Fearless Defenders: Cullen Bunn & Will Sliney Q&A

[Ravin' Ray]

Its past 2pm here in Ireland ;)

A brother-in-law is Irish (but based in Hong Kong), and do stay in FD as long as you can!

[Cullen Bunn]

Hi Cullen and Will!

Cullen,
Based off a tumblr post, I think it was said She-Hulk will appear in issues 5 or 6 (I might have the numbering wrong). Is there any chance you can tell us what uniform she'll be in, such as her new threads from the FF?

Cullen & Will,
Who are your favorite female characters from the cosmic side of Marvel (if you have any favorites)?

She Hulk will be in the Blue and Red FF costume.

Favorite cosmic characters are Gamora, Moondragon, and Phyla Vell. Gamora is probably my favorite of those. I've loved that character since the WARLOCK AND THE INFINITY WATCH days.

[Seresecros]

What do you think motivates the characters? This is Valkyrie's mission, but what about her offer do you think appeals to the other members, enough that they want to accept it?

[Talisman]

Hullo Cullen. Love you, love your work. I have just a couple questions for you:

1. Any chance of seeing that fabulous transgendered phenom Cloud? And if we get Cloud, does that mean a reunion with Moondragon?
2. You know who's awesome? Andromeda. Any chance we will be able to see her?
3. What was it about this group of characters that spoke volumes to you?
4. Who was the biggest can't get that you wanted to use for the roster?
5. Which was your favorite Defenders creative team?

P.S. who is that lovely chap you're using for an avatar? The good Dr. Strange?

[Cullen Bunn]

I guess my sole question is, aren't you two afraid to fail considering how little we know about the title? Will anymore characters come out of the wood works before the first issue, or is it meant to be a surprise thematically? If it is, don't you feel like it's a huge gamble using two fairly unknown leads and having the (mostly if not all, I'm not sure) entire book full of women?

While I wish you both the greatest success, and I'll buy because I want a more rounded Marvel experience, I just don't see the sustainability of this title -- especially with only 4 members revealed so many readers won't buy because they don't know if they have a horse in the race yet for the first couple of months.

I'd be afraid to fail if this was X-AVENGER TITAN LEAGUE OF AMERICA (Guest starring Deadpool). That's just the nature of comic books. Any book is a risk. And it'll be up to the reader. Yeah, these are mostly unknown characters, but they all have fan bases, and this will be just about the only place you'll see these characters. We'll see. If the readers don't want a book that's different... that features characters that aren't over-saturated... that just so happen to be a diverse group of women... well, at least I gave it a shot and had fun doing it.

[Cullen Bunn]

Hi guys,

I realise that this is possibly a spoiler or a wait and see, but is there any chance we'll see Talisman (of Alpha & Omega Flight's) in the team at any point at all?
I think she'd be a great fit for the traditional Dr Strange-esque magic role of the team.

Ah, Talisman! There are so many Alpha Flight characters I just love (because that was a book I loved so much). Talisman, Snowbird, Marrina... sheesh! Sounds like I need a Canadian branch of the FEARLESS DEFENDERS!

I'm sure she will appear at some point. I'm not joking. If you have a favorite lady of Marvel, she WILL be featured in the book at some point if I have half a chance. But she will not be the magic user of the group (at least not initially). That role is already claimed.

[Songbird/Diamondback]

I know this question was on a bunch of people's mind on another board.

If Hippolyta is taking back the reigns of the Amazons, what does this mean for Delphyne, the current head Amazon?

[Talisman]

Ah, Talisman! There are so many Alpha Flight characters I just love (because that was a book I loved so much). Talisman, Snowbird, Marrina... sheesh! Sounds like I need a Canadian branch of the FEARLESS DEFENDERS!

I'm sure she will appear at some point. I'm not joking. If you have a favorite lady of Marvel, she WILL be featured in the book at some point if I have half a chance. But she will not be the magic user of the group (at least not initially). That role is already claimed.

**Is this a tease we're going to see Clea or Jennifer Kale long term? Or even Topaz? Jimaine Szardos aka Amanda Sefton? OMG so many of the female magic users=some of my favorites**

[Ravin' Ray]

As for surprises... that's a definite. There are new characters coming. And there's an existing character who will be joining the team that I'm sure no one will be expecting. And she's awesome. I'm really excited about the issue when she shows up.

Could it be… the yet unnamed magic-user? Teen Enchantress? Agatha Harkness?! (For the crone figure.)

[Cullen Bunn]

Hello Cullen and Sliney. First off, want to say that I really enjoy Cullen's stuff on The Fearless all the way to Venom and including the stuff you did in Wolverine. Really enjoyed the mystical and occult stuff you have brought back into the Marvel universe like the Department of Occult Warfare. And really like what you are doing with the Fearless Defenders along with the line-up

So, onto my questions, apologies for asking multiple ones:
1) What were some of the creative decisions for choosing Hippolyta? I quite like her design and addition but would never have expected her in the line-up for this team. So, what made you guys choose her?
2) Regarding Hippolyta, will Fearless Defenders be 'user friendly' on her past history? I must confess, I know of the character but not in great depth so had to read things like wikipedia and comicvine on her recent history. So, will Fearless Defenders explain on her origins and recent developments?
3) Will we see what the Olympians think about one of their own running around with an Asgardian?
4) Regarding your previous work, will we see any tie-ins to things like Daimon Hellstrom and the DOA and the Covenant?
5) A non Fearless Defenders question but relating to your Wolverine, what was the creature the Dreaming Maiden was summoning? It almost looked like a Death Celestial from Fraction's Defenders. Was it linked to that or something else entirely?

Anyway, thank you for your time and looking forward to Fearless Defenders!

1) Early on in writing the first arc, it was suggested that I could bring a dead character back. Looking at my options (and looking at how we planned to bring someone back) Hippolyta made the most sense and brought the most to the group. the fact that no one expected her means she was perfect for this kind of team!
2) Yes, she will be user friendly. All you'll need to know to follow the character from the beginning will be revealed. I will be sprinkling in some history along the way, but you don't need it to get started. Actually, that's how I'm approaching every character in the book.
3) You bet you will!
4) Yes... I think you'll be seeing some connection to other stories. Valkyrie has some unfinished business with the DOA and Sin. As for the Covenant. Hmm. They are very important... even though you won't see them... from early on.
5) The beast the Dreaming Maiden was summoning was not intended to