By John Rhett Thomas

Didja hear the news? After ten amazing years, Dan Slott is leaving AMAZING SPIDER-MAN and joining rising-superstar artist Valerio Schiti for a Fresh Start take on a little title called TONY STARK: IRON MAN! If that sounds as cool to you as it does to me, read on!

Marvel: Before we get into Iron Man, it’s important to note that after ten years, you’ve left AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. So the question from those of us who loved your work on that title: Why? Why, why, why, why, why??? (Okay, that’s six questions. Take your time answering.)

Dan Slott: Ten years on the title and hitting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #800 were my last big milestones. I’d been aiming for those milestones for some time. Both of them hitting together in the same year felt like a good place to say goodbye to the ol’ web-head. Marvel’s been great to me. They told me I could stay as long as I wanted, but lo there must come an ending. I pulled the trigger and let everyone know about three or four Marvel retreats ago. I’d be lying if I said that there weren’t moments after that where I screamed to the heavens, “WHAT HAVE I DONE?!” But, yeah, it was time.

Marvel: With you leaving Spider-Man, it seems you could have taken on any number of Marvel characters. Why Iron Man?

Dan Slott: They made some pretty sweet offers to me with others characters and big-name team books, and I let those buses go by. Just waiting. Hoping that one of the favorites on my short list would open up. The second I knew the Iron Man book was available, I lept at it, bellowing “MINE!” as loud as I could!

I love that we live in a time where Marvel Studios has been making mega-blockbusters for ten years. When I grew up, comics readers knew who Tony Stark was. The man on the street didn’t. That has completely changed. Tony is now the cornerstone of that Cinematic Universe — a character that everyone in the world knows. That’s astounding to me. When I was asked, “What do you want the new book to be called?” I totally knew: TONY STARK: IRON MAN.

Marvel: This new initiative is called “Fresh Start.” What things about the life of Tony Stark and Iron Man are we going to see renewed?

Dan Slott: We’ll see a mix of old and new IRON MAN characters: Bethany Cabe and Jocasta, to name a few. We’re going to see the return of specialty armors, because I love those — and it gives Valerio a chance to design all kinds of new and exciting suits. This book’s focus will be big on adventure, with massive action set pieces. We’ll be doing that while exploring high-concept sci-fi premises that lean in to the tech-based world of Tony Stark. It’s going to get wonderfully weird, and it will build to big secret-y things in the Marvel Universe.

Marvel: One of the things we loved about your Spider-Man run was your ability to keep the plates spinning on so many underlying plotlines and characters. Tony Stark’s supporting cast isn’t historically as intricate as Peter Parker’s, but I assume you’re going to maintain that broad coverage of the Iron Man universe in your stories.

Dan Slott: There will be fun soap opera, subplots, twists and turns. And some romance thrown in as well. When we get to Tony Stark’s love interest, longtime Marvel fans will be in for a treat. We’ll find a way to fit all this in between all the repulsor blasts and boot-jets.

Marvel: Any hints about bad guys we might see?

Dan Slott: No. Absolutely not. Read the book! But I can say you’ll see a couple of classic Iron Man baddies in the first few issues. Maybe an Avengers-related big bad in the near future. And a devious Marvel U. business rival for Tony who isn’t Justin Hammer or one of the Stanes. When people see who it is, it’ll be a big clue to where we’re heading — and I think Iron Man fans are going to freak out.

Marvel: I’ve been a fan of Valerio Schiti’s artwork since he first popped up at Marvel drawing Sif in JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY. He’s got such a way with faces. I guess now we’re gonna see how he does with armor. What’s your take on what you’ve seen so far?

Dan Slott: Valerio is killing it on this book! From his designs of all the armors to the new Stark Unlimited HQ and our all-new characters. He is going all-out on the tech — every gadget, gizmo and vehicle is gorgeous. You’re gonna want them all as toys! His storytelling is some of the best in the biz, the acting, the expressions on all the characters’ faces in every scene are pitch-perfect! And everything is just infused with FUN! If you’re having a bad day, the best thing for it is going to be to pick up this book, let Valerio’s art wash over you, get transported into these weird stories — and I guarantee you, you’ll come out the other side feeling great!

Marvel: One last question before we go: Care to tick off some of your favorite Iron Man runs from the past?

Dan Slott: For me it’s all about the Michelinie/Layton runs. As an Iron Man fan, those are the sweet spots. I’m actually one of the readers who liked their second run even more than their first: the Armor Wars and introducing in the Ghost! Those are my favorites!

