Which character are you really buying Captain Britain and Mi for?

[drwho]

Let us all be honest because I know I'm not buying this specifically for Captain Britain. So now who is everyone else really buying this book to see? From the list of Captain Britain, Pete Wisdom, Spitfire, John the Skrull, Faisa Hussain, Black Knight, Tink, and Captain Midlands. Which character is the biggest draw for you to this book?

[Monty_Cristo]

i'm buying it for the art.

[Deus ex Chris]

Elsa Bloodstone--even though she isn't in the book and hasn't been announced for the book. I have faith.


Seriously, I'm buying it because it seems like we're FINALLY getting around to an Excalibur team that actually makes sense and is more magic and less mutant. Plus, the creative team seems very promising.

Also, Spitfire will be fierce. FIERCE.

[Matt K]

Seriously, I'm buying it because it seems like we're FINALLY getting around to an Excalibur team that actually makes sense and is more magic and less mutant. Plus, the creative team seems very promising.


This is exactly why I'm buying plus I love most of the characters in it plus the one's from Wisdom who I'm assuming will appear from time to time.

[That JonoGuy]

I am a big fan of Black Knight, but mostly I am getting it because I love team books.

[IronStarks]

Im getting it cause its a Secret Invasion tie-in, then ill see if ill keep getting it

[wulfstone]

I'm getting it for the hope Union Jack will show up

[Green Goblin 4]

John the Skrull FTW

[tony ingram]

I'm getting it for the hope Union Jack will show up

He will, according to Paul Cornell. But i'm buying it because Captain Britain is the greatest hero in the Marvel Universe!

[carabas]

I'm buying it mostly because Paul Cornell is writing it.

[Alistair]

I'm buying it mostly because Paul Cornell is writing it.

Me too. If it's even half as good as the awesome Wisdom miniseries, it'll be excellent.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Seriously, I'm buying it because it seems like we're FINALLY getting around to an Excalibur team that actually makes sense and is more magic and less mutant. Plus, the creative team seems very promising.

Also, Spitfire will be fierce. FIERCE.

Agreed. Completely.

On character terms I'm buying it for Cap first, and Wisdom and Dane second.

But as a Marvel UK fanatic that also plays a hefty part as well, and of course the confidence I have in Paul Cornell.

All in all there are so many reasons why this book works for me.

[Karl H]

Anyone who doesn't say Captain Midlands is dead to me.

Although I really wanna see Captain Ipswich (my kinda hometown).

[bkdane]

I voted for the Black Knight. I think it's great that he is back with Captain Britain.

[jawbreaker]

I'll pick it up if Jono ever shows up.

[Will.S]

I voted for the Black Knight. I think it's great that he is back with Captain Britain.
Same here but I also agree with Chris O on the Captain Britain book being less of a mutant title.

That always drove me nuts during the NEX run and since it was Claremont it wasn't going to end the mutant ties anytime soon.

[Flâneur]

I'm gonna be on it like a rash because it's what Excalibur should be, because Cornell is awesome and I loved the Wisdom mini. The characters aren't selling factors for any book, in my case.

[MakeshiftHero]

Pete Wisdom FTW!

He's such a great character that is under used and not given enough credit.

I also like the fact that, what others have said, is that it feels more like a true UK/Excal. team than a mutant team.

[CaptainCanada]

I'm buying it for Paul Cornell, but if any one character's presence sold me on it, I suppose it would be Spitfire. Her appearance in Brubaker's "21st Century Blitz" really sold me on the character.

[Frank]

That's like choosing between your children wich one is your favorite.:biggrin:

Personaly i'm buying for Cornell and for having finally a decent chance to have a good Brit super-hero book.

Cap and Wisdom are the big draw for me and they fill a particularly different need, they represent a different zeitgeist of Rule Brittania super-heroes. While A. Moore's stories were most of the time "outthere" Cap is about the cause and straight forward heroism and imagination while Wisdom represent that beautiful cynical attitude of modern day Brit sensibilities with super-heroes that had started way back with Ellis/Hitch's Stormwatch.

[The Black Guardian]

I might buy it for Tink's boobies, but that's it.

[Michael P]

All of the characters sound interesting, but for me it's really a toss-up between Black Knight and John the Skrull. I developed a real fondness for Dane Whitman when I made up my Black Knight series pitch, and John the Skrull is a Skrull pretending to be John Lennon.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

I think that it's really great that there are so many different reasons that people are wanting to buy this series. It proves that it does have a broad enough appeal to keep it running as an ongoing series. That can only be a good thing.

[drwho]

I think that it's really great that there are so many different reasons that people are wanting to buy this series. It proves that it does have a broad enough appeal to keep it running as an ongoing series. That can only be a good thing.

On a bad note it could turn into one of those books where the writer makes everyone else more interesting than the main character.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

On a bad note it could turn into one of those books where the writer makes everyone else more interesting than the main character.

I doubt that will actually happen. Cornell's made it pretty clear of how much of a Captain Britain fan he is. He also seems to have a much stronger grasp of Cap than most writers have recently, in terms of the how the character began and his role within Marvel's Britain. That in itself reassures me.

[Babylon23]

I'm definitely buying this book for Captain Britain. He's been a personal favourite of mine for 20+ years now. I'm also interested in seeing Spitfire and the Black Knight, and hopefully Union Jack as well.

I'm probably one of about 5 people who isn't really all that interested in Wisdom. From the Wisdom miniseries, I'm actually most interested in John Raven.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

I'm definitely buying this book for Captain Britain. He's been a personal favourite of mine for 20+ years now. I'm also interested in seeing Spitfire and the Black Knight, and hopefully Union Jack as well.

I'm probably one of about 5 people who isn't really all that interested in Wisdom. From the Wisdom miniseries, I'm actually most interested in John Raven.

I would definitely be interested in reading more about Kid Killraven, yes. But Wisdom is a character who's always fun to read. Just because he so DOESN'T belong there, on many levels. :biggrin:

[Babylon23]

I would definitely be interested in reading more about Kid Killraven, yes. But Wisdom is a character who's always fun to read. Just because he so DOESN'T belong there, on many levels. :biggrin:

I think I'm just a little tired of the snarky chain smoking Brit characters that seem so prevailant these days. It seems like every time Ellis, Ennis or Millar are on a book, a snarky Brit is bound to show up.

Overall Wisdom isn't a bad character, and Cornell did some interesting things with him in the miniseries, I'm just more interested in everybody else.

