ALLRED TALKS X-FORCE RELAUNCH

[Eric J. Moreels]

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/giantsize_xstatics.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/giantsize_xstatics-t.jpg" align=left alt="Giant-Size X-Statics preview"></a>With the recent confirmation by Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada that Cable, Deadpool, and X-Force were all being relaunched in July (see "QUESADA CONFIRMS JULY X-RELAUNCHES (http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1367)" for more details), X-Fan checked in with X-Force artist Mike Allred to find out more about what July has in store.

"There are simply too many things up in the air to talk about what I'd like to, like the name for instance," Allred told X-Fan. "I'm afraid I'd say something, we'd tweak it, and then I'd look like a liar. There's just too much that can be spoiled by saying anything else right now."

As for the rumours regarding the relaunch including a new #1 issue, Allred alluded to that possibility.

"It's a new title, my friend. (Using my Milhouse voice). I'd say our tenure on X-Force is just a warm-up. Actually, when you read the upcoming books, I think the spirit of what is happening and will happen is magic. Peter {Milligan}'s work intensifies my enthusiasm and commitment on this baby with each new script. Honestly, there's no where in the comic book biz I'd rather be right now than on this project."

[ManolisV]

happy happy happy

[Monolith]

Sounds like New X-Force is getting their own title to separate them from the X-Force name. I like them, but this I like more. I'll be even happier if X-Force isn't cancelled, but hosts the return of New Mutant-type people. :)

[Milleniumcyke]

Well, they deserve their own title. I guess they're getting what they deserve. Now only if we could change the name "X-Statics".... :hrm:

[apuyana]

"there's no where in the comic book biz I'd rather be right now than on this project."

and there's no comic I'd rather be reading than this one.......

[Neolithic]

I would buy this book but the art is just a major turnoff for me. I can't feel justified paying 2.25 for something I think I could draw on my own. lol. It's good that their changing the name, every time I hear "X-Force" i think "Wow, its still around - wait, no its not." :spidey:

[ManolisV]

Originally posted by Neolithic
I would buy this book but the art is just a major turnoff for me. I can't feel justified paying 2.25 for something I think I could draw on my own. lol. It's good that their changing the name, every time I hear "X-Force" i think "Wow, its still around - wait, no its not." :spidey:

god, have you really looked at any of the art or just glanced at some peviews here and there? either you are just a snubby fanboy or your drawing skills are on par with an award-winning talented artist... :)

[Al Harahap]

Somehow deep down in my guts I think this is a wrong move. Why change something that's going just right? (If it ain't broke, don't fix it)--especially since it may actually ruin the team. I don't really mind if they change the team's name to X-Statics, or whatever it is it'll end up being, just so long as they have good reasoning for it in the story itself. I don't want a "Ooh! I think we should change our name to X-Statics." "Ok, let's go with that!" The fans deserve better than that. So, as long as they can justify it, I'm all for it.

[Stochastic Fats]

Originally posted by ManolisV


god, have you really looked at any of the art or just glanced at some peviews here and there? either you are just a snubby fanboy or your drawing skills are on par with an award-winning talented artist... :)

I agree, there really is a lot of detail in the art and now I know why Mike will only work with his wife as colorist. She's as good as Laura DePuy, PhotoShop Goddess

[xtremexman]

Did anybody else see how Allred completely alluded the new #1 question? He just said that it was a new book. Allred didn't actually confirm that the rumor was true. Personally, I think that was brilliant of him to avoid the question like that. When you are a writer or artist of a comic book and major changes were just announced you would want to be as careful as possible.

It's almost like walking on glass - one false move and you could get cut.

[JPX2019]

Will the New X-Force have the old team back, the curret team or mixture of both or will be a whole new team?

[Brian Wilkinson]

It's kind of funny that he denied the whole thing a week ago...


Oh well, I don't like the team using the X-Force name... this name sort of seems to suit them well... whenever they really get into a serious conflict, you can look at it as sort of a static discharge 'cause one of them almost always dies!

