Welcome back to G.I. JOEversity! This time out, “G.I. Joe” writer Fred Van Lente stopped by to talk with us about his second issue of the new hit new series, and tease us about what the future might hold. So let’s get to it!
Multiversity Comics: Fred, I absolutely loved this issue’s open! It was great getting a glimpse into how the Baroness and her team overtook Warrenton — by DARKLON, that’s how! So what’s the four stage assault we’re seeing here?
FVL: Basically, Cobra has breezed into town and eliminated the main sources of power — political (the mayor, who got eaten by a crocodile — take that, French Revolution), criminal, law enforcement and business — that’s probably the most obtuse, Darklon and his Iron Grenadiers are taking over the Chamber of Commerce there on the top tier. But I think most people get it’s “fat cats in power.”
I’m just really excited to see all of these guys in action — Darklon, Croc Master, and Firefly. And I know IDW’s version of Firefly is African American, but he hasn’t been seen for a while. It looks like the guy in Joe #2 might be different, but it’s hard to tell. Is this a new guy under the mask?
FVL: No, that’s supposed to be the same guy — I only get lo-res proofs, so it’s hard to check color that granularly for something that’s space around the eyes. Honestly, I can’t even tell now that you pointed it out — but it is the same guy! If he looks too pasty, blame the fluorescent lighting in the police station. Makes everyone look weird.
“G.I. Joe: Special Missions” #1 also hit stands the same week, and what we’re seeing over there is Baroness putting together a plan to get back in Cobra’s good graces. Can we assume the events of your book take place after the story in Special Missions?
FVL: Correct. Basically, neither Chuck nor I wanted to give up Baroness (and can you blame us?), so this was the compromise.
Shirtless Duke this early in the series? Take it easy on us, FVL. The statement the Baroness wants Duke to read… it makes me wonder, how much does the world know about G.I. Joe’s practices before they went public?
FVL: Well, in the run that preceded mine — Chuck’s — where this concept was introduced, there were masses of protestors outside GI Joe headquarters, so apparently a considerable amount. But I imagine there was considerable they held in reserve, and the fake death certificates was one of them.
I’m assuming that you ARE, indeed as sick of “Gangnam Style” as I am?
FVL: It still has the Harlem Shake beat, as far as I’m concerned.
Out of all the various Cobra ground troops, why the W.O.R.M.S.?
FVL: Because I needed the Maggot to blow the Skystorm out of the sky, simple as that, really. You’ll be seeing many more Cobra factions as we move along.
Destro’s looking pretty chill there on page 9. Which, y’know… what else would he be, he’s Destro. But what’s he drinking? Tea, Earl Grey, hot?
FVL: Given his background, Brodies, more likely: http://www.teadog.com/Scottish-Tea-s/329.htm
Yum.
I see that you and Steve are actually leaning into Quick Kick as a silent weapons specialist (his primary MOS), huh? And it’s awesome to see, but in your mind, what keeps him from just becoming Snake Eyes-lite?
FVL: Their personalities are widely variant — and not just the fact QK can talk. You’ll see more of this as we move along.
In the last issue, we got a good laugh out of Shipwreck’s uniform assignment, but is there a specific inspiration or story reason for Quick Kick’s new outfit? I mean, beyond not wanting to have two shirtless guys in this issue…
FVL: I’m not sure — Steve Kurth came up with these costumes on his own.
And now, please welcome special, drop-in guest, G.I. Joe artist Steve Kurth!
Steve Kurth: I think part of what happened with Quick Kick, and with Tunnel Rat too, is that I was reacting to not having Snake Eyes in the roster. I didn’t have this kick-ass guy running around in black being awesome, and I kind of reacted to that with Quick Kick. So it only helps that his “look” was that of a guy running around as a shirtless, maskless Snake Eyes that could talk.
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The second thing was I just wanted to pull in his “colors,” the look of his character from the past. So to me, Quick Kick in order to be Quick Kick has to be wearing something white, red, and black—heavy on the black, because of his black pants.
“Joe’s sprung a leak.” Tunnel Rat’s right, that is a pretty serious charge. But Roadblock’s not the kind of guy to toss accusations around willy nilly. Does he already have someone in mind?
FVL: Soon … he’ll have motive… (laughs evilly)
The lady Joes are in a quite a jam. And Hashtag’s not really helping, is she? How many twitter followers does she have?
FVL: More than me, less than Justin Bieber.
You promised we’d see it, and I really loved Cover Girl throwing down on these guys. Who’s the “she” we see her referring to as she relives her enlistment — just a recruiter?
FVL: Herself. Her full origin will be in #6 (with a kick-ass Tim Seeley variant cover), and you’ll see more fully what she means.
Also, shades of John McClane… “Come out to the coast. We’ll get together; have a few laughs.”
FVL: Right? (laughs)
Toom! Toom! Toom! Hashtag unloads on Mayor Barnes, and no kidding, Fred, what a moment! I hope you don’t mind me saying, but that was maybe a little more drama than I was expecting. What’s the reaction been to that scene?
FVL: Expect the unexpected — that’s what I hope you get from me in general and this book in particular. 🙂
So next issue, it looks like Roadblock and the boys are on the offensive. What can we expect from their visit to the downtown mall?
FVL: Half-price clearance sale on whoop-ass.
But, don’t forget we have to settle with Duke first…
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That’s if for this week, but if you’re eager for more Joe in your life, well… I don’t know if you guys have heard, but there’s a little art-house picture out today called G.I. Joe: Retaliation that you might — maybe, I don’t know — be interested in checking out. I was lucky enough to see it early, and I’ll be back Monday with a spoiler-laden review of the whole thing. But if you just can’t wait to find out what I thought, here’s the condensed version: GO SEE IT!
Until next time — DISMISSED!