[mightiness]

I will give it a try for the Black Knight but I don't think I am going to enjoy the writers approach on the character. But will try to have an open mind.

[Madrox84]

I'll be buying it to see more of Pete Wisdom, but Captain Britain is a very close second.

But mostly i'm looking forward to seeing a well written, well drawn British based Marvel book... I have been waiting for one for ages.

[sdman619]

I love Captain Britain but I love Black Knight most of all. But to me this whole concept of a motorcycle leather jacket Black Knight just kinda seems stupid and going back to the Ebony Blade seems a little redundant to. Personally I don't want to see Black Knight on any team other than the Avengers.

[sdman619]

I love Captain Britain but I love Black Knight most of all. But to me this whole concept of a motorcycle leather jacket Black Knight just kinda seems stupid and going back to the Ebony Blade seems a little redundant to. Personally I don't want to see Black Knight on any team other than the Avengers.

[Comet Man]

I love Captain Britain but I love Black Knight most of all. But to me this whole concept of a motorcycle leather jacket Black Knight just kinda seems stupid and going back to the Ebony Blade seems a little redundant to. Personally I don't want to see Black Knight on any team other than the Avengers.

I agree with you, but if we can't have him in Avengers, at least we have him somewhere. Also with you on his look and the ebony blade, but I'm sure that will all be addressed.

As far as Captain Britain being surrounded by characters more interestesting than him being a bad thing, I disagree with that. Everybody has a role, and his will be the glue that holds the team together. He doesn't have to be the most interesting character. Seinfeld was surrounded by characters more interesting than him, but he was just as important to the show's success.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

I will give it a try for the Black Knight but I don't think I am going to enjoy the writers approach on the character. But will try to have an open mind.

What makes you think that Mightiness?

I'll be buying it to see more of Pete Wisdom, but Captain Britain is a very close second.

But mostly i'm looking forward to seeing a well written, well drawn British based Marvel book... I have been waiting for one for ages.

Absolutely. A lot of people have been after one of those for quite some time.

I love Captain Britain but I love Black Knight most of all. But to me this whole concept of a motorcycle leather jacket Black Knight just kinda seems stupid and going back to the Ebony Blade seems a little redundant to. Personally I don't want to see Black Knight on any team other than the Avengers.

I think the chances of Dane being an Avenger any time in the next ten years is pretty slim. Basically the Avengers brad has changed too much for that to be a possibility, right now. So, for the time being, spending a while knocking about his ancestral home and working with one of his oldest friends sounds like a pretty winning combination.

We also don't know that the 'civvies' and the bike are anything more than what it currently appears to be - Dane having some time off from being a hero, and relaxing at home. And wouldn't you just know that the Skrulls would have to come and ruin that.

I can understand that you might not like the Ebony blade - but it's the one the editors want, and it's been back and around for several years, now. The whole legend of the blade, and the role of The Black Knight through history (As its guardian) has recently been expanded on.

You never know, this run might fix a few things, or at least try to explain them. We know for sure Strider will be turning up. I wouldn't worry too much.

As far as Captain Britain being surrounded by characters more interestesting than him being a bad thing, I disagree with that. Everybody has a role, and his will be the glue that holds the team together. He doesn't have to be the most interesting character. Seinfeld was surrounded by characters more interesting than him, but he was just as important to the show's success.

I totally agree with you Comet Man. I actually think that this will be the book's key strength in going forward after Secret Invasion.

[sdman619]

I think the chances of Dane being an Avenger any time in the next ten years is pretty slim. Basically the Avengers brad has changed too much for that to be a possibility, right now. So, for the time being, spending a while knocking about his ancestral home and working with one of his oldest friends sounds like a pretty winning combination.

We also don't know that the 'civvies' and the bike are anything more than what it currently appears to be - Dane having some time off from being a hero, and relaxing at home. And wouldn't you just know that the Skrulls would have to come and ruin that.

I can understand that you might not like the Ebony blade - but it's the one the editors want, and it's been back and around for several years, now. The whole legend of the blade, and the role of The Black Knight through history (As its guardian) has recently been expanded on.

You never know, this run might fix a few things, or at least try to explain them. We know for sure Strider will be turning up. I wouldn't worry too much.


I just think that he was a much more useful character with his photon sword. In the preview that we have already seen Dane is seen stabbing a Skrull what is the curse all of a sudden suppose to be gone. Are we really suppose to believe Dane wants to go back to being a statue. As for leather jacket Dane been there and done that, we don't need to resort back to the 90's.

[Madrox84]

What makes you think that Mightiness?

I'm curious to know that as well...

Absolutely. A lot of people have been after one of those for quite some time.

Indeed, i have been waiting for around ten years now... Oh god now i feel old...

[bkdane]

I just think that he was a much more useful character with his photon sword. In the preview that we have already seen Dane is seen stabbing a Skrull what is the curse all of a sudden suppose to be gone. Are we really suppose to believe Dane wants to go back to being a statue. As for leather jacket Dane been there and done that, we don't need to resort back to the 90's.

The perfect BK to me is one that would use a horse like Valinor (black with bat wings) and the Ebony Blade, in a sword and sorcery setting (I think Frank Tieri's New Excalibur run was on the right track). However, since Marvel has rarely used the character over the last few years, I am more than willing to see what Paul has in store for him.

[bkdane]

I just think that he was a much more useful character with his photon sword. In the preview that we have already seen Dane is seen stabbing a Skrull what is the curse all of a sudden suppose to be gone. Are we really suppose to believe Dane wants to go back to being a statue. As for leather jacket Dane been there and done that, we don't need to resort back to the 90's.

Green blood doesn't count!

[Babylon23]

In the preview that we have already seen Dane is seen stabbing a Skrull what is the curse all of a sudden suppose to be gone. Are we really suppose to believe Dane wants to go back to being a statue.

I'm guessing from comments made by Cornell that this will be addressed in the series. At the moment, there's a couple of Ebony Blades running around (I believe the Black Panther has one).

From what I can gather, there were a few continuity stuff-ups from writers (Tieri and Hudlin specifically) regarding the status of the Black Knight and who had the Ebony Blade. So the sword Dane has may not be the actual Ebony Blade at all.

Does anybody know how the Bloodwraith story from Busiek's Avengers was resolved? Last time I saw, Bloodwraith and the real Ebony Blade were both trapped in Slorenia.