[xtremexman]

Originally posted by Brian E. Wilkinson
It's kind of funny that he denied the whole thing a week ago...


Oh well, I don't like the team using the X-Force name... this name sort of seems to suit them well... whenever they really get into a serious conflict, you can look at it as sort of a static discharge 'cause one of them almost always dies!

Hey! Maybe that is the reason why the name could be changing to X Statics. You never know. Anything could happen at this point, especially with all these rumors flying around.

[Neolithic]

god, have you really looked at any of the art or just glanced at some peviews here and there? either you are just a snubby fanboy or your drawing skills are on par with an award-winning talented artist...


Gee, Manolis, I appreciate your name calling. Class act there man! It is really frustrating to even state an opinion on these boards that is not with the majority. I was not bitching or calling for the cancellation of the book. I didn't see a "Post only your positive opinions of X-Force here!" sign.

Get off YOUR fanboy high horse and get up off my back for disliking an artists work. I thought you had more to you, Manolis. :spidey:

[Eric J. Moreels]

I agree. Manolis, we all know how much you love X-Force, but you have to accept that there are people out there that don't and not criticise them for having a differing opinion to yours.

[DaveCummings]

I think though, that Manolis is replying more towards Neolithic's remark that he could draw better, than to his opinion towards Allred's art.

I mean, the whole "I could draw better than that" remark is really ridiculous. I got tired of those type of remarks back when Liefeld bashing became fashionable.

I, myself dig Allred's work alot. I've been into it, ever since Chasing Amy actually. But, I admit, to alot of people, his art is an acquired taste.

But, the whole "I can't feel justified paying 2.25 for something I think I could draw on my own" isn't too nice of a remark in itself.

But, I have no problem with people who don't dig Allred's art, everyone has thier own tastes.

~Dave

[Eric J. Moreels]

Yes, but Manolis can be somewhat overzealous in his defence of X-Force ;) :)

[ManolisV]

Originally posted by Neolithic

Get off YOUR fanboy high horse and get up off my back for disliking an artists work. I thought you had more to you, Manolis. :spidey:

neolithic, really! it's one thing to say that you don't lke the art, i never would have replied to you, i for one know that art is completely subjective, but you usef the classic anal fanboy qualm "this guy? pfft, I can draw better than that!"... you have every right to dislike someone's work, but that doesn't mean you can go around insulting him like that :(

[ManolisV]

god, i just looked at my post and i didn't use any periods... gawd, my syntax sucks... :( (not to mention my spelling) :p

[chrisinboaz]

X-Statics????????

Well, it's not as bad as "Gambit and the X-Ternals".

I think this is good marketing on Marvel's part. Instead of launching "X-Statics" right off the bat, they were introduced through an existing title with an existing fanbase, creating more exposure (not to mention more controversy).

Say what you want about Joe and Bill, but these guys are marketing geniuses!

[xtremexman]

Originally posted by chrisinboaz
Well, it's not as bad as "Gambit and the X-Ternals".



Ouch. That was a low blow if I've ever seen one.

[Al Harahap]

Originally posted by chrisinboaz
Well, it's not as bad as "Gambit and the X-Ternals".


Originally posted by xtremexman


Ouch. That was a low blow if I've ever seen one.

Sure, that was a pretty lame name. Though I think X-Terminators wins as the most ridiculous X-team name. For some reason, I always think of Ah-nuld when I hear think about that particular group.

[ToddThompson]

I think the X-statics relaunch is a great idea, though I wish they would have done it with the debut of Milligan and Allred when their concept for the team was first introduced. It didn't make sense to me that a team that thrives on popularity and public opinion would use such an infamous name. Apparently, there is no such thing as bad press.

I have to wonder, though, why so many people think seem to think that X-Force will continue after the X-statics launch. Sure, maybe it will get relaunched at some later date but, face it folks, X-Force will soon be gone. To be honest, I was really hoping that the X-Factor relaunch would bring some of our favorite characters back from limbo but no such luck.

