Geoffrey Thorne's Q&A on X-Force -- Round 2

Geoffrey Thorne, the writer of Marvel's forthcoming X-Force series, revisited the CBR Forums to delve deeper into fan questions. His return engagement provided enthusiasts with more details about the highly awaited comic book.

How did you present your pitch for X-Force to Marvel Editorial?

Thorne: I pitched them a team led by Forge with ZERO "marquee" characters with a spin nobody else had pitched. I pitch a lot of stories to a lot of people, and most of them get shot down. It's always a surprise when the more offbeat ones are the ones that get traction. How offbeat they remain by the time you see them is another story entirely. Nonetheless, based on the issues that have made it through the editorial minefield intact, I'm excited for July.

Can you elaborate on Deadpool's role in X-Force?

Thorne: I don't know how anybody else is using Wade, but in X-Force, I think both Wade-haters AND Wade-lovers will enjoy what we do.

Is there any significance to Betsy not being referred to as Captain Britain in the solicitations and not wearing her costume? The same with Rachel not being called Askani. Will this be addressed in the book?

Thorne: It's difficult to address certain questions without spoilers or breaching my NDA. All I can say is, I KNOW you're excited and trying to parse every ounce of data out of the smallest announcements, but I would caution everybody against digging TOO deeply into the solicits. They are, by their very nature, a tiny and very shallow overview of the story to come. Sometimes they're straight-up wrong. The way I write superheroes who know each other's AKAs and real names is they sort of switch back and forth between them, depending on the scene. For instance, Rachel's 'hero name' is Askani, but Betsy's probably never going to call her that. Same with Captain Britain vs. Betsy. That would be like me always calling my wife Director Thorne instead of, you know, her name or whatever pet name I have for her. I think you can take comfort in the fact that the FROM THE ASHES initiative (or whatever we call a themed release these days) is not a reboot. Krakoa happened and the events of the Fall of X are canon.

How long have you been developing X-Force?

Thorne: I've been thinking about this since 2020 or slightly earlier.

What settings can we expect to see in your series? Will there be visits to locations like House of Magneto, Age of Apocalypse, or Days of Future Past?

Thorne: Where will it take place? Hmmm. I was going to do a Back to the Future joke, but you lunatics will think I'm hinting at time travel or something (I'm not NOT hinting at time travel). Let's see... [Thorne linked to Cowboy Bebop's opening sequence]. This should stir the pot.

Do you have any specific sources of inspiration for your upcoming run on X-Force? Are there any shows, movies, albums, or other media that you'd use to describe the tone of the team and its mission?

Thorne: Hannah Barbera's Johnny Quest. This for sure...

Will Sage have a more active role in combat this time? She missed out on much of the X-Force action previously!

Thorne: That, I can guarantee. I really believe people have been underestimating exactly what Sage is/can do with her power.

What details can you provide about the character Tank?

Thorne: You haven't even met Tank yet. That guy is FULL of surprises.

Considering Forge's aim to solve the world's problems, how many ethical boundaries will he and his team be willing to cross?

Thorne: He's not fixing ALL the world's problems. That would be crazy. Ethical lines? Where we're going, we don't have ethical lines. Hey, I got the Back to the Future joke in after all.

Can you address concerns from readers about Marcus To's art style potentially not aligning with the tone of a book like X-Force?

Thorne: That panel shared by Marcus To is NOTHING compared to what's happening. Honestly, if you think this is a book about folks standing around talking, you are in for a CRAZY surprise. This one panel does NO justice to what issue one is. Buckle up.

Marcus To Shares "X-Force" Teaser

Captain Britain Slays a Dragon in "X-Men Unlimited Infinity" #139 Cover

Geoffrey Thorne's Q&A on X-Force

Marvel recently unveiled exciting news for X-Men fans with the announcement of a new X-Force book written by Geoffrey Thorne. The acclaimed writer took the time to engage with fans and answer their questions on the CBR Forums, offering insights into what readers can expect from this highly anticipated addition to the X-Men universe.

What can readers anticipate from the upcoming X-Force series?

Thorne: Love the canon, but nostalgia is not my thing, so make of that what you will.

Can you share your thoughts on Marcus To's artwork for the book?

Thorne: Marcus is bringing the heat. Fans and detractors will both be surprised by what we're giving.

Do you like Otherworld?

Thorne: Not to spoil or talk too deeply about projects I'm actively writing, but... I love all that Otherworld stuff. Do what you want with that.

For someone unfamiliar with your writing, which of your previous works would you recommend to provide a glimpse into what to expect from your X-Force run?

Thorne: I try to switch things up from book to book. You won't find much similarity between Green Lantern, say, and Mosaic or Blood Syndicate. I will say it's nothing at all like Green Lantern (which was meant to be a three-part cosmically epic sci-fi novel.) This is not that. KING IN BLACK: BLACK PANTHER and King in Black: Planet of the Symbiotes #2 are similar in tempo, but, again, I really don't think any two of my books are alike.