TONY STARK: IRON MAN #1 by Dan Slott and Valerio Schiti is on sale June 20!

By John Rhett Thomas

Didja hear the news? After ten amazing years, Dan Slott is leaving AMAZING SPIDER-MAN and joining rising-superstar artist Valerio Schiti for a Fresh Start take on a little title called TONY STARK: IRON MAN! If that sounds as cool to you as it does to me, read on!

Marvel: Before we get into Iron Man, it’s important to note that after ten years, you’ve left AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. So the question from those of us who loved your work on that title: Why? Why, why, why, why, why??? (Okay, that’s six questions. Take your time answering.)

Dan Slott: Ten years on the title and hitting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #800 were my last big milestones. I’d been aiming for those milestones for some time. Both of them hitting together in the same year felt like a good place to say goodbye to the ol’ web-head. Marvel’s been great to me. They told me I could stay as long as I wanted, but lo there must come an ending. I pulled the trigger and let everyone know about three or four Marvel retreats ago. I’d be lying if I said that there weren’t moments after that where I screamed to the heavens, “WHAT HAVE I DONE?!” But, yeah, it was time.

Marvel: With you leaving Spider-Man, it seems you could have taken on any number of Marvel characters. Why Iron Man?

Dan Slott: They made some pretty sweet offers to me with others characters and big-name team books, and I let those buses go by. Just waiting. Hoping that one of the favorites on my short list would open up. The second I knew the Iron Man book was available, I lept at it, bellowing “MINE!” as loud as I could!

I love that we live in a time where Marvel Studios has been making mega-blockbusters for ten years. When I grew up, comics readers knew who Tony Stark was. The man on the street didn’t. That has completely changed. Tony is now the cornerstone of that Cinematic Universe — a character that everyone in the world knows. That’s astounding to me. When I was asked, “What do you want the new book to be called?” I totally knew: TONY STARK: IRON MAN.

Marvel: This new initiative is called “Fresh Start.” What things about the life of Tony Stark and Iron Man are we going to see renewed?

Dan Slott: We’ll see a mix of old and new IRON MAN characters: Bethany Cabe and Jocasta, to name a few. We’re going to see the return of specialty armors, because I love those — and it gives Valerio a chance to design all kinds of new and exciting suits. This book’s focus will be big on adventure, with massive action set pieces. We’ll be doing that while exploring high-concept sci-fi premises that lean in to the tech-based world of Tony Stark. It’s going to get wonderfully weird, and it will build to big secret-y things in the Marvel Universe.

Marvel: One of the things we loved about your Spider-Man run was your ability to keep the plates spinning on so many underlying plotlines and characters. Tony Stark’s supporting cast isn’t historically as intricate as Peter Parker’s, but I assume you’re going to maintain that broad coverage of the Iron Man universe in your stories.

Dan Slott: There will be fun soap opera, subplots, twists and turns. And some romance thrown in as well. When we get to Tony Stark’s love interest, longtime Marvel fans will be in for a treat. We’ll find a way to fit all this in between all the repulsor blasts and boot-jets.

Marvel: Any hints about bad guys we might see?

Dan Slott: No. Absolutely not. Read the book! But I can say you’ll see a couple of classic Iron Man baddies in the first few issues. Maybe an Avengers-related big bad in the near future. And a devious Marvel U. business rival for Tony who isn’t Justin Hammer or one of the Stanes. When people see who it is, it’ll be a big clue to where we’re heading — and I think Iron Man fans are going to freak out.

Marvel: I’ve been a fan of Valerio Schiti’s artwork since he first popped up at Marvel drawing Sif in JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY. He’s got such a way with faces. I guess now we’re gonna see how he does with armor. What’s your take on what you’ve seen so far?

Dan Slott: Valerio is killing it on this book! From his designs of all the armors to the new Stark Unlimited HQ and our all-new characters. He is going all-out on the tech — every gadget, gizmo and vehicle is gorgeous. You’re gonna want them all as toys! His storytelling is some of the best in the biz, the acting, the expressions on all the characters’ faces in every scene are pitch-perfect! And everything is just infused with FUN! If you’re having a bad day, the best thing for it is going to be to pick up this book, let Valerio’s art wash over you, get transported into these weird stories — and I guarantee you, you’ll come out the other side feeling great!

Marvel: One last question before we go: Care to tick off some of your favorite Iron Man runs from the past?

Dan Slott: For me it’s all about the Michelinie/Layton runs. As an Iron Man fan, those are the sweet spots. I’m actually one of the readers who liked their second run even more than their first: the Armor Wars and introducing in the Ghost! Those are my favorites!

