this process has not yet reached its conclusion. What is happening in Iraq today is not dissimilar from the American South during Reconstruction or Europe prior to the Marshall Plan. What we see in each of these situations is that whenever an authority is removed, there is a natural and temporary period of adjustment (The U.S. experienced the same phenomenon after the American Revolution between Federalists and Anti-Federalists to a lesser extent). The good news is that in all of these situations American jurisprudence has ultimately brought normalacy and liberty. The unfortunate truth is that this does not happen over night and requires patience and sacrifice.

And, yes, we were already fighting a war, and life would be incredibly simple if the bad people waited in line to do their evil, but just like the U.S. invaded Germany in response to the Japaneese bombing of Pearl Harbor, you must sometimes confront a variety of threats simultaneously.

[phylemon]

Originally Posted by buzzworks

I realize this is off the subject of the Eric Simon Payne Devil Slayer debate.

People that defend the presidency of George W. Bush are just as bad as people that defended the leadership of Sadam Hussien.

That is an asinine statement that is unworthy of further comment.

And, so, wait. Iraq isn't about helping people because there are other hurting people in the world, but it is about oil even though there are other places in the world with oil that we are not invading? And the price of gas is still sky rocketing.

[Unit99]

Originally Posted by Predabot1

What? You a fan of war or something??

Who, but madmen and idiots are fans of war? No seriously.. it's bloody hell on Earth. And don't give me that BS about "bolstering technology".

In my own opinion I don't think that is what he was trying to say, I think what he was meaning was that the comic industry needs a break from "real world issues" and instead focuss on telling a sci-fi story that takes the readers mind off of the "current events." No one in their right mind Loves war, (I sure don't) but I myself have had about enough "current event stories." Anyway I'll give it shot. but seeing how much I was dissapointed by the last issue of Max's FOOLKILLER. I might wait till this is collected. Haven't read Man-thing yet, might give that a try.

[DasPoppen]

Never heard of Devil Slayer but Kaare Andrew's art is just awesome.