[Dermie]

Black Knight is my favourite of the group, and the one that most grabs my interest. But I'm also curious to see what Spitfire is up to, and I hope to check in with Union Jack as well. I am also fond of Captain Britain...but it is Dane and Jackie who are drawing me to this book.

[Dermie]

Does anybody know how the Bloodwraith story from Busiek's Avengers was resolved? Last time I saw, Bloodwraith and the real Ebony Blade were both trapped in Slorenia.

It has yet to be resolved on-panel. The last we knew, Bloodwraith had the Ebony Blade and was trapped in Slorenia. Black Knight and Firebird were assigned to a SHIELD monitoring station outside Slorenia to stand guard over Bloodwraith and find a way to free him from the curse of the sword.

Since then, the sword has apparently turned up in other locations, with no mention of the Bloodwraith, or how the sword ended up outside of Slorenia. Presumably the situation was resolved in some untold tale...but we have yet to hear the details of it.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

I just think that he was a much more useful character with his photon sword.

You might think that, sdman, but as far as the editors are concerned that sword has been gone 7 years, and it won't be returning. That was decision made long before Dane even showed up on New Excalibur. I really don't think there's much that can be done about that - other than possibly explain where it's gone.

Right now the Ebony Blade is the big concern. Dane cannot afford to let that go.

In the preview that we have already seen Dane is seen stabbing a Skrull what is the curse all of a sudden suppose to be gone. Are we really suppose to believe Dane wants to go back to being a statue.

Does Skrull blood count?

As for leather jacket Dane been there and done that, we don't need to resort back to the 90's.

Are you honestly suggesting that Dane should wear plate mail at all times?:eek:

The perfect BK to me is one that would use a horse like Valinor (black with bat wings) and the Ebony Blade, in a sword and sorcery setting (I think Frank Tieri's New Excalibur run was on the right track). However, since Marvel has rarely used the character over the last few years, I am more than willing to see what Paul has in store for him.

And I think that is what you'll be seeing here.

I'm guessing from comments made by Cornell that this will be addressed in the series. At the moment, there's a couple of Ebony Blades running around (I believe the Black Panther has one).

From what I can gather, there were a few continuity stuff-ups from writers (Tieri and Hudlin specifically) regarding the status of the Black Knight and who had the Ebony Blade. So the sword Dane has may not be the actual Ebony Blade at all.

Indeed. I see a couple of issues crossing over with Black Panther being almost inevitable down the line. And that would be a good thing, in my eyes.

Does anybody know how the Bloodwraith story from Busiek's Avengers was resolved? Last time I saw, Bloodwraith and the real Ebony Blade were both trapped in Slorenia.

Indeed. Nobody seems to be able to answer that one. Not even Joe Q.

[mightiness]

I just think that this writer is already showing some some disregard for past continuity(i.e.) Dane stabbing and killing a Skrull. The newer crop of writers tend to ignore past continuity and just change whatever they don't like about a character to make it fit with the story they want to tell. Plus how do you have a new series set in the UK and not have Union Jack as a prominent member. I would much rather see Union Jack (a British hero) working for MI whatever than Black Knight (who is American). I think Black Knight is a fantastic character but I never seen a side of Dane where he would decide to be a government operative. I just for see this this series to be the kind of continuity ignoring series that Black Panther has become. But I am hopeful I am wrong.

[Deus ex Chris]

Indeed. I see a couple of issues crossing over with Black Panther being almost inevitable down the line. And that would be a good thing, in my eyes.
Ew, that would be a terrible thing in my eyes. I wouldn't mind Cornell handling that particular plot line (and thus using Black Panther and possibly Storm), but I don't want to see a crossover with a dying book that has a not-so-good writer.

[Loki]

I just think that this writer is already showing some some disregard for past continuity(i.e.) Dane stabbing and killing a Skrull. The newer crop of writers tend to ignore past continuity and just change whatever they don't like about a character to make it fit with the story they want to tell. Plus how do you have a new series set in the UK and not have Union Jack as a prominent member. I would much rather see Union Jack (a British hero) working for MI whatever than Black Knight (who is American). I think Black Knight is a fantastic character but I never seen a side of Dane where he would decide to be a government operative. I just for see this this series to be the kind of continuity ignoring series that Black Panther has become. But I am hopeful I am wrong.

Paul Cornell is a self-admitted lover of continuity. As far as Dane stabbing and killing a Skrull, you've got to remember that Dane did spend a long time fighting in the Crusades, and that while further killing might sicken him, I don't doubt he would kill if he felt he had no other option - such as when he is fighting an invading army of superpowered aliens bent on conquering his homeworld and subjugating his entire species. And if he really felt he had no other choice, then he'd probably risk the blade's curse as a necessary price to pay.

As for his working on a British team, I have no problem with him doing so. Of all the non-UK heroes who have worked with Excalibur, he is the one with the right ties both to the UK and to Captain Britain for his presence to make sense.

[drwho]

We already know the blade he has isnt the ebony blade. It was mentioned in new excalibur so if this is just some knock off i dont see a problem with him skewering skrulls. What i do find odd is how tough these skrulls are supposed to be and captain britain can knock their heads off. Also maybe that helmet he has on is a motorcycle helmet and not the usual armor helmet he has.

[Michael P]

Paul Cornell is a self-admitted lover of continuity. As far as Dane stabbing and killing a Skrull, you've got to remember that Dane did spend a long time fighting in the Crusades, and that while further killing might sicken him, I don't doubt he would kill if he felt he had no other option - such as when he is fighting an invading army of superpowered aliens bent on conquering his homeworld and subjugating his entire species. And if he really felt he had no other choice, then he'd probably risk the blade's curse as a necessary price to pay.

As for his working on a British team, I have no problem with him doing so. Of all the non-UK heroes who have worked with Excalibur, he is the one with the right ties both to the UK and to Captain Britain for his presence to make sense.

This *is* a fecking war. They're an invading army. And Dane may be American by birth, but surely he remembers Churchill's famous "We shall fight on the beaches" speech.

Plus, this is the guy who made the call to execute the Supreme Intelligence. He's obviously not squeamish about getting blood on his hands if the situation calls for it.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

There's a great new interview up on Newsarama today.

http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=155363

PC does mention the brilliant opportunity do a mini war epic. :biggrin:

[mightiness]

This *is* a fecking war. They're an invading army. And Dane may be American by birth, but surely he remembers Churchill's famous "We shall fight on the beaches" speech.

Plus, this is the guy who made the call to execute the Supreme Intelligence. He's obviously not squeamish about getting blood on his hands if the situation calls for it.