Regarding Allred's artwork; it took me a couple of issues to get used to it but I'm really enjoying it, now. There are a lot of subtleties that you miss on first glance that, in many cases, become the highlight of the book.

Later,
Todd
X-World reviewer

[xtremexman]

Originally posted by Doop




Sure, that was a pretty lame name. Though I think X-Terminators wins as the most ridiculous X-team name. For some reason, I always think of Ah-nuld when I hear think about that particular group.

I don't think it was a lame name. The title would have been better if it had just been called The X Ternals, though. I mean, the AOA version of Gambit was not only a member of The X Ternals, but he was their leader. Was it really necessary to give him top billing? Not really, but that wasn't my call to make.

I was just making a noteworthy observation, that's all. In any event, I still liked the book despite the name. It doesn't really matter to me. You know what? Since X Force is getting a relaunch, I might even subscribe to that title.

The characters are really starting to grow on me, and I am becoming even more interested in the book every single day. From the beginning of the revamp I was wondering why X Force didn't start from a new number one. What with the new look and everything that came along with it, I figured there would have been a relaunch. X Force became a whole new team with new members, and from that point on it was a completely different book. The imminent relaunch of X Force in my opinion will be a good thing, and I for one am looking forward to it.

[atxbomber]

Originally posted by xtremexman
Was it really necessary to give him top billing? Not really, but that wasn't my call to make.


Sales man, sales.

[xtremexman]

Originally posted by atxbomber


Sales man, sales.

What is that supposed to mean? Can you be more specific than that?

[Kent H]

Well, at the time Gambit was one of the most popular X-Men, I believe. Anotherwords, just like anything with Wolverine sells, so will anything with Gambit. I think his popularity has waned in recent years, but Gambit can probably still bring in money by himself. After all, it was (as far as i know) fan demnads that convinced Mark Powers to have Chuck Austen introduce Gambit into the Ultimate line, because (again as far as I know) Mark Millars didn't want Gambit at all.

Of course I could be completely off my rocker ;) .

[Al Harahap]

Originally posted by xtremexman


I don't think it was a lame name. The title would have been better if it had just been called The X Ternals, though. I mean, the AOA version of Gambit was not only a member of The X Ternals, but he was their leader. Was it really necessary to give him top billing? Not really, but that wasn't my call to make.


I guess I used a poor choice of word there when continuing out of chrisinboaz's post. I liked the team as a whole, and the book as a whole. What I meant was I think the title "Gambit and the X-Ternals" was a bit inappropriate. For one, I just don't agree with [leader] and the [group], it'd be like titling a book "Professor X and the X-Men." They didn't need to do that. Making Gambit their leader would've been evident enough that he was the main star of the book without the need of splashing his name pre the team's in the title. Secondly, at the time, the immortal Externals was quite in the spotlight in 616 continuity, and it ran the risk of causing some confusion with that group of mutants.

[ManolisV]

Originally posted by Doop


I guess I used a poor choice of word there when continuing out of chrisinboaz's post. I liked the team as a whole, and the book as a whole. What I meant was I think the title "Gambit and the X-Ternals" was a bit inappropriate. For one, I just don't agree with [leader] and the [group], it'd be like titling a book "Professor X and the X-Men." They didn't need to do that. Making Gambit their leader would've been evident enough that he was the main star of the book without the need of splashing his name pre the team's in the title. Secondly, at the time, the immortal Externals was quite in the spotlight in 616 continuity, and it ran the risk of causing some confusion with that group of mutants.

actually there was a "professor-x and the xmen" title from way back, someone had the idea to re-do the early issues of the xmen title, but while they started with the wonder-team of nicieza and duursema, the quality soon dropped... it was part of marvel's now defunct .99$ line...

[xtremexman]

Originally posted by Doop


For one, I just don't agree with [leader] and the [group], it'd be like titling a book "Professor X and the X-Men."

They actually did a Professor X and the X Men series, but it didn't last very long.