Is Tank a robotic character in the series?

Thorne: Tank is a member of the X-Force team I am currently writing.

Will you explore Surge's friendship with Forge as part of the team dynamics?

Thorne: Short answer is yes.

Thank you for including Surge in the roster; can we expect further development for the Academy X squad?

Thorne: I loved NEW XMEN ACADEMY. Like LOVED.

Are there plans for Betsy to regain her previous martial arts skills in the upcoming storyline?

Thorne: Betsy is not Kwannon. Prior to Kwannon, Betsy knew how to fight and POST Kwannon she knows how to fight. With a sword and everything. And, remember, there are a LOT of apex fighting styles available to a TELEPATH. Lots and lots and lots.

Could you offer insight into the selection process for the cast of characters in X-Force?

Thorne: I've always wanted to do a Forge-centric yarn, and I like these characters. Especially Sage. I think Sage has a lot to offer and a lot to do. Those two were always going to be in it. The others were chosen for different reasons. Some are very story-based so, I can't say.

Are you familiar with Betsy's and Sage's friendship in New Exiles?

Thorne: Yes.

Without giving away spoilers, what can fans of Betsy Braddock expect from your interpretation of her character in X-Force?

Thorne: You can expect Betsy to be a serious, seasoned warrior with a sober mind and incisive attitude. You can expect her relationship with Rachel to have nuance, depth, and complexity. To the best of my ability. She's been in one battle zone or another nearly her entire adult life, and she is still here to talk about it. But somehow she didn't turn into Wolverine or Omega Red. I think that's interesting, personally.

What is your personal journey with X-Men comics? Do you have any favorite runs or memorable experiences as a fan?

Thorne: Until just after the Morrison era, I had an unbroken collection of all X titles starting with X-Men #1 (Lee/Kirby and including the reprint era). I fell off during/after Morrison's run and only came back after that for particular arcs, writers, and/or artists. I loved much of HoX/PoX and liked most of the post-Hickman Krakoa era. This includes all mini-series, solos, and the MARVEL UK stuff as well. Nearly all of them are currently in a storage facility about four miles from my home. Not every book is for every reader, so I won't be saying which ones I didn't like because the internet mob makes too much of a meal of that kind of thing. I have +30k comics, down from +50K, by the way. I loved the entire Claremont/Byrne Era. I loved the Claremont/Cockrum Era (including Len Wein who gave us the all-new all-different X-Men). I loved Age of Apocalypse. I loved House of M. Many of the sidecar titles I bought for the art more than the stories, but it doesn't mean the stories weren't fun. I love anything drawn by Alan Davis or Paul Smith or Chris Bachalo or Sara Picelli or Mahmud Asrar.

Are you familiar with British speech patterns?

Thorne: Are you concerned about dialect? My Impala in TRUTH & JUSTICE was a Londoner. I wrote Sophie Devereaux on LEVERAGE for 3 seasons and Professor Moriarty on THE LIBRARIANS. Don't worry.

BETSY BRADDOCK Rejoins X-FORCE From the Ashes!

X-FORCE #1

Written by GEOFFREY THORNE

Art by MARCUS TO

Cover by STEPHEN SEGOVIA

On Sale 7/31

Marvel.com: Set in the X-Men’s upcoming From the Ashes era, a new X-FORCE ongoing series by Geoffrey Thorne and Marcus To begins this July.

In the X-Men’s world, there’ll always be need for a team willing to cross the lines no others dare to—a group of mutants who call themselves X-FORCE!

This July, on the edge of the From the Ashes era, the latest evolution of X-Force is born, specifically suited to this brash new age of mutant storytelling. Discover their impossible mission in the new X-FORCE ongoing series written by acclaimed screenwriter Geoffrey Thorne and drawn by kinetic X-Men artist Marcus To.

This time, this iconic comic book super squad will be built from the ground up by the mutant inventor—Forge! Accessing an omega-level degree of his unique and complex mutant power to build anything, Forge will bear witness to everything broken in the world.

Luckily, he knows exactly who he’ll need to repair it: Rachel Summers, Betsy Braddock, Sage, Surge, and Tank. To save nothing short of existence itself, they’ll jump sword, gun, and fist first into deadly uncertainty, and the only thing getting in their way will be the secrets they keep!

A new path forged! The world is fractured. Forge uses his powers to devise the only fix: an all-new, all-different X-Force! Forge leads a custom-made, handpicked team of mutants in off-the-books missions so dire, so integral to the fate of the Marvel Universe, there’s no time to stop for permission!

Plus, as Forge detects increasing threats across the planet, he’ll recruit specialists for each target. It’s a revolving door of Marvel guest stars and first up: that regenerating degenerate, Deadpool!