Dane however didn't "make the call" to execute the Supreme Intelligence that was Iron Man and the view the Supreme Intelligence as a machine not a living being.

[Babylon23]

Personally, I think having Dane on this team makes perfect sense. He and Brain are best friends after all. If one of my best friends invited me to work in England with him I'd be there in a second.

As others have pointed out, Dane killing an invading alien soldier also makes sense, given his past as a warrior in the Crusades. While killing may sicken him, I can perfectly understand him resorting to this, given the circumstances.

[Pyro]

Does anyone know if Kelsey Leigh is going to be in this book? Because the last time we saw her, Wisdom said she works for the government now. Please don't throw things at me, but I kind of like her.

Beyond that, I'm most looking forward to the art. Leonard Kirk is wonderful.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Personally, I think having Dane on this team makes perfect sense. He and Brain are best friends after all. If one of my best friends invited me to work in England with him I'd be there in a second.

And of course, Dane does live in England. It's not like he isn't in the area.:biggrin:

As others have pointed out, Dane killing an invading alien soldier also makes sense, given his past as a warrior in the Crusades. While killing may sicken him, I can perfectly understand him resorting to this, given the circumstances.

Totally. This is war. Not an isolated event. War. It is perfectly comparable to the Crusades.

Does anyone know if Kelsey Leigh is going to be in this book? Because the last time we saw her, Wisdom said she works for the government now. Please don't throw things at me, but I kind of like her.

I won't throw anything. Because I always liked her, too. I think that Claremont really mucked her up, by bringing her into New Excalibur only to replace her her role in the story with Sage (Although I'm not really sure I should be surprised). I don't know if there are any direct plans for her - but there is potential to follow up on her.

After all (Although Claremont forgot about this, as well) the Cap Mythos has this rule now that Sword choosing Captains gain more power, but must sacrifice any links to their former life. Kelsey had it made clear to her that should she ever reveal her true identity to her former family, after being brought back to life, they would all die. And die in nasty ways, at that.

And yet here is Claremont, doing exactly that at the end of New Excalibur. In that one page he's just, by logic, condemned Kelsey's children to death. That needs a follow up. Maybe the death isn't instantaneous? Maybe it's a drawn out thing? But it needs explaining!

Beyond that, I'm most looking forward to the art. Leonard Kirk is wonderful.

Absolutely.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Personally, I think having Dane on this team makes perfect sense. He and Brain are best friends after all. If one of my best friends invited me to work in England with him I'd be there in a second.

And of course, Dane does live in England. It's not like he isn't in the area.:biggrin:

As others have pointed out, Dane killing an invading alien soldier also makes sense, given his past as a warrior in the Crusades. While killing may sicken him, I can perfectly understand him resorting to this, given the circumstances.

Totally. This is war. Not an isolated event. War. It is perfectly comparable to the Crusades.

Does anyone know if Kelsey Leigh is going to be in this book? Because the last time we saw her, Wisdom said she works for the government now. Please don't throw things at me, but I kind of like her.

I won't throw anything. Because I always liked her, too. I think that Claremont really mucked her up, by bringing her into New Excalibur only to replace her her role in the story with Sage (Although I'm not really sure I should be surprised). I don't know if there are any direct plans for her - but there is potential to follow up on her.

After all (Although Claremont forgot about this, as well) the Cap Mythos has this rule now that Sword choosing Captains gain more power, but must sacrifice any links to their former life. Kelsey had it made clear to her that should she ever reveal her true identity to her former family, after being brought back to life, they would all die. And die in nasty ways, at that.

And yet here is Claremont, doing exactly that at the end of New Excalibur. In that one page he's just, by logic, condemned Kelsey's children to death. That needs a follow up. Maybe the death isn't instantaneous? Maybe it's a drawn out thing? But it needs explaining!

Beyond that, I'm most looking forward to the art. Leonard Kirk is wonderful.

Absolutely.

[sdman619]

After all (Although Claremont forgot about this, as well) the Cap Mythos has this rule now that Sword choosing Captains gain more power, but must sacrifice any links to their former life. Kelsey had it made clear to her that should she ever reveal her true identity to her former family, after being brought back to life, they would all die. And die in nasty ways, at that.

And yet here is Claremont, doing exactly that at the end of New Excalibur. In that one page he's just, by logic, condemned Kelsey's children to death. That needs a follow up. Maybe the death isn't instantaneous? Maybe it's a drawn out thing? But it needs explaining!


Is this really part of the Captain Britain mythos or is this something that Chuck Austen created? If it is something Chuck Austen created Claremont can do what he will with it as far as I am concern. Chuck Austen is a continuity ignoring joke of a writer who has no business working in shared universes.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Is this really part of the Captain Britain mythos or is this something that Chuck Austen created? If it is something Chuck Austen created Claremont can do what he will with it as far as I am concern. Chuck Austen is a continuity ignoring joke of a writer who has no business working in shared universes.

Put simply, Chuck Austen expanded a grey area nobody had ever worked with before. And made it work, weirdly. He actually understood and acknowledged the symbiotic nature of each Captain Britain being powered through the collective consciousness of the people of Britain, and his Lionheart of Avalon storyline from Avengers was a remarkably faithful bit of story-telling to all those Captain Britain stories most American readers never got to see.

Chris Claremont on the other hand (Weirdly, because he created Captain Britain) tends to ignore all but the areas of the mythos he's interested in - more recently to the point of total continuity contradiction. That usually doesn't go any further than Roma, Saturnyne and the Captain Britain Corps in their most superficial form. He has ignored a lot of the actual structure of Otherworld that was set up in the 70s and 80s, and even ignored that Captain britain became Guardian of the Marvel Omniverse back in 2000 - by literally writing over it as if it had never happened, and with no explanation as to how or why.

I never thought I'd ever say it, but if I HAD to have a toss up between which of the two I would prefer writing Captain Britain these days I'd actually side with Austen. Claremont just doesn't get that the mythos has grown into something far bigger than he originally devised, and simply doesn't do his homework any more.

[sdman619]

I never thought I'd ever say it, but if I HAD to have a toss up between which of the two I would prefer writing Captain Britain these days I'd actually side with Austen. Claremont just doesn't get that the mythos has grown into something far bigger than he originally devised, and simply doesn't do his homework any more.

Wow ok you just lost are credibility in my eyes. And personally I hated the idea of Captain Britain being master of the Ominverse, so I was glad to see that done away. Claremont has had some issues recently but his body of work is nonetheless one of the most impressive comic resumes ever. Chuck Austen on the other hand is widely regarded as a hack. Is he even writing a comic at this point?

