5 Days of 5 Ronin: Psylocke

Marvel.com: For the past five weeks, we’ve been witness to a unique and remarkable new take on familiar Marvel icons in 5 RONIN, conceived and executed by writer Peter Milligan, editor Sebastian Girner and a quintet of tremendously talented artists.

Marvel.com: As the only female character, did Psylocke necessitate a different approach from the other Ronin?

Peter Milligan: Different in that a woman would have different roles in that society, and so offered an interesting opportunity for a different take.

Marvel.com: How did having Psylocke as an Oiran change the tone of the story? Do you still consider a Ronin in spirit?

Peter Milligan: Having Psylocke as an Oiran is the story. What’s interesting is that she has no choice in whether she becomes this type of woman or not. But now that she is an Oiran she uses it to her advantage and she never loses sight of her objective—so in this way she is a Ronin in spirit. A person who is loyal and is giving her life to avenging her “master”.
5 Ronin Psylocke sketch by Goran Parlov

Marvel.com: Again, you cleverly replicate Psylocke's powers in an appropriate way here; how did you come up with that?

Peter Milligan: I have to say here that I think that Psylocke is probably my favorite of the five chapters. And once again her “powers” come quite naturally, stemming from her situation.

Marvel.com: Wolverine has a pretty significant guest appearance here, whereas the other chapters up until now have not featured other Ronin aside from the recurring Deadpool cameos; why bring him in?

Peter Milligan: Partly because we are getting close to the end. Psylocke lives and works close to the object of the Ronins’ revenge so as the story reaches its climax the characters will begin to converge. Partly also because the idea of Logan and Psylocke meeting in this way was so irresistible. He also reveals to her something about herself that changes the course of her life; that changes everything.

Marvel.com: What lesson does Psylocke ultimately learn that makes her conclude she's been "hating the wrong person"?

Peter Milligan: I feel that that’s such an important point the reader should read the comic to discover it for themselves. In broad terms Psylocke discovers that everything she has been working towards is the result of an error, an error in the way she understood an act that changed her life many years before.

Marvel.com: Why was Goran Parlov uniquely suited to illustrate this chapter?

Peter Milligan: From the butterflies, to the images of Psylocke as a small girl, to the perfumed boudoir where the mature Psylocke plied her trade, Goran brought beauty. I adored the art in this chapter. So sensuous. And when it had to be, so erotic. And then gritty when Wolverine and the beautiful girl fought. For me, this was perfect.

Milligan Sharpens the Swords of the "5 Ronin"

CBR: This March, writer Peter Milligan and a group of talented artists tell a different type of samurai story when they kick off the weekly five issue miniseries "5 Ronin" from Marvel Comics which reimagines Wolverine, Psylocke, Deadpool, the Punisher and the Hulk as 17th century Japanese warriors. CBR News spoke with Milligan about the project.

CBR News: Peter, in the past couple of years we've seen the rise of the Marvel Noir line, an imprint tasked with taking a look at what happens when a Marvel character is reinterpreted during the 1920s through '30s. Beyond that, we've recently seen "Deadpool Pulp," which reimagines that character in a '50s-style setting. Considering the relation between the pulp magazines of the '20s and '30s to comics, and comics in the '50s, it's easy to see where those ideas came from, but reimagining Marvel characters as samurai in Feudal Japan seems like an unexpected and interesting idea. Where did it come from and what drew you to it? Are you a fan of films like "Yojimbo" and "The Seven Samurai?"

Peter Milligan: First off, I am a big fan of Kurosawa's "The Seven Samurai." To be honest, this was my initial "entry point" into the world of Feudal Japan when Editor Sebastian Girner and I began talking about this project. Secondly, I know what you're saying when you suggest that the '20s and '30s seem on the face of it a more obvious setting in which to re-imagine these characters, but other eras work equally well, and for different reasons. In "Namor: The Depths," for example, the 1950s was a good time for my story, partly because it just predated the whole Space Age and the new era that the '60s ushered in.