TONY STARK: IRON MAN #1 by Dan Slott and Valerio Schiti is on sale June 20!

By Jess Harold

He put Frank Castle in the War Machine armor for Marvel Legacy — but that was just the start. Now writer Matthew Rosenberg discusses his plans to take the Punisher’s war on crime to the next level in a brand-new series!

Marvel: In the new Punisher series, Frank will no longer have the War Machine armor. Is this, then, a back-to-basics approach?

Matthew Rosenberg: In some ways yes, and in some ways no. We’re going to get back to Frank Castle with a handgun and a knife, stalking the streets of New York, and getting his hands dirty. But we’re also going to see a man who has changed from his time in the armor. He developed a taste for bigger game and larger targets, and he’s not going to give that up easily. So in a sense it’s back to basics — but on a bigger scale.

Marvel: What will Frank have learned from his time with the armor?

Matthew Rosenberg: I think the big thing for the Punisher is the knowledge that he can affect things in a more direct way. We’re going to have seen him travel overseas to overthrow a government and kill a world leader, and then come back home and go toe-to-toe with some of the most powerful people in the Marvel Universe. He’s been able to do real damage, cause real change, in ways he’s not used to. They used to say that when a shark attacked a human they had to be hunted down because once they’d developed a taste for it they’d never stop. That’s Frank. He’s back on the streets, but he has a taste for the bigger game and he isn’t going to stop until he puts them in the ground — or they put him in it.

Marvel: And what have you learned in your time writing Frank? Has he surprised you in any ways?

Matthew Rosenberg: I think the big thing that surprised me about writing the Punisher was the ease with which you can find humor in him and the situations. I know Garth Ennis was a master at this, and others have followed suit. I think Jason Aaron and Becky Cloonan both had some real dark humor hiding just under the surface. But yeah, it’s fascinating. Frank lends himself to these uncomfortable situations where you just can’t help but giggle. There is this disturbing, awkward humor to him that doesn’t diminish the severity or the drama of the story. That’s been fun to explore.

Marvel: Obviously, Frank is not an overly loquacious character like, say, Spidey or Deadpool. He likes to do his talking with guns. What is the secret to capturing his “voice”?

Matthew Rosenberg: Frank is direct and honest. He’s here to kill people, and he doesn’t need to spend a lot of time debating them or telling them why they’re about to die. But I think the thing about Frank that a lot of people miss, because it’s subtle, is his very dry sense of humor. He says a lot of things that are clearly just for his own quiet amusement. He is the ultimate comedic straight man. People think Frank is doom and gloom all the time, but if you dig through you will find these gallows-humor moments that are maybe a sliver of who he once was.

Marvel: What can you tell us about the kind of big game Frank is going to be targeting in his new book?

Matthew Rosenberg: I can’t say too much, but I can say that issue #1 has some of the biggest bad guys in the Marvel Universe pop in. And that Frank still has his eyes on shaping nations these days. The classic Marvel villains are getting savvier. They aren’t thugs and gangsters anymore. They’re becoming mayors and CEOs and kings. But Frank is still coming for them.

Marvel: Frank has a complicated relationship with other vigilantes, such as Spider-Man and Daredevil. Is that something you’ll touch on?

Matthew Rosenberg: Frank and the capes will most definitely be touched upon. More than touched upon. With Secret Empire, the War Machine armor, and what he has coming up, he has made himself something that means they can’t just look the other way. And he knows that. He’s operating in cape spaces these days, and he knows that puts a target on his back. But he also knows he’s willing to do what they won’t — and that gives him an advantage over the capes on most days.

Marvel: You have Riccardo Burchielli on art. He hasn’t done a lot at Marvel before, but he certainly knows his way around military combat, following a lengthy run on DMZ. Are Frank Castle fans going to like what he brings to the party?

Matthew Rosenberg: I am so excited to work with Riccardo. I am a huge DMZ fan, and his work on that book is really unparalleled. The sense of detail he brings to a city, to a war zone — and to the people in both — is breathtaking. I think those who aren’t familiar with his work are going to be absolutely shocked. There is just this sense of the world he conveys, this realism, that is so captivating. You can feel the buildings rise up around you and the bullets fly past your head. It’s going to be a real treat watching him drag all of us down into Frank Castle’s world.

Marvel: Finally, what’s your one-line pitch for the new PUNISHER book?

Matthew Rosenberg: With some of the biggest villains in his sights, the best heroes on his tail and every nation on high alert, this is Frank Castle against the world.