[kcekada]

I answered Spitfire, because I was a big fan of 1970s Invaders.

The truth, however, is that I'm buying it for Cap, Dane and Spitfire.

Also, Leonard Kirk is a great storyteller/artist.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Wow ok you just lost are credibility in my eyes. And personally I hated the idea of Captain Britain being master of the Ominverse, so I was glad to see that done away. Claremont has had some issues recently but his body of work is nonetheless one of the most impressive comic resumes ever. Chuck Austen on the other hand is widely regarded as a hack. Is he even writing a comic at this point?

You can't fault Claremont for his past work. The man is a legend, and the ideas he has had either vetoed by editors or simply discarded, are better than most of the X-Title output that we saw in the 90s put together.

My problem here is that in the last year I think that CC has finally started to live up to the vast majority of criticisms which people have thrown at him post 2000. It's a real shame. But it has happened. The pet characters, the clunky dialogue, the lot.

Don't get me wrong, I was a bit peeved (To say the least) when Brian was made Guardian - because as far as I saw one of my favourite characters was headed for a long period in limbo. When I discovered that we were getting a NEW Captain Britain - who wasn't Brian - I was even more angry. But then I actually read the story. And the concept of Brian now being the mentor in the background for this new Captain, testing Kelsey exactly as Merlyn had tested him, that... just worked! It was a proper full circle of development completed. Ad it wasn't as if Brian was gone. He could be brought back at any time as Captain, but in the meantime it re-established and re-introduced the elements of the Captain Britain Mythos which so many people never read.

You know the bits where he actually means something TO Britain, and isn't there purely for comic relief. Being Guardian was also what Merlyn had always been testing Brian for - it was the reason for his creation. This was always hinted at. He had fulfilled his destiny. I could live with that. It made sense. I was pretty happy to see Roma abdicate as well (Always preferred Merlyn)

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't happy to see Claremont bring Captain Britain back, but I honestly couldn't believe how badly it was done.

He couldn't be Guardian forever, no. You can't have a man trying to be a God. He'll always fail. What I had hoped for was for Brian getting involved in House of M, and leaving his post as Guardian, to be failing Merlyn's final test. That kind of concept would have had some gravitas.

What we got was a plain denial that Brian had ever been Guardian, Roma back from the dead and Guardian with no explanation, Brian no longer wearing his father's uniform and no longer in command of both Sword and Amulet.

I was dumbfounded. Were we going to get any explanation for this continuity mess? Apparently not. None was ever offered. And, in fact, it didn't even stop there. We got more confusion as New Excalibur continued.

*Brian apparently remembers all about House of M, but never refers to it after issue one.

*He states that something is blocking him from returning to Otherworld, yet when the eXiles crossover arrives magically that's no problem any more.

*He explains to Psylocke that the Captain they fought named Albion appears to be an alternate universe version of himself, who chose the Sword of Might rather than the Amulet. Before Kelsey he'd just assumed that all Captain chose the Amulet, and he worries that there may be may more like Albion out there. Yet issues later, when Sage and Dazzler pose the very same theories, Brian reacts with shock, and states that he had never even thought of these thing before!

*Claremont even has characters like Saturnyne saying things like 'I don't know why Roma favours Brian's so much. What's so special about him?' as if to cover over his mistake. Well, maybe the fact that until recently he was your boss, having been made Guardian after being one of the few men to ever unite the powers of The Sword and The Amulet without going insane. There was a whole series about that. How did YOU manage to miss it?

*Merlyn returns - only now he' s pure evil. Apparently he wants Roma's 'Knowledge' which is apparently the true power of the Guardian. this has never been mentioned before in any existing continuity, and makes very little sense. Merlyn WAS Guardian, he HAD that knowledge. And besides, if the Guardian HAS this knowledge then why does Brian have it? Most confusing.

The real killer though, is that Claremont then takes this knowledge and gives it Sage of all characters. The whole of the X-Men: Die by the Sword mini series comes off like one big Ram Raid on the Captain Britain mythos, to shoehorn the elements Claremont wants to keep into New eXiles.It takes casualties and seriously cheapens Captain Britain as a whole, leaving the whole of Otherworld as one big mess.

If any of you have read all of this, and can honestly say that you would prefer that to Chuck Austen I have to wonder if you are not a little 'gone in the head'. Frankly, after reading two years of New Excalibur I think that most writers could do a better job than he did. Any writer willing to do some basic homework...

But thankfully, Captain Britain & MI:13 has been given somebody I'd class a fair bit better than just any writer.

[sdman619]

You can't fault Claremont for his past work. The man is a legend, and the ideas he has had either vetoed by editors or simply discarded, are better than most of the X-Title output that we saw in the 90s put together.

If any of you have read all of this, and can honestly say that you would prefer that to Chuck Austen I have to wonder if you are not a little 'gone in the head'. Frankly, after reading two years of New Excalibur I think that most writers could do a better job than he did. Any writer willing to do some basic homework...

But thankfully, Captain Britain & MI:13 has been given somebody I'd class a fair bit better than just any writer.

But ultimately the one thing that makes me so down on Claremont right now was the X-Men: Die by the Sword mini series in why

I argue that ultimately it is the editor's fault that so much went wrong. It is their job to catch errors before print and to make sure the quality is up to par and that there is some symbolism of continuity. If the series was so terrible why would you continue to collect Excalibur for 2yrs and then collect the Die by the Sword mini. I would think that a better approach is to vote with your dollars by not buying a comic that doesn't meet you standard of quality writing. If people are buying crap the companies will continue to sell it.

I do appreciate your insight though.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

I argue that ultimately it is the editor's fault that so much went wrong. It is their job to catch errors before print and to make sure the quality is up to par and that there is some symbolism of continuity.

They must certainly shoulder some of the blame, yes. But it was just that it went SO wrong that you can't exactly forgive the writer for not researching the basics of the characters position within Marvel at the time.

If the series was so terrible why would you continue to collect Excalibur for 2yrs and then collect the Die by the Sword mini.

Put simply, I'm a huge Captain Britain fan, and the prospects of a series featuring three of my favourite characters from the mythos (Merlyn, Jaspers and The Fury) was to much to pass up. I also quite genuinely believed up until fairly late on that Claremont COULD and would turn it around - fill in the gaps, fix the mess. I was gutted that in the end he made no attempt of the kind... :(

I would think that a better approach is to vote with your dollars by not buying a comic that doesn't meet you standard of quality writing. If people are buying crap the companies will continue to sell it.