The original idea of Japan came from Sebastian -- he is very interested in all things Japanese -- but I immediately saw that I could use this setting to tell a story I wanted to tell. I've said this elsewhere (and will probably say it again!), but what interested me was that this era of Japan was in such a state of flux. One era was ending and a new one beginning. These times are difficult to live through; people are unsure where they stand, and this is a great arena for looking at character and seeing how characters act when taken to uncomfortable places.

The characters being reimagined for "5 Ronin" are an interesting lot. Wolverine is an obvious candidate, and as a fan of the film "Lady Snowblood," I can see why you chose Psylocke as well. Deadpool, the Hulk and the Punisher are a bit unusual on the face of it, though. What made you want to reinterpret these particular characters for this setting?

Of course, there are a lot of Marvel characters to choose from -- but I think when you read the story you'll see how right the characters we have are. Deadpool is perfect; he could have been originally designed for this story. I don't want to say any more because it will give an important part of the plot away. Punisher also perfectly fits with what we wanted. Both of these characters manage to be archetypes (in a world of comic book stereotypes) and that's why they so neatly and usefully worked with this story. Hulk is a little different. Part of the fun there was writing against type or character expectation. Though, again, an integral part of Banner/Hulk's character perfectly matches what we wanted in this book.

What can you tell us about the setting of "5 Ronin?" What's sort of the climate of the country at the time?

Well, as you say, it's Feudal Japan; specifically, the early seventeenth century. In 1600, there was a famously bloody and pivotal battle at Sekigahara, where the Western and Eastern clans fought. This battle ended what became known as the era of the warring states. In other words, the world of Japan that we find is going through a some kind of cataclysmic, epochal change. It's a violent age, an age of deep anxiety. Though it's a very alien time and place, I feel that this era speaks to us about our own troubled times. We have our own cataclysmic changes going on, our own sense of anxiety and "uprooted-ness."

How big of a role does the fantastic play in this story? Do your protagonists have their traditional super abilities?

I don't really want to talk about exactly what "superpowers" our characters have, but there is certainly an element of the fantastic running through the story. It must be said though that the characters are more grounded in reality -- albeit a strange reality -- than they might normally be in your average Marvel epic.

How much does real world history factor into "5 Ronin?" Will your cast be rubbing elbows with any historical figures?

Actual real world history does impact upon the story. One big event is the catalyst for a lot of what happens. All that follows with our characters is either a version of what actually happened, or the kind of thing that happened. There is one important character who is based loosely on an historical character. It must be said though that knowledge of Japanese history is not absolutely necessary to understand and enjoy "5 Ronin."

In terms of personality, how similar and how different are the protagonists of "5 Ronin" to their traditional Marvel Universe counterparts?

In their characters, who they are, I tried to keep them the same people -- though, of course those people are in a different setting with different problems. I mean, Logan is Logan. Punisher is certainly Punisher. Oh, God, is he Punisher. And Psylocke -- well, you'll have to see about Psylocke for yourselves.

How is the story structured in "5 Ronin?" Does each issue focus on one lone character or is this a team book?

Each episode focuses on one character, but there is a degree of slippage. These characters' lives are linked, woven together by something or someone they're not immediately aware of.

The story's plot deals with five characters, each with a burning desire or goal. The themes deal with how we cope with change in a changing world. How we ourselves either embrace or are resistant to change. And what happens when we get what we thought we wanted.

What are some of the obstacles and adversaries you plan on throwing your characters' way? Can we expect, for example, Samurai versions of classic Marvel villains?

Struggling with their own demons and the adversaries thrown up by this violent, changing world is enough to keep anyone, even a re-imagined Marvel hero, busy.

The villain is based loosely on a historical figure. Logan has a number of supporting players whose identities will be revealed in the book that focuses on him.

