Eric J. Moreels
Mar 6, 2003, 12:13 pm
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0503/NEW_MUTANTS_1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0503/NEW_MUTANTS_1t.jpg" align=left alt="New Mutants #1 preview"></a>The Xavier Institute is set to open its doors to students both old and new this May with the return of several of the original New Mutants as teachers of a team of next generation students. Written by the husband and wife team of Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir, best known for their Oni Press book Skinwalker, the Tsunami branded title will feature art by former Iron Man penciler Keron Grant.
X-Fan recently caught up with DeFilippis, Weir and Grant to find out more about the new series.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_promo.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_promot.jpg" align=right alt="New Mutants promo sketch by Keron Grant"></a>X-FAN: First of all, how did the New Mutants gig come about?
DEFILIPPIS: Just lucky...?
WEIR: A lot of things seemed to fall into place. I think Marvel wanted Dani {Moonstar} to have a strong presence in the book and Bill Jemas happened to have read Skinwalker and must have liked our portrayal of a Native American woman. Also, as a writing team, I think Nunzio and I strike a
good balance for what Marvel seems to be trying for these days - a book that is new reader friendly, but can still honor past continuity. Nunzio is the one who has the long standing connection to these characters while I'm the one who has discovered the joy of comics in the past five years.
GRANT: I was supposed to do another project at Marvel which fell through. I spoke to my editor who {then} offered me the project. I guess it {just} fell into my lap.
X-FAN: Which members of the original team will be appearing in the new series?
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0603/NEW_MUTANTS_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0603/NEW_MUTANTS_2t.jpg" align=right alt="New Mutants #2 preview"></a>DEFILIPPIS: At the start, Danielle Moonstar. Within the first story arc, Shan {Coy Manh, a.k.a. Karma} and Amara {Aquilla, a.k.a. Magma}, to differing extents. The second story arc will feature the return of Rahne {Sinclair, a.k.a Wolfsbane} fairly prominently. No other original team members are currently planned. That's not to say we wouldn't enjoy a brief appearance by Sam {Guthrie, Cannonball} or Roberto {DaCosta, Sunspot}. But they are both accounted for in other books right now and we don't have any plans with them.
WEIR: The thing to remember is that we have five new students and four returning characters. And Xavier is an important player as well. That's a lot of people to juggle, so we have to make sure if we bring anyone else in that there's room to do them justice.
X-FAN: What will the role of the characters be, and how will they relate to the the X-Men, X-Corporation, and the Xavier Institute?
DEFILIPPIS: The returning characters are being offered faculty jobs. In a sense it does not truly relate to these other groups. In the early issues, Dani goes looking for mutants who have been detected but have not contacted Xavier's or any of these other groups. Some of the returning characters will also naturally assume that Xavier needs them on one of the X-teams. This is not the case and each of them will have different reactions to that.
X-FAN: Speaking of the students, are they all-new creations?
WEIR: Brand new creations. That was one of the coolest parts of developing this project. Honestly, the kids in Grant's New X-Men are his to play with. It would be uncool of us to swoop in and steal his toys.
DEFILIPPIS: Also, Grant has done a good job really expanding the range of mutants, creating mutants who are dramatically different from the average person. While that's a fun way to expand the X-verse, we wanted to get a few characters who could look and act like any high school student. We really want to play up the metaphor of mutant alienation being just a more pronounced version of teen alienation. That is strengthened by showing kids who just can't fit in but not because they look so different no one will let them.
WEIR: The first new student we'll meet is Sofia Mantega, a young girl who has the power to manipulate the wind. Then there's Laurie Collins, a shy girl with pheromone powers she hasn't yet learned how to control. Also there's Kevin Ford who has the misfortune of having developed a death touch; David Alleyne, whose latent telepathy allows him to know all the skills of anyone he's near; and Josh Foley, who thinks that his healing ability should make him immune to anti-mutant prejudice.