I do appreciate your insight though.

To be fair, by the time I felt like voting with my feet we already had rumblings that Cornell was taking over. I decided to see it out regardless. Excalibur remains probably the one title I will always follow. It was the book which really got me INTO comics back in the 80s. Some books you can forgive - despite their crimes. :biggrin:

[bkdane]

Personally, I think having Dane on this team makes perfect sense. He and Brain are best friends after all. If one of my best friends invited me to work in England with him I'd be there in a second.

As others have pointed out, Dane killing an invading alien soldier also makes sense, given his past as a warrior in the Crusades. While killing may sicken him, I can perfectly understand him resorting to this, given the circumstances.

I read that the writer of Avengers:Initiative said he thought of the Black Knight as being to "British" to be used in that book. He might have said that because he knew MI:13 was being planned.

I agree that Dane would kill under alien invasion circumstances.

[mightiness]

I read that the writer of Avengers:Initiative said he thought of the Black Knight as being to "British" to be used in that book. He might have said that because he knew MI:13 was being planned.

I agree that Dane would kill under alien invasion circumstances.

But if you look at the pic it is one Skrull not a legion of them. I seriously doubt Dane would result to killing someone so casually. Dane has always avoided killing in recent time with the exception of the Supreme Intelligence, whom he thought of as a machine. Dane would not risk the curse once again, once he was free of it he completely abandoned using the ebony blade. Why would he resort to killing. I highly doubt the color of blood makes any difference, anyone remember Marrina when Namor use the ebony blade to kill his alien wife after she mutated.

[Babylon23]

I read that the writer of Avengers:Initiative said he thought of the Black Knight as being to "British" to be used in that book. He might have said that because he knew MI:13 was being planned.

Possibly. I've always been a fan of bringing Dane into Excalibur, given his strong ties to England, Otherworld and Captain Britain. It's seems a more logical place for him these days given the current state of the Avengers titles. He'd be a poor fit for Bendis' teams.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

I read that the writer of Avengers:Initiative said he thought of the Black Knight as being to "British" to be used in that book. He might have said that because he knew MI:13 was being planned.

That's interesting. I did not know that.

But if you look at the pic it is one Skrull not a legion of them. I seriously doubt Dane would result to killing someone so casually. Dane has always avoided killing in recent time with the exception of the Supreme Intelligence, whom he thought of as a machine. Dane would not risk the curse once again, once he was free of it he completely abandoned using the ebony blade. Why would he resort to killing. I highly doubt the color of blood makes any difference, anyone remember Marrina when Namor use the ebony blade to kill his alien wife after she mutated.

And how do you know the context of that one panel? How do you know that the Skrull in question even died? I think we are overanalysing this a bit.

Possibly. I've always been a fan of bringing Dane into Excalibur, given his strong ties to England, Otherworld and Captain Britain. It's seems a more logical place for him these days given the current state of the Avengers titles. He'd be a poor fit for Bendis' teams.

Too true. Dane wouldn't even be a good fit for MIGHTY Avengers. He doesn't fit the tone, anymore.

[Gaastra]

I hope death head shows up for this book.

He could add some comedy to the team.

I grew up reading old invaders comics so it's strange seeing spitfire so bloodthirsty. (no pun intended)

[matthewaos]

I'm buying it cause of SI

[Cruelly_Innocent]

The moment that they announced Dane Whitman I decided I'm going to reading this for a as long as he is in it

[Guest_1001]

But if you look at the pic it is one Skrull not a legion of them. I seriously doubt Dane would result to killing someone so casually.

I joined up just so I could point this out and forever be thought of as observant. If you see the other preview pictures floating around, you'll notice that that one Skrull is driving some kind of machine, clearly causing havoc. If you look at it in this context, it makes more sense as to why Dane would take the risk of killing a single Skrull:

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/3258/20618611mt1.png

And now the debate will start as to why Dane didn't just smash up the controls or weaponry instead of taking the risk of killing the Skrull. However, I'm sorely disappointed to see you clearly underestimate the Skrulls, mightiness; a single Skrull can do a lot of damage. Secret Invasion #1 should be a prime example.

Finally, my two cents: A) I voted for Captain Britain and B) I like Dane's civilian clothing and motorbike.

[rwhknight]

I love the Black Knight and will generally collect anything he is in. But those panels are not the best in terms of art. I am a little disappointed. Also I agree that going back to the ebony blade with all of its flaws is really an idea that doesn't make much sense.

[Guest_1001]

I actually think the art is slightly above-average. Particularly the Spitfire panel. I was a bit apprehensive about Leonard Kirk's art after seeing his site a while back but thought this looked great.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

And now the debate will start as to why Dane didn't just smash up the controls or weaponry instead of taking the risk of killing the Skrull. However, I'm sorely disappointed to see you clearly underestimate the Skrulls, mightiness; a single Skrull can do a lot of damage. Secret Invasion #1 should be a prime example.

Finally, my two cents: A) I voted for Captain Britain and B) I like Dane's civilian clothing and motorbike.

Welcome aboard, Guest_1001. I think we share a fairly similar viewpoint there.

I love the Black Knight and will generally collect anything he is in. But those panels are not the best in terms of art. I am a little disappointed. Also I agree that going back to the ebony blade with all of its flaws is really an idea that doesn't make much sense.

What exactly are you disliking about the artwork, rwhknight - out of curiosity. I'm seeing some pretty solid work here. A balance between the serious and the humourous, which is after all the tone that any British centred title is likely to aim for.

In terms of the Ebony Blade? Well, I know that some Black Knight fans don't like the unexplained switch back - but it's all a little bit too late after the event, now. 7 years too late.

It may have escaped some people's attention but here is a picture of Dane appearing in Excalibur vol 2 (The 4 issue mini series sometimes referred to, but never actually called, 'Sword of Power') from 2000.

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/6670/excaliburvol2gq5.jpg

This, to my knowledge, may well be his first proper appearance in Marvel after Heroes for Hire - and, yes, that's the Ebony Blade he's carrying. The same Ebony Blade he's been carrying in every appearance since.

Aside from this, from a recent stories POV we've had it revealed that Sir Percy was NOT the first Black Knight, and that there were several before him. That entire mythos has been expanded a little further. And we have two Ebony Blades currently live in the Marvel universe which need explaining away. Captain Britain even knows that T'Challa has the other one. In what world are those stories not worth following up on?