THE PUNISHER #1 by Matthew Rosenberg and Riccardo Burchielli is on sale August 1!

By Jess Harold

He put Frank Castle in the War Machine armor for Marvel Legacy — but that was just the start. Now writer Matthew Rosenberg discusses his plans to take the Punisher’s war on crime to the next level in a brand-new series!

Marvel: In the new Punisher series, Frank will no longer have the War Machine armor. Is this, then, a back-to-basics approach?

Matthew Rosenberg: In some ways yes, and in some ways no. We’re going to get back to Frank Castle with a handgun and a knife, stalking the streets of New York, and getting his hands dirty. But we’re also going to see a man who has changed from his time in the armor. He developed a taste for bigger game and larger targets, and he’s not going to give that up easily. So in a sense it’s back to basics — but on a bigger scale.

Marvel: What will Frank have learned from his time with the armor?

Matthew Rosenberg: I think the big thing for the Punisher is the knowledge that he can affect things in a more direct way. We’re going to have seen him travel overseas to overthrow a government and kill a world leader, and then come back home and go toe-to-toe with some of the most powerful people in the Marvel Universe. He’s been able to do real damage, cause real change, in ways he’s not used to. They used to say that when a shark attacked a human they had to be hunted down because once they’d developed a taste for it they’d never stop. That’s Frank. He’s back on the streets, but he has a taste for the bigger game and he isn’t going to stop until he puts them in the ground — or they put him in it.

Marvel: And what have you learned in your time writing Frank? Has he surprised you in any ways?

Matthew Rosenberg: I think the big thing that surprised me about writing the Punisher was the ease with which you can find humor in him and the situations. I know Garth Ennis was a master at this, and others have followed suit. I think Jason Aaron and Becky Cloonan both had some real dark humor hiding just under the surface. But yeah, it’s fascinating. Frank lends himself to these uncomfortable situations where you just can’t help but giggle. There is this disturbing, awkward humor to him that doesn’t diminish the severity or the drama of the story. That’s been fun to explore.

Marvel: Obviously, Frank is not an overly loquacious character like, say, Spidey or Deadpool. He likes to do his talking with guns. What is the secret to capturing his “voice”?

Matthew Rosenberg: Frank is direct and honest. He’s here to kill people, and he doesn’t need to spend a lot of time debating them or telling them why they’re about to die. But I think the thing about Frank that a lot of people miss, because it’s subtle, is his very dry sense of humor. He says a lot of things that are clearly just for his own quiet amusement. He is the ultimate comedic straight man. People think Frank is doom and gloom all the time, but if you dig through you will find these gallows-humor moments that are maybe a sliver of who he once was.

Marvel: What can you tell us about the kind of big game Frank is going to be targeting in his new book?

Matthew Rosenberg: I can’t say too much, but I can say that issue #1 has some of the biggest bad guys in the Marvel Universe pop in. And that Frank still has his eyes on shaping nations these days. The classic Marvel villains are getting savvier. They aren’t thugs and gangsters anymore. They’re becoming mayors and CEOs and kings. But Frank is still coming for them.

Marvel: Frank has a complicated relationship with other vigilantes, such as Spider-Man and Daredevil. Is that something you’ll touch on?

Matthew Rosenberg: Frank and the capes will most definitely be touched upon. More than touched upon. With Secret Empire, the War Machine armor, and what he has coming up, he has made himself something that means they can’t just look the other way. And he knows that. He’s operating in cape spaces these days, and he knows that puts a target on his back. But he also knows he’s willing to do what they won’t — and that gives him an advantage over the capes on most days.

Marvel: You have Riccardo Burchielli on art. He hasn’t done a lot at Marvel before, but he certainly knows his way around military combat, following a lengthy run on DMZ. Are Frank Castle fans going to like what he brings to the party?

Matthew Rosenberg: I am so excited to work with Riccardo. I am a huge DMZ fan, and his work on that book is really unparalleled. The sense of detail he brings to a city, to a war zone — and to the people in both — is breathtaking. I think those who aren’t familiar with his work are going to be absolutely shocked. There is just this sense of the world he conveys, this realism, that is so captivating. You can feel the buildings rise up around you and the bullets fly past your head. It’s going to be a real treat watching him drag all of us down into Frank Castle’s world.

Marvel: Finally, what’s your one-line pitch for the new PUNISHER book?

Matthew Rosenberg: With some of the biggest villains in his sights, the best heroes on his tail and every nation on high alert, this is Frank Castle against the world.