<table border=0 align=center><tr><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_elixir.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_elixirt.jpg" alt="New Mutants Elixir concept sketch by Keron Grant"></a></td><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_prodigy.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_prodigyt.jpg" alt="New Mutants Prodigy concept sketch by Keron Grant"></a></td><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_surge.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_surget.jpg" alt="New Mutants Surge concept sketch by Keron Grant"></a></td><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_wallflower.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_wallflowert.jpg" alt="New Mutants Wallflower concept sketch by Keron Grant"></a></td><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_winddancer.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_winddancert.jpg" alt="New Mutants Wind Dancer concept sketch by Keron Grant"></a></td></tr></table>
DEFILIPPIS: We don't really want to say too much about these kids because discovering them is a huge part of the first story arc. They have no codenames at the start of the book. Also, the much discussed costumes are not a factor early on. Those will come when the story is right for it. At the beginning they're just students and will be going by their real names.
X-FAN: What of the former New Mutants themselves? Will they be undergoing any changes?
WEIR: Different for each. They're growing up. They're no longer teens, but just barely. And learning their new adult roles will be a challenge for all of them. For example, Shan has two siblings to raise and in some ways that makes her a single mom. For someone her age, that's a huge responsibility.
DEFILIPPIS: If you're asking about powers, there will be a back to basics approach with Dani. We're focusing on the illusions and may deal with some of the changes she's undergone later in the book. Rahne's powers are gone when she returns, and what she does about that is a huge part of her initial story. Amara's backstory is a continuity Rubik's cube. Plus there are events that bring her back to the school that leave her even more confused. We'll be dealing with all that over time, trying not to short circuit the brain of any new readers.
GRANT: Everyone will be getting new designs. {I} tried to be a little bit different in the designs while staying true to the things I like to draw. I was pretty surprised and delighted with the freedom I was given in designing the costumes. I like different elements of each character. They change all the time as to which is my favorite.
<table border=0 align=center><tr><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_shan.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_shant.jpg" alt="New Mutants Karma redesign sketch by Keron Grant"></a></td><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_magma.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_magmat.jpg" alt="New Mutants Magma redesign sketch by Keron Grant"></a></td><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_mirage2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_mirage2t.jpg" alt="New Mutants Moonstar redesign sketch by Keron Grant"></a></td></tr></table>
X-FAN: What does the first story arc entail?
WEIR: Well, as we said, it's an introduction to the new students. Xavier tries to recruit Dani as a teacher and when she is hesitant, he asks her to go out and bring several new students back to the Institute. The first arc is about meeting these kids, learning their problems and laying a foundation for the future relationships that will develop. This is a character centered book and we wanted a first arc that conveyed that. Also, like I said, NINE main characters. If we take our time, hopefully each will be distinct and the reader has the chance to become invested in them.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0303/mekanix6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0303/mekanix6t.jpg" align=right alt="MekaniX #6 preview"></a>X-FAN: Following Karma's recent appearance in the MekaniX limited series, is there any possibility of seeing Shadowcat in New Mutants?
DEFILIPPIS: Kitty Pryde is one of my favorite characters and I think has become one of Christina's. Also, there are... issues about her friendship with Shan that Chris Claremont raises in MekaniX that we'd like to address and maybe build upon. But Chris is featuring her in X-Treme X-Men (I believe), and any use of Kitty has yet to be discussed with the X-office. So while we'd love to one day write for her, there are no
plans at this time.
X-FAN: Will we see any human supporting cast members?
WEIR: Yes, but not right away. We planned a lot early and found ourselves in a place with editorial that was kind of enviable. They said, "We like everything, but slow down and take your time with the characters." This allowed us a good pace for introducing the characters and left us with a lot of story planned for arcs two and three.
DEFILIPPIS: Hopefully people will like the book enough that it will stick around long enough for arcs two and three.
X-FAN: The inevitible question - will the X-Men appear in New Mutants?
DEFILIPPIS: Yes. But not as major characters. They'll have cameos ranging from window dressing - where they're there to make sure the School feels like Xavier's should - to brief scenes with our characters that actually shape the plot in minor ways. But they do not shape the plot in major ways or ever really get the spotlight.