David Aja, Mark Brooks, Giuseppe Camuncoli, David Mack, Ed McGuiness and John Cassaday are providing the covers for "5 Ronin" and the series rotating cast of interior artists include Tomm Cokker, Dalibor Talajic, Lawrence Campbell, Goran Parlov and Leandro Fernandez. Based on that roster, it sounds as though "5 Ronin" will be one of the most beautiful books Marvel publishes in 2011. What's it like to be working on a series with all these great artists?

This is the easiest question to answer so far. It's been amazing to see the artwork come through, both interior and cover work. Brilliant. To work with one of these very talented artists would be great. To collaborate with so many brilliant artists on one book is spectacular.

Have you thought about what you might do if fans really respond to "5 Ronin? Would you like to tell more stories with these characters? Or perhaps give some other Marvel characters the samurai treatment?

This story and these characters were devised with this finite story in mind. But you never know.

Any final thoughts you would like share about "5 Ronin?"

After a while you just want to stop talking about it and see the bloody thing in the stores. Each book seems to have its own unique quality, yet somehow and very strongly the books add up to a whole.

Marvel's Next Big Thing: "5 Ronin"

CBR: Marvel's Next Big Thing actually involves five things—or five people, rather. Wolverine, Psyclocke, the Punisher, Deadpool and the Hulk star in the upcoming five-issue, weekly miniseries "5 Ronin." The title re-imagines the quintet of heroes as masterless samurais in feudal Japan out for revenge. Writer Peter Milligan pens all five issues, while a rotating cast of artists pencil each installment, including Tomm Coker, Dalibor Talajic, Laurence Campbell, Goran Parlov and Leandro Fernandez.

Milligan and Marvel Editor Sebastian Girner spoke with reporters today in a conference call moderated by James Viscardi about the upcoming miniseries, which launches in March and runs throughout the month. CBR is there with LIVE coverage to help bring some guidance to "5 Ronin."

Things started off with discussion on how the idea came about. "The egg of this idea was born in Sebastian's great interest and passion in all things Japanese," said Milligan. "Sebastian and I made an omelet out of that egg."

Girner said that the samurai armor reminded him of superhero uniforms and he started putting things together on paper. "I tried to image which characters would," and took it from there, he said.

Talk then turned to the specific characters. "The characters changed a little," admitted Milligan. The writer said he was a big fan of the "Seven Samurai" film and concept. "The characters all represent an aspect of this Japanese society," he said. He said that it was interesting to see how these characters molded and became a part of the Japanese landscape as the brainstorming went on. Milligan said that Wolverine made the most sense, as did the Punisher, for the atmosphere and culture.

Girner said that it makes sense to a lot of people why Wolverine would be a vital character in the tale, and that other characters proved a little more different to make work. "We got further and further away from the historical roots to making the characters inhabiting the story of the world that they're in."

Psylocke is a character that might make you raise an eyebrow, Milligan said, but also argued that "Psylocke is the character that fits in most beautifully" with the story.

In regards to the story itself, Milligan went into a little bit of detail. Each chapter focuses on one of the characters, but the stories are intricately linked through a common catalyst. "All these characters have to rediscover as the story continues" that there's a reason they're all connected and drawn together, explained Milligan. They each have problems that stem from the same source.

The decision to have multiple artists said works brilliantly for the nature of the story, said Milligan. The writer said that each installment has a certain tone and atmosphere specific to that character and their story that it almost necessitates a different artist than the other story. Girner talked about the various artists involved and his previous work with them, including on "Daredevil: Noir," "Punisher MAX" and "Deadpool."

"Tomm worked a long time on page one and it's the opening page of this series and it's so detailed," said Milligan. The writer said he owes the artist a beer for how beautiful the image came out—an image based on an actual Japanese battle.

Question then opened up to the press. Milligan revealed that the story begins in 1600 in feudal Japan and follows a few years after that. "When we pick up, one age is coming to and end and the other is painfully about to be born," explained Milligan. Girner said that the story follows from 100 years of civil war and is an important era in Japanese history and culture. "A lot of great stories take place in the Eto Era," said Girner. Milligan pointed out that "Seven Samurai" takes place during this time.

In regards to the Hulk and how he fits in the story, Milligan said that he was the most interesting and counter-intuiative character. "He's not this rampaging Green Monster" revealed the writer. "He's a monk." The writer said the internal battle between Hulk and Banner actually represents what a monk is about—finding that balance within yourself.

Samurais themselves have become a legendary icon in popular culture, similar to the cowboy. In regards to the comparison of the two and how both have become romanticized, Milligan said that "the cowboy as we know him is an entire fabrication. The samurai obviously existed with their own code and conduct." The writer said that he took a good look at that code and their lives and reality of the samurai when researching for the story.

"The characters are meant to be recognizable," confirmed Milligan. The writer said that the characters are still "100 percent the characters we read" in regular Marvel books every month. When coming up with the story, they wanted to make sure to keep the core of the characters the same, despite the change of the setting. Girner added that each story plays with things that we know about each character. This went into not only the design of their outfits, but also keeping that inner turmoil and the heart of the character that went into their original creation at Marvel.

Milligan said that there aren't really other analogues of Marvel characters in the story. "The one character we haven't talked about was the villain of the piece," but that is not an analogue but based on a historical figure—a rather evil and wicked one, he said. Milligan said he turned want to turn into a gag of who you could fit into feudal Japan. The story is about these five characters and their problems specifically.

Newsarama: Milligan says that, of the main characters, Psylocke is the one that some "raise an eyebrow at" due to her inclusion, but he thinks she "fits in most beautifully." "My way into Psylocke, when I found out the metaphor of the butterfly, that was my way in to her character in this Japanese setting," Milligan adds.

How do the character-centric stories tie in together? "Each chapter focuses on one of these characters," Milligan says, and has a "standalone quality." "But they're intricately linked." Milligan says there's "another way they're connected" that he can't talk about until people read the book. "Their problems are caused by the same source," the writer adds. "It becomes very clear very quickly," what that linking element is, Girner says.

Girner says Laurence Campbell draws a "cold as hell" Punisher, which is why they wanted him for that issue. He adds that Parlov is maybe the best Punisher Max artist, but the only thing he draws better than Punisher is women, which is why he's on the Psylocke issue.

Milligan says that while you wouldn't think characters like Deadpool would translate, they are "immensely recognizable." "We structured each story with things we know about them," Girner says. Milligan says 5 Ronin's Deadpool couldn't be anyone else, and the Punisher is very close to his MU depictions. "We tried to see the people in there," Girner says. "Upholding a code of honor is an incredibly difficult thing to do when you're conflicted."

Which samurai character would you like to see someone dress up as at a con? Milligan: Psylocke. Girner: "The big, broad basket hat Deadpool wears."

Milligan: "One of my favorite moments is when Logan and Psylocke are getting to grips with each other, and the night has been so wild, that Logan isn't sure if they're fighting, or they're actually still having sex."

Marvel's Viscardi ends the call by saying that 5 Ronin will be one of the most attractive comics on the shelves, and a good opportunity for fans who want a Marvel book to be set outside of normal canon.

X-Men: The Days of Second Coming // Part 7

Source: IGN

1O. X-Factor

The Road to Second Coming: Though repairing their ties with the X-Men, X-Factor nonetheless decided to return to the streets of new York. But before they left, Layla Miller imparted some of her knowledge of the future to Cyclops. Layla is utterly convinced Cyclops will fail in his aim to save his people. For the steadfast mutant leader, this has been one of the hardest blows to his faith in Hope. Luckily, when the chips are down Cyclops may find that not all members of X-Factor are so unwilling to fight.

Peter David: "Even though Madrox and X-Factor aren't involving themselves in what the X-Men have to deal with, nevertheless they have people who are out to get them simply because they're mutants. This development allows us to acknowledge what's going on in Second Coming without it seeming wedged into the book."

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X-Men: Second Coming Preview