THE PUNISHER #1 by Matthew Rosenberg and Riccardo Burchielli is on sale August 1!

Written by Jess Harrold

The Infinity Stones have returned to the Marvel Universe, and the race is already on to find them. But when INFINITY COUNTDOWN ends, INFINITY WARS begins! Here, writer Gerry Duggan and editor Jordan D. White discuss the cosmic event to end all cosmic events!

Marvel: Gerry, you followed up ALL-NEW GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY with INFINITY COUNTDOWN, and now it’s time to ask you the big question: what are you counting down to?

Gerry Duggan: Guardians was the first act—and as big as Countdown is, it was the second act. INFINITY WARS contains the last act of my cosmic story.

Marvel: What can you tell us about the state of Marvel’s cosmos when Countdown ends?

Jordan D. White: Well, I don’t want to spoil the ending of Countdown, but suffice it to say possession of a couple of the Infinity Stones has yet to be completely settled until Countdown comes to a close. When it does, the stage will be set at last for the requiem of the Infinity Stones to begin, driving us toward Infinity’s end! We are going to learn a lot about the Infinity Stones, how they work and why. And we’re going to see some…interesting combinations of characters, let’s say. Ones no one is expecting, that is for sure.

Marvel: Can we expect to see the Guardians of the Galaxy front and center?

Gerry Duggan: Yes and no. They’ll play a part, but the Stones are scattered and in a lot of different hands. Some of those hands are very happy to be holding the one rock they have. Others will want to assemble the entire set. Yes, it will be a big story, but it’s also going to be a lot of fun. The first act of INFINITY WARS is like “The Warriors“—if each gang had a magic rock. Most of the Marvel “families” will be represented in one way or another. This story began in space, continues on Earth…and ends up somewhere new.

Marvel: Anything Infinity-related tends to involve a certain Mad Titan, who is making major waves in other media this year. What is Thanos up to during your story?

Gerry Duggan: He’s one of my favorite parts of this tale. I think his appearance in the PRIME issue will set a new tone for him and drive home that this is, in fact, a very different Thanos story, with some unexpected dividends in the back end.

Marvel: Obviously, “Infinity” is a word with quite some pedigree in the Marvel Universe. Were you a fan of Jim Starlin’s original INFINITY GAUNTLET/WAR/CRUSADE trilogy—and indeed Starlin’s cosmic storytelling in general?

Gerry Duggan: I love Starlin’s work. His collaborations were always so big and bold. That said, this is a different story. I don’t want to be anyone’s cover band. I know readers love Jim’s work as much as I do. I’m borrowing the toys to tell a different tale.

Marvel: Gerry certainly has taken Marvel’s cosmos in a very different direction—and one unique to him. Since he’s describing this book as his “final act,” it seems like a good opportunity to ask you, Jordan, what have you enjoyed about his stewardship of the Guardians of the Galaxy and the rest of the Marvel cosmos?

Jordan D. White: Working with Gerry is terrific—he and I share so much when it comes to sensibilities. We both come at even the most dramatic story from the structure of comedy, in an odd way. Which is not to say the story is a gag—far from it. The “punchline” in Gerry’s cosmic tales is more punch than line, and it’s going to knock people off their feet.

Marvel: Speaking of knocking folks off their feet, you have an art team capable of doing just that on INFINITY WARS, right?

Gerry Duggan: It will be worth it for Mike Deodato Jr. and Frank Martin’s work alone. They are so great. This is the best work I’ve seen from them, and best of all we’ve been at this long enough that they will be providing art for the entire run. I went to New York for a one-day meeting about this story at the end of last year, and we had a blast cooking up some of our biggest ideas. I’m really happy with what we’re going to get away with.

Marvel: So if your story was this year’s big movie, what would the trailer guy say about it?

Gerry Duggan: Not a damn thing. I’d kill him first.

The battle begins with INFINITY WARS: PRIME #1, on sale July 25!

Written by Jess Harrold

The Infinity Stones have returned to the Marvel Universe, and the race is already on to find them. But when INFINITY COUNTDOWN ends, INFINITY WARS begins! Here, writer Gerry Duggan and editor Jordan D. White discuss the cosmic event to end all cosmic events!

Marvel: Gerry, you followed up ALL-NEW GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY with INFINITY COUNTDOWN, and now it’s time to ask you the big question: what are you counting down to?

Gerry Duggan: Guardians was the first act—and as big as Countdown is, it was the second act. INFINITY WARS contains the last act of my cosmic story.