WEIR: You'll also have to remember that these are kids who idolize the X-Men, but then have to deal with them as teachers. When we use them, that's the aspect we'll probably be dealing with.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/4images/details.php?image_id=359" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/4images//data/thumbnails/184/nwmut001.jpg" align=right alt="New Mutants #1"></a>X-FAN: What would you say to fans of the original New Mutants series in the hope of getting them to pick up the new version?
DEFILIPPIS: As a self-professed fan of that old series, I think I'd tell them that this is an all new book, but that the characters they loved will be treated with respect. We're trying to make these characters grow in ways that are both organic to who they were and new enough to appeal to new readers. This is a balancing act that will require a little patience on the part of the long time fans. As we've said elsewhere, just bear with us. If we're not answering right away about why Magma is named Amara not Allison, we're not ignoring continuity. We're just telling the story in the way we think is best. The other thing is that this is going to be a fun book, a look at Xavier's as a real high school. These kids will be dealing with classes, crushes, cliques, authority issues... and oh yeah, mutant powers.
GRANT: This book is a completely different approach to the former New Mutants. I don't feel I'm drawing a revamped book. More like it's a new title. Nunzio and Christina are fantastic to work with. There is not much to ask for after reading their stories. Very good thought provoking plots, yet room for me to explore my own ideas.
X-FAN: Ultimately, what do you hope to achieve with the New Mutants?
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_promo2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_promo2t.jpg" align=right alt="New Mutants promo sketch by Keron Grant"></a>WEIR: To entertain, like any good comic writer. We want people to care about these characters. Not just care if they live or die, but to care about what they care about even if it is teen stuff. We were all teens once, right? Besides, there are also the teachers and with them we want to tell a story about what it means to grow up and not be the kids anymore. So in a sense it's a coming of age story for two similar but different generations.
For those interested in finding out more about the new New Mutants, be sure to stop by the writers' very own X-Fan discussion forum, The Grind Stone (http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=156).
For more of Grant's character sketches, be sure to visit his official Web site @ KeronGrant.net (http://www.kerongrant.net/).
X-Fan Correspondent Benjamin Ong Pang Kean contributed to this article. Preview art reprinted with artist's permission.
Pre-order New Mutants #1 signed by Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir online now from X-World Comics and help support X-Fan! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=346&cat=X%2DCLUSIVE+CREATOR+EDITIONS#3811)
X-Fan recently caught up with DeFilippis, Weir and Grant to find out more about the new series.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_promo.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_promot.jpg" align=right alt="New Mutants promo sketch by Keron Grant"></a>X-FAN: First of all, how did the New Mutants gig come about?
DEFILIPPIS: Just lucky...?
WEIR: A lot of things seemed to fall into place. I think Marvel wanted Dani {Moonstar} to have a strong presence in the book and Bill Jemas happened to have read Skinwalker and must have liked our portrayal of a Native American woman. Also, as a writing team, I think Nunzio and I strike a
good balance for what Marvel seems to be trying for these days - a book that is new reader friendly, but can still honor past continuity. Nunzio is the one who has the long standing connection to these characters while I'm the one who has discovered the joy of comics in the past five years.
GRANT: I was supposed to do another project at Marvel which fell through. I spoke to my editor who {then} offered me the project. I guess it {just} fell into my lap.
X-FAN: Which members of the original team will be appearing in the new series?
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0603/NEW_MUTANTS_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0603/NEW_MUTANTS_2t.jpg" align=right alt="New Mutants #2 preview"></a>DEFILIPPIS: At the start, Danielle Moonstar. Within the first story arc, Shan {Coy Manh, a.k.a. Karma} and Amara {Aquilla, a.k.a. Magma}, to differing extents. The second story arc will feature the return of Rahne {Sinclair, a.k.a Wolfsbane} fairly prominently. No other original team members are currently planned. That's not to say we wouldn't enjoy a brief appearance by Sam {Guthrie, Cannonball} or Roberto {DaCosta, Sunspot}. But they are both accounted for in other books right now and we don't have any plans with them.
WEIR: The thing to remember is that we have five new students and four returning characters. And Xavier is an important player as well. That's a lot of people to juggle, so we have to make sure if we bring anyone else in that there's room to do them justice.