"I cannot believe the reaction to my pitch with, 'That sounds like X-Force to us,'" Thorne shared. “It's a new vibe and a different mission, but it's still X-Force. Looking at all the books coming out under this banner, I'll just paraphrase the prophet, Sheryl Crow: 'All I wanna do is have some fun.' Looking at what I'm getting to do and what the others are bringing, I'm absolutely not the only one."

"When Marvel approached me to be the artist for X-FORCE, I was ecstatic,” To added. “I was always a big fan of the X-books growing up, and to be a part of bringing that excitement to new and old readers alike was an opportunity I could not turn down. And the chance to draw Betsy Braddock again is icing on the cake!"

Last month, fans got their first look at what awaits Marvel’s line of X-Men titles following the bold Krakoan Age with the reveal of three flagship series: Jed MacKay and Ryan Stegman’s X-MEN, Gail Simone and David Marquez’s UNCANNY X-MEN, and Eve L. Ewing and Carmen Carnero’s EXCEPTIONAL X-MEN.

The expansive mythos of the X-Men has always made space for additional series that test the limits and explore the far-reaching scope of the mutant metaphor. Fresh spins on classic X-Men titles and startling directions for your favorite mutants are just ahead, starting in July with X-FORCE, PHOENIX, and NYX.

Be there for an X-Force like you’ve never seen them before, stick around to see who joins, who lives, who dies and uncover the mystery of Forge’s discovery. See the new lineup on Stephen Segovia’s X-FORCE #1 cover below and stay tuned tomorrow for another X-Men: From the Ashes series announcement!

Exclusive Marvel First Look: Giant-Size X-Men (2024) #1

As part of Marvel's commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Giant-Size X-Men, the upcoming one-shot will center on Angel. The preview provides insight into a new villain named Maze, who ensnares Angel in a surreal mindscape. The preview features appearances from Angel's former flames, such as Candy Southern and Betsy Braddock. Giant-Size X-Men #1 goes on sale on May 8th.

Marvel Preview: X-Men ’97 #2 Teases Psylocke Appearance

X-Men ’97 #2 features the return of Psylocke, a mysterious psychic ninja. News anchor Trish Tilby reports on Psylocke's recent activities, hinting at potential trouble caused by the enigmatic figure. Serving as a canonical prequel to Disney+'s animated series X-Men '97, this comic sets the stage for forthcoming adventures in the mutant universe.

'X-Men: The Wedding Special' #1 Reveals Secrets Behind Mystique & Destiny's Love Story

Marvel.com: Marvel’s merry mutants take center stage in this year’s Marvel’s Voices: Pride one-shot! Titled X-Men: The Wedding Special #1, this annual anthology celebrates Pride Month with stories crafted by incredible LGBTQIA+ talent and hits stands on May 29. Join the X-Men as they come together to honor one of the most beloved and longest-lasting gay couples in comic book history—Mystique and Destiny!

Other tales feature: A Betsy Braddock and Rachel Summers adventure by the writer who brought them together—Excalibur scribe Tini Howard! Joined by rising star Phillip Sevy, Howard pits the hot new couple against the Omniversal Majestrix, Opal Luna Saturnyne! Just about everyone in the Marvel Universe is invited to the vow renewal… except for Saturnyne. And she’s not happy. But why is she taking it out on Betsy and Rachel?

X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic #133 Art

X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic #133 Spoilers

Spoilers: Thunderbird and Captain Britain discuss strategy while examining a map of Nova Roma. However, Gideon successfully disables the floating island's thrusters, causing it to plummet toward the ocean. Betsy contacts Dani telepathically, learning that although Trinary and Wiz-Kid expelled Gideon from the system, the thrusters are still failing. Dani warns that if the island hits the ocean, it could break apart. Betsy then asks Rictor to use his geokinetic abilities to prevent the crash. With time running out, Rictor summons earth from deep below the ocean, rising to catch the falling base.

Betsy inquires about the extent of the system damage, and the Madrox dupes inform her that they can repair it, but it will take time. Dani consoles Taki, who blames himself for Gideon's success. Trinary reveals that they managed to counter Gideon's hack during the battle and can trace his digital trail to find his operation. Sunspot overhears and enters the room, eager to confront Gideon. However, he is exhausted and depleted from boosting the island's thrusters, leaving him unable to take immediate action.

Dani expresses concern for Sunspot's condition and advises him to rest. Sunspot believes this is the opportune moment to retaliate against Gideon, who expects them to be weak and inactive. Dani suggests assembling a squad with Cipher and Magma, but Sunspot rejects the idea, opting to enlist the help of someone outside of X-Corps Island. He reveals that he has been accumulating resources and knows the perfect individual to assist them in bringing Gideon down.

In a penthouse atop a skyscraper in Chicago, Gideon converses with Burke, expressing his preference for high-rise living over Selene's choice of ruling from Nova Roma. Burke experiences a precognitive vision of violence involving metal and blood. As he describes it, their conversation is interrupted by the appearance of Solem.