Marvel: What can you tell us about the state of Marvel’s cosmos when Countdown ends?

Jordan D. White: Well, I don’t want to spoil the ending of Countdown, but suffice it to say possession of a couple of the Infinity Stones has yet to be completely settled until Countdown comes to a close. When it does, the stage will be set at last for the requiem of the Infinity Stones to begin, driving us toward Infinity’s end! We are going to learn a lot about the Infinity Stones, how they work and why. And we’re going to see some…interesting combinations of characters, let’s say. Ones no one is expecting, that is for sure.

Marvel: Can we expect to see the Guardians of the Galaxy front and center?

Gerry Duggan: Yes and no. They’ll play a part, but the Stones are scattered and in a lot of different hands. Some of those hands are very happy to be holding the one rock they have. Others will want to assemble the entire set. Yes, it will be a big story, but it’s also going to be a lot of fun. The first act of INFINITY WARS is like “The Warriors“—if each gang had a magic rock. Most of the Marvel “families” will be represented in one way or another. This story began in space, continues on Earth…and ends up somewhere new.

Marvel: Anything Infinity-related tends to involve a certain Mad Titan, who is making major waves in other media this year. What is Thanos up to during your story?

Gerry Duggan: He’s one of my favorite parts of this tale. I think his appearance in the PRIME issue will set a new tone for him and drive home that this is, in fact, a very different Thanos story, with some unexpected dividends in the back end.

Marvel: Obviously, “Infinity” is a word with quite some pedigree in the Marvel Universe. Were you a fan of Jim Starlin’s original INFINITY GAUNTLET/WAR/CRUSADE trilogy—and indeed Starlin’s cosmic storytelling in general?

Gerry Duggan: I love Starlin’s work. His collaborations were always so big and bold. That said, this is a different story. I don’t want to be anyone’s cover band. I know readers love Jim’s work as much as I do. I’m borrowing the toys to tell a different tale.

Marvel: Gerry certainly has taken Marvel’s cosmos in a very different direction—and one unique to him. Since he’s describing this book as his “final act,” it seems like a good opportunity to ask you, Jordan, what have you enjoyed about his stewardship of the Guardians of the Galaxy and the rest of the Marvel cosmos?

Jordan D. White: Working with Gerry is terrific—he and I share so much when it comes to sensibilities. We both come at even the most dramatic story from the structure of comedy, in an odd way. Which is not to say the story is a gag—far from it. The “punchline” in Gerry’s cosmic tales is more punch than line, and it’s going to knock people off their feet.

Marvel: Speaking of knocking folks off their feet, you have an art team capable of doing just that on INFINITY WARS, right?

Gerry Duggan: It will be worth it for Mike Deodato Jr. and Frank Martin’s work alone. They are so great. This is the best work I’ve seen from them, and best of all we’ve been at this long enough that they will be providing art for the entire run. I went to New York for a one-day meeting about this story at the end of last year, and we had a blast cooking up some of our biggest ideas. I’m really happy with what we’re going to get away with.

Marvel: So if your story was this year’s big movie, what would the trailer guy say about it?

Gerry Duggan: Not a damn thing. I’d kill him first.

The battle begins with INFINITY WARS: PRIME #1, on sale July 25!

Written by Jess Harrold

The old order changeth once again—for a bold new era! And it doesn’t come much bolder than the creative team of Jason Aaron and Ed McGuinness putting together one of the mightiest Avengers rosters ever seen! Here, Aaron talks about his plans for the book—including building on ideas he introduced in MARVEL LEGACY #1.

Marvel: So with you writing, the incredible Ed McGuinness on art and a spectacular lineup, there’s no doubt about it: this is one blockbuster book! What can fans expect?

Jason Aaron: Coming into this, we wanted it to feel big and epic—like a huge Marvel event, every arc. So I wanted a lineup of all big, iconic characters. Some of them you’ve seen as Avengers—like Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, and Thor Odinson—but for the first time in years, the “big three” are back together. There’s also some characters we’re not used to seeing. Ghost Rider, I guess, is the big surprise, and it’s cool for me getting back to writing Ghost Rider again.

Marvel: And Captain Marvel and Black Panther make for a big five! There’s been a lot of conflict between these characters in recent years. How well are they all going to cope with working together again?

Jason Aaron: Well it’s not necessarily a “snap your fingers, and it’s done” kind of thing. The first arc is really about the hardships of putting that band back together. It’s very much a team drawn together for very specific reasons, instead of just Steve Rogers calling people in his Rolodex. The circumstances of this threat are really what bring these characters together. They are drawn into this battle for very specific reasons, which only become evident as that arc rolls on—and then continue to play a part going forward. Some of that clearly links back to the prehistoric Avengers introduced in MARVEL LEGACY #1. You will see them again in this arc, and they will be a part of the series going forward.