X-FAN: What will the role of the characters be, and how will they relate to the the X-Men, X-Corporation, and the Xavier Institute?
DEFILIPPIS: The returning characters are being offered faculty jobs. In a sense it does not truly relate to these other groups. In the early issues, Dani goes looking for mutants who have been detected but have not contacted Xavier's or any of these other groups. Some of the returning characters will also naturally assume that Xavier needs them on one of the X-teams. This is not the case and each of them will have different reactions to that.
X-FAN: Speaking of the students, are they all-new creations?
WEIR: Brand new creations. That was one of the coolest parts of developing this project. Honestly, the kids in Grant's New X-Men are his to play with. It would be uncool of us to swoop in and steal his toys.
DEFILIPPIS: Also, Grant has done a good job really expanding the range of mutants, creating mutants who are dramatically different from the average person. While that's a fun way to expand the X-verse, we wanted to get a few characters who could look and act like any high school student. We really want to play up the metaphor of mutant alienation being just a more pronounced version of teen alienation. That is strengthened by showing kids who just can't fit in but not because they look so different no one will let them.
WEIR: The first new student we'll meet is Sofia Mantega, a young girl who has the power to manipulate the wind. Then there's Laurie Collins, a shy girl with pheromone powers she hasn't yet learned how to control. Also there's Kevin Ford who has the misfortune of having developed a death touch; David Alleyne, whose latent telepathy allows him to know all the skills of anyone he's near; and Josh Foley, who thinks that his healing ability should make him immune to anti-mutant prejudice.
<table border=0 align=center><tr><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_elixir.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_elixirt.jpg" alt="New Mutants Elixir concept sketch by Keron Grant"></a></td><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_prodigy.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_prodigyt.jpg" alt="New Mutants Prodigy concept sketch by Keron Grant"></a></td><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_surge.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_surget.jpg" alt="New Mutants Surge concept sketch by Keron Grant"></a></td><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_wallflower.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_wallflowert.jpg" alt="New Mutants Wallflower concept sketch by Keron Grant"></a></td><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_winddancer.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_winddancert.jpg" alt="New Mutants Wind Dancer concept sketch by Keron Grant"></a></td></tr></table>
DEFILIPPIS: We don't really want to say too much about these kids because discovering them is a huge part of the first story arc. They have no codenames at the start of the book. Also, the much discussed costumes are not a factor early on. Those will come when the story is right for it. At the beginning they're just students and will be going by their real names.
X-FAN: What of the former New Mutants themselves? Will they be undergoing any changes?
WEIR: Different for each. They're growing up. They're no longer teens, but just barely. And learning their new adult roles will be a challenge for all of them. For example, Shan has two siblings to raise and in some ways that makes her a single mom. For someone her age, that's a huge responsibility.
DEFILIPPIS: If you're asking about powers, there will be a back to basics approach with Dani. We're focusing on the illusions and may deal with some of the changes she's undergone later in the book. Rahne's powers are gone when she returns, and what she does about that is a huge part of her initial story. Amara's backstory is a continuity Rubik's cube. Plus there are events that bring her back to the school that leave her even more confused. We'll be dealing with all that over time, trying not to short circuit the brain of any new readers.
GRANT: Everyone will be getting new designs. {I} tried to be a little bit different in the designs while staying true to the things I like to draw. I was pretty surprised and delighted with the freedom I was given in designing the costumes. I like different elements of each character. They change all the time as to which is my favorite.
<table border=0 align=center><tr><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_shan.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_shant.jpg" alt="New Mutants Karma redesign sketch by Keron Grant"></a></td><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_magma.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_magmat.jpg" alt="New Mutants Magma redesign sketch by Keron Grant"></a></td><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_mirage2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_mirage2t.jpg" alt="New Mutants Moonstar redesign sketch by Keron Grant"></a></td></tr></table>
X-FAN: What does the first story arc entail?