[bkdane]

I love the Black Knight and will generally collect anything he is in. But those panels are not the best in terms of art. I am a little disappointed. Also I agree that going back to the ebony blade with all of its flaws is really an idea that doesn't make much sense.

I also try to get books that the Black Knight is in. However, when I think of the Black Knight I think of the Ebony Blade, not the "Avalon" or lightsaber version. The whole theme of Tieri's New Excalibur Black Knight stories was addiction. I think Paul might pick up on that, especially since he hinted that Dane thinks he has the "real" Ebony Blade and might not have. I also like that Dane (pretty much thought to be a Christian-he fought in the Crusades along side King Richard) will develop a relationship with Faiza, a muslim.

[bkdane]

Welcome aboard, Guest_1001. I think we share a fairly similar viewpoint there.



What exactly are you disliking about the artwork, rwhknight - out of curiosity. I'm seeing some pretty solid work here. A balance between the serious and the humourous, which is after all the tone that any British centred title is likely to aim for.

In terms of the Ebony Blade? Well, I know that some Black Knight fans don't like the unexplained switch back - but it's all a little bit too late after the event, now. 7 years too late.

It may have escaped some people's attention but here is a picture of Dane appearing in Excalibur vol 2 (The 4 issue mini series sometimes referred to, but never actually called, 'Sword of Power') from 2000.

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/6670/excaliburvol2gq5.jpg

This, to my knowledge, may well be his first proper appearance in Marvel after Heroes for Hire - and, yes, that's the Ebony Blade he's carrying. The same Ebony Blade he's been carrying in every appearance since.

Aside from this, from a recent stories POV we've had it revealed that Sir Percy was NOT the first Black Knight, and that there were several before him. That entire mythos has been expanded a little further. And we have two Ebony Blades currently live in the Marvel universe which need explaining away. Captain Britain even knows that T'Challa has the other one. In what world are those stories not worth following up on?

I am not sure about that being the Ebony Blade in that story even though it was drawn that way. I think that was the sword of light and shield of night Avalon version. He lent Strider to Cap in that story..

[Babylon23]

And we have two Ebony Blades currently live in the Marvel universe which need explaining away.

Possibly even three, given that the Bloodwraith story was never resolved.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

I also try to get books that the Black Knight is in. However, when I think of the Black Knight I think of the Ebony Blade, not the "Avalon" or lightsaber version. The whole theme of Tieri's New Excalibur Black Knight stories was addiction.

Much as though that story was littered with inaccuracies as far as the Captain Britain and Otherworld side of things went the actual parts relating directly to the Black Knight were pretty interesting. I really did like the ideas it brought back to the table.

I think Paul might pick up on that, especially since he hinted that Dane thinks he has the "real" Ebony Blade and might not have.

I think it's certainly worth working with. The Tieri story provided a little bit of expansion, and as long as T'Challa has that other blade there's always potential story waiting.

I also like that Dane (pretty much thought to be a Christian-he fought in the Crusades along side King Richard) will develop a relationship with Faiza, a muslim.

It's an interesting idea, isn't it. It certainly sounds like Faiza will be training with Dane - and I think that will show of Dane just as much as develop her.

I am not sure about that being the Ebony Blade in that story even though it was drawn that way. I think that was the sword of light and shield of night Avalon version. He lent Strider to Cap in that story..

It may well have been intended to be the Sword of Light (Let's be honest it would be far from the only art error in that series) but throughout Dane is always shown holding a jet black sword. He certainly DID call Strider, but that blade was always jet black - and not any kind of lighter metallic tone.

You know, I feel pretty sure that it was with this series that the confusion probably began. Even if it was an art error I think the Ebony Blade probably made it back into continuity because of this series. Right or wrong, though, it has been established since then.

Possibly even three, given that the Bloodwraith story was never resolved.

Indeed. Although I doubt that will ever get followed up on!

Seriously, if it hadn't been for a few people on the Internet mentioning it, and the question getting posed to Joe Q back when he was still DOING Joe Fridays at Newsarama, the fact that we had two ebony blades out there at the same time would probably have gone unnoticed! :biggrin:

[The Sword Is Drawn]

I also try to get books that the Black Knight is in. However, when I think of the Black Knight I think of the Ebony Blade, not the "Avalon" or lightsaber version. The whole theme of Tieri's New Excalibur Black Knight stories was addiction.

Much as though that story was littered with inaccuracies as far as the Captain Britain and Otherworld side of things went the actual parts relating directly to the Black Knight were pretty interesting. I really did like the ideas it brought back to the table.

I think Paul might pick up on that, especially since he hinted that Dane thinks he has the "real" Ebony Blade and might not have.

I think it's certainly worth working with. The Tieri story provided a little bit of expansion, and as long as T'Challa has that other blade there's always potential story waiting.

I also like that Dane (pretty much thought to be a Christian-he fought in the Crusades along side King Richard) will develop a relationship with Faiza, a muslim.

It's an interesting idea, isn't it. It certainly sounds like Faiza will be training with Dane - and I think that will show of Dane just as much as develop her.

I am not sure about that being the Ebony Blade in that story even though it was drawn that way. I think that was the sword of light and shield of night Avalon version. He lent Strider to Cap in that story..

It may well have been intended to be the Sword of Light (Let's be honest it would be far from the only art error in that series) but throughout Dane is always shown holding a jet black sword. He certainly DID call Strider, but that blade was always jet black - and not any kind of lighter metallic tone.

You know, I feel pretty sure that it was with this series that the confusion probably began. Even if it was an art error I think the Ebony Blade probably made it back into continuity because of this series. Right or wrong, though, it has been established since then.

Possibly even three, given that the Bloodwraith story was never resolved.

Indeed. Although I doubt that will ever get followed up on!

Seriously, if it hadn't been for a few people on the Internet mentioning it, and the question getting posed to Joe Q back when he was still DOING Joe Fridays at Newsarama, the fact that we had two ebony blades out there at the same time would probably have gone unnoticed! :biggrin:

[kidpernicious]

Seriously, if it hadn't been for a few people on the Internet mentioning it, and the question getting posed to Joe Q back when he was still DOING Joe Fridays at Newsarama, the fact that we had two ebony blades out there at the same time would probably have gone unnoticed! :biggrin:

Not if you ever give more than a casual glance at a Black Panther thread. Ebony Blade in BP is pretty much THE go-to move for griping about Hudlin's disrespect for continuity.