Marvel: Will you be adopting a similar multi-timeline approach to the one we’ve seen in your THOR run?

Jason Aaron: Yep, absolutely. In this first arc, the roots of the Celestial threat the Avengers are facing go back to those prehistoric days with Odin. But we will come back between arcs and do issues focusing on that group and those prehistoric characters. We will learn more about them as we go forward, get to see them in action in the past and see the ways their adventures connect to the present day.

Marvel: Another stalwart Avenger on the roster is Jennifer Walters—but is she She-Hulk or Hulk? And what can fans expect from her on the team?

Jason Aaron: Yeah, I’ve just been calling her “Hulk” in the book. It is the same Jen Walters we’ve seen in recent issues of her own series so we definitely continue on from that. But this story also changes things for her and takes her in a bit of a different direction. We switch around her powers a little bit and try to differentiate her more from her cousin. What is exciting me is to see Ed McGuiness draw the Hulk again!

Marvel: As for the new guy you mentioned—we know you know a thing or two about Ghost Riders, but what do you like about Robbie Reyes?

Jason Aaron: He’s a great entry-level character for the Avengers; he is still very much a new kid on the block. He doesn’t really know these characters and has not been a part of something quite like this. You know his life has been pretty crazy in its own right since he became the Ghost Rider, but this really takes things up a notch. We get to see him level up in terms of his power. He is unlike any of the previous Ghost Riders so we will continue to explore what that means and exactly what he is capable of. Also, the more I write it, the more I love the idea of having a guy in the Avengers who drives a car. He just goes driving into battle in the Hell Charger. I love that, and I love the way Ed’s drawing him.

Marvel: Another character you have history with is Doctor Strange, who is on the team at least to begin with, right?

Jason Aaron: He pops up initially in a different sort of team-up. He and Black Panther are investigating something that pulls him into this bigger mystery. Strange plays a big part of this first arc, but you kind of have to wait and see after that who sticks around. I don’t want to specifically have a cast too large, but I think we will have at least one slot rotating—have a character join for a couple of arcs, and then somebody else takes the pledge. There’ll be some old familiar faces and some we’re not used to seeing in the pages of an Avengers comic.

Marvel: You mentioned the Celestial threat, the ominously named Final Host—they seem like a great fit for Ed’s bombastic style.

Jason Aaron: Absolutely. We see a lot of different Celestials over the course of the story—some classic ones, some all-new designed by Ed, which look amazing. Ed is also so great at conveying the feel of something like this: our Avengers against giant space gods who are thousands of feet tall. How can the Avengers go toe-to-toe with characters who are that powerful? That’s the challenge they face right there out of the gate.

Marvel: And it all begins with a Free Comic Book Day issue featuring another stellar artist, Sara Pichelli, correct?

Jason Aaron: Yes, it’s sort of a direct lead in to AVENGERS #1. It’s mostly a story about Black Panther and Odin—a meeting of the king of Wakanda and the All-Father of Asgard, which again kind of stretches back to those prehistoric Avengers and plants the seeds for the Celestial threats the Avengers will face. And it’s free!

Marvel: And from there, the main series is set to really blow everyone’s socks off.

Jason Aaron: Yeah, I want this to be a book that issue to issue gives you a look at the entire Marvel Universe. So we will travel the globe, we will cross the galaxies, we will go to all the different hot spots of the MU. If you are only reading one Marvel Comic—not that you should just read one Marvel Comic—this book will give you an idea of what the entire breadth of the Marvel Universe looks like right now at this moment in time.

AVENGERS #1 by Jason Aaron and Ed McGuinness is on sale May 2!

Written by Jess Harrold

The old order changeth once again—for a bold new era! And it doesn’t come much bolder than the creative team of Jason Aaron and Ed McGuinness putting together one of the mightiest Avengers rosters ever seen! Here, Aaron talks about his plans for the book—including building on ideas he introduced in MARVEL LEGACY #1.

Marvel: So with you writing, the incredible Ed McGuinness on art and a spectacular lineup, there’s no doubt about it: this is one blockbuster book! What can fans expect?