WEIR: Well, as we said, it's an introduction to the new students. Xavier tries to recruit Dani as a teacher and when she is hesitant, he asks her to go out and bring several new students back to the Institute. The first arc is about meeting these kids, learning their problems and laying a foundation for the future relationships that will develop. This is a character centered book and we wanted a first arc that conveyed that. Also, like I said, NINE main characters. If we take our time, hopefully each will be distinct and the reader has the chance to become invested in them.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0303/mekanix6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0303/mekanix6t.jpg" align=right alt="MekaniX #6 preview"></a>X-FAN: Following Karma's recent appearance in the MekaniX limited series, is there any possibility of seeing Shadowcat in New Mutants?
DEFILIPPIS: Kitty Pryde is one of my favorite characters and I think has become one of Christina's. Also, there are... issues about her friendship with Shan that Chris Claremont raises in MekaniX that we'd like to address and maybe build upon. But Chris is featuring her in X-Treme X-Men (I believe), and any use of Kitty has yet to be discussed with the X-office. So while we'd love to one day write for her, there are no
plans at this time.
X-FAN: Will we see any human supporting cast members?
WEIR: Yes, but not right away. We planned a lot early and found ourselves in a place with editorial that was kind of enviable. They said, "We like everything, but slow down and take your time with the characters." This allowed us a good pace for introducing the characters and left us with a lot of story planned for arcs two and three.
DEFILIPPIS: Hopefully people will like the book enough that it will stick around long enough for arcs two and three.
X-FAN: The inevitible question - will the X-Men appear in New Mutants?
DEFILIPPIS: Yes. But not as major characters. They'll have cameos ranging from window dressing - where they're there to make sure the School feels like Xavier's should - to brief scenes with our characters that actually shape the plot in minor ways. But they do not shape the plot in major ways or ever really get the spotlight.
WEIR: You'll also have to remember that these are kids who idolize the X-Men, but then have to deal with them as teachers. When we use them, that's the aspect we'll probably be dealing with.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/4images/details.php?image_id=359" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/4images//data/thumbnails/184/nwmut001.jpg" align=right alt="New Mutants #1"></a>X-FAN: What would you say to fans of the original New Mutants series in the hope of getting them to pick up the new version?
DEFILIPPIS: As a self-professed fan of that old series, I think I'd tell them that this is an all new book, but that the characters they loved will be treated with respect. We're trying to make these characters grow in ways that are both organic to who they were and new enough to appeal to new readers. This is a balancing act that will require a little patience on the part of the long time fans. As we've said elsewhere, just bear with us. If we're not answering right away about why Magma is named Amara not Allison, we're not ignoring continuity. We're just telling the story in the way we think is best. The other thing is that this is going to be a fun book, a look at Xavier's as a real high school. These kids will be dealing with classes, crushes, cliques, authority issues... and oh yeah, mutant powers.
GRANT: This book is a completely different approach to the former New Mutants. I don't feel I'm drawing a revamped book. More like it's a new title. Nunzio and Christina are fantastic to work with. There is not much to ask for after reading their stories. Very good thought provoking plots, yet room for me to explore my own ideas.
X-FAN: Ultimately, what do you hope to achieve with the New Mutants?
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_promo2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/nm_promo2t.jpg" align=right alt="New Mutants promo sketch by Keron Grant"></a>WEIR: To entertain, like any good comic writer. We want people to care about these characters. Not just care if they live or die, but to care about what they care about even if it is teen stuff. We were all teens once, right? Besides, there are also the teachers and with them we want to tell a story about what it means to grow up and not be the kids anymore. So in a sense it's a coming of age story for two similar but different generations.
For those interested in finding out more about the new New Mutants, be sure to stop by the writers' very own X-Fan discussion forum, The Grind Stone (http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=156).
For more of Grant's character sketches, be sure to visit his official Web site @ KeronGrant.net (http://www.kerongrant.net/).
X-Fan Correspondent Benjamin Ong Pang Kean contributed to this article. Preview art reprinted with artist's permission.
Pre-order New Mutants #1 signed by Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir online now from X-World Comics and help support X-Fan! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=346&cat=X%2DCLUSIVE+CREATOR+EDITIONS#3811)