Anyway, I'm ALWAYS of a mind that a glaring continuity glitch should be addressed sooner rather than later, and absolutely hope Dane gets into what's what with the Ebony Blade. I find when writers actually tackle this type of problem head-on it usually forces some entertaining creativity into the story. Then again, there's always the wayward crap retcon that pisses half the internet off with a lousy explanation. But oh well. I'd like to see that chance taken.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Not if you ever give more than a casual glance at a Black Panther thread. Ebony Blade in BP is pretty much THE go-to move for griping about Hudlin's disrespect for continuity.

Sorry if I didn't make it clear Kidernicious, but that's exactly what I was getting at. If fans hadn't raised the issue I doubt that anybody at Marvel would have even been aware. :rolleyes:

Anyway, I'm ALWAYS of a mind that a glaring continuity glitch should be addressed sooner rather than later, and absolutely hope Dane gets into what's what with the Ebony Blade. I find when writers actually tackle this type of problem head-on it usually forces some entertaining creativity into the story. Then again, there's always the wayward crap retcon that pisses half the internet off with a lousy explanation. But oh well. I'd like to see that chance taken.

Sooner is better than later, I totally agree. If a major continuity error goes unchecked the longer it's left the more glaring the error becomes, the more it grows and the worse it gets.

Just look at what happened to the Captain Britain/Otherworld Mythos by the end of X-Men: Die by the sword. One error during House of M built into a huge problem, and several stories simply making no sense.

I don't think it's too late for the Ebony Blade, as long as it's addressed that there currently are two of them out there, Captain Britain knows T'Challa has the other one, and a decision is eventually made as to how this has come about. There's plenty of ways it could be credibly explained.

[kidpernicious]

Sorry if I didn't make it clear Kidernicious, but that's exactly what I was getting at. If fans hadn't raised the issue I doubt that anybody at Marvel would have even been aware. :rolleyes:


Was only specifying between "a few people on the internet mentioning it" as you originally put it, and the absolute hordes of continuity nuts screaming for Hudlin's head here and pretty much every other comics-devoted forum on the internet. Smidge difference.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Was only specifying between "a few people on the internet mentioning it" as you originally put it, and the absolute hordes of continuity nuts screaming for Hudlin's head here and pretty much every other comics-devoted forum on the internet. Smidge difference.

Yeah, it was suppossed to be an ironic comment. 'A few people on the internet' often being the most patronizing way that some people dismiss a far higher number of people online all stating the same opinion. Only I forgot to add the inverted commas... :confused: :biggrin:

[Porcelain]

Agreed. Completely.

On character terms I'm buying it for Cap first, and Wisdom and Dane second.

But as a Marvel UK fanatic that also plays a hefty part as well, and of course the confidence I have in Paul Cornell.

All in all there are so many reasons why this book works for me.
Before you've even read it? It could tank you know :biggrin:


Non of the characters to be honest (though several have interesting potential), it's more the newer feel to a British based team that has the potential to be modern and relevant rather than trite or rehashed - so fed up of cliches and overdone hystronic soap. Add in a Brit writer who apprears to have his head screwed on (for better or worse :biggrin: ) and will give it a shot.

[Monty_Cristo]

i like Black Knight but i'm rooting for Blade to appear. he needs to find his roots.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Non of the characters to be honest (though several have interesting potential), it's more the newer feel to a British based team that has the potential to be modern and relevant rather than trite or rehashed - so fed up of cliches and overdone hystronic soap. Add in a Brit writer who apprears to have his head screwed on (for better or worse :biggrin: ) and will give it a shot.

Indeed. That probably should be the most obvious reason to pick it up. :rolleyes:

[g-dawg]

I'm buying it for Spitfire. I've never read a single bit of stuff from any of these characters but seeing Spitfire in Heroclix, and seeing her in this comic, made me interested in her as a character.

And the art...good god the art rocks.

[Babylon23]

It's an interesting idea, isn't it. It certainly sounds like Faiza will be training with Dane - and I think that will show of Dane just as much as develop her.

Having Dane training Faiza would also fit in nicely with Roger Stern's excellent characterisation of Dane back in his Avengers days. Dane was always helping new members to train and explore new uses for their abilities, especially Captain Marvel. I could definitely see him taking on this role with Faiza.

One thing I would absolutely love to see is Dane and Brian in the lab. Both are skilled scientists and one of the more interesting elements of both their character is that they work in both the scientific and supernatural worlds. Neither have shown this side of themselves in recent times and I'd like to see its return.

[Monty_Cristo]

Having Dane training Faiza would also fit in nicely with Roger Stern's excellent characterisation of Dane back in his Avengers days. Dane was always helping new members to train and explore new uses for their abilities, especially Captain Marvel. I could definitely see him taking on this role with Faiza.

One thing I would absolutely love to see is Dane and Brian in the lab. Both are skilled scientists and one of the more interesting elements of both their character is that they work in both the scientific and supernatural worlds. Neither have shown this side of themselves in recent times and I'd like to see its return.

if i were Faiza, i'd be worried. Dane's last pupil had a very rough time of it.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Having Dane training Faiza would also fit in nicely with Roger Stern's excellent characterisation of Dane back in his Avengers days. Dane was always helping new members to train and explore new uses for their abilities, especially Captain Marvel. I could definitely see him taking on this role with Faiza.

Totally. It's a good fit, in my book. I'm already liking what little we've been able to see of worded artwork. I have a lot of confidence in Cornell writing Dane.

One thing I would absolutely love to see is Dane and Brian in the lab. Both are skilled scientists and one of the more interesting elements of both their character is that they work in both the scientific and supernatural worlds. Neither have shown this side of themselves in recent times and I'd like to see its return.

It's something I'd have to say that I miss, too.

You know what always bugged me about New Excalibur? Well... okay so there actually is a bit of a long list, but in this case I'm talking about Claremont's saying that Brian can't get back to Otherworld via his powers. Something was apparently blocking him (Although that something sure disappeared fast when the eXiles crossover happened...). Brian built a bloody great portal in the Darkmoor research facility, capable of transporting him back to Otherworld. He built it, and used it, in excalibur vol 2 (It was how Meggan, Psylocke, Dane and he GOT to Otherworld, then). A kind of usefull device to forget about?

Yes, both have scientific knowledge and skill, and we don't get to see enough of that being used.

[mimic_616]

Black Knight for me. He could really shine with the right writer. Plus I like the medievil connection.