Jason Aaron: Coming into this, we wanted it to feel big and epic—like a huge Marvel event, every arc. So I wanted a lineup of all big, iconic characters. Some of them you’ve seen as Avengers—like Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, and Thor Odinson—but for the first time in years, the “big three” are back together. There’s also some characters we’re not used to seeing. Ghost Rider, I guess, is the big surprise, and it’s cool for me getting back to writing Ghost Rider again.

Marvel: And Captain Marvel and Black Panther make for a big five! There’s been a lot of conflict between these characters in recent years. How well are they all going to cope with working together again?

Jason Aaron: Well it’s not necessarily a “snap your fingers, and it’s done” kind of thing. The first arc is really about the hardships of putting that band back together. It’s very much a team drawn together for very specific reasons, instead of just Steve Rogers calling people in his Rolodex. The circumstances of this threat are really what bring these characters together. They are drawn into this battle for very specific reasons, which only become evident as that arc rolls on—and then continue to play a part going forward. Some of that clearly links back to the prehistoric Avengers introduced in MARVEL LEGACY #1. You will see them again in this arc, and they will be a part of the series going forward.

Marvel: Will you be adopting a similar multi-timeline approach to the one we’ve seen in your THOR run?

Jason Aaron: Yep, absolutely. In this first arc, the roots of the Celestial threat the Avengers are facing go back to those prehistoric days with Odin. But we will come back between arcs and do issues focusing on that group and those prehistoric characters. We will learn more about them as we go forward, get to see them in action in the past and see the ways their adventures connect to the present day.

Marvel: Another stalwart Avenger on the roster is Jennifer Walters—but is she She-Hulk or Hulk? And what can fans expect from her on the team?

Jason Aaron: Yeah, I’ve just been calling her “Hulk” in the book. It is the same Jen Walters we’ve seen in recent issues of her own series so we definitely continue on from that. But this story also changes things for her and takes her in a bit of a different direction. We switch around her powers a little bit and try to differentiate her more from her cousin. What is exciting me is to see Ed McGuiness draw the Hulk again!

Marvel: As for the new guy you mentioned—we know you know a thing or two about Ghost Riders, but what do you like about Robbie Reyes?

Jason Aaron: He’s a great entry-level character for the Avengers; he is still very much a new kid on the block. He doesn’t really know these characters and has not been a part of something quite like this. You know his life has been pretty crazy in its own right since he became the Ghost Rider, but this really takes things up a notch. We get to see him level up in terms of his power. He is unlike any of the previous Ghost Riders so we will continue to explore what that means and exactly what he is capable of. Also, the more I write it, the more I love the idea of having a guy in the Avengers who drives a car. He just goes driving into battle in the Hell Charger. I love that, and I love the way Ed’s drawing him.

Marvel: Another character you have history with is Doctor Strange, who is on the team at least to begin with, right?

Jason Aaron: He pops up initially in a different sort of team-up. He and Black Panther are investigating something that pulls him into this bigger mystery. Strange plays a big part of this first arc, but you kind of have to wait and see after that who sticks around. I don’t want to specifically have a cast too large, but I think we will have at least one slot rotating—have a character join for a couple of arcs, and then somebody else takes the pledge. There’ll be some old familiar faces and some we’re not used to seeing in the pages of an Avengers comic.

Marvel: You mentioned the Celestial threat, the ominously named Final Host—they seem like a great fit for Ed’s bombastic style.

Jason Aaron: Absolutely. We see a lot of different Celestials over the course of the story—some classic ones, some all-new designed by Ed, which look amazing. Ed is also so great at conveying the feel of something like this: our Avengers against giant space gods who are thousands of feet tall. How can the Avengers go toe-to-toe with characters who are that powerful? That’s the challenge they face right there out of the gate.

Marvel: And it all begins with a Free Comic Book Day issue featuring another stellar artist, Sara Pichelli, correct?

Jason Aaron: Yes, it’s sort of a direct lead in to AVENGERS #1. It’s mostly a story about Black Panther and Odin—a meeting of the king of Wakanda and the All-Father of Asgard, which again kind of stretches back to those prehistoric Avengers and plants the seeds for the Celestial threats the Avengers will face. And it’s free!

Marvel: And from there, the main series is set to really blow everyone’s socks off.

Jason Aaron: Yeah, I want this to be a book that issue to issue gives you a look at the entire Marvel Universe. So we will travel the globe, we will cross the galaxies, we will go to all the different hot spots of the MU. If you are only reading one Marvel Comic—not that you should just read one Marvel Comic—this book will give you an idea of what the entire breadth of the Marvel Universe looks like right now at this moment in time.

AVENGERS #1 by Jason Aaron and Ed McGuinness is on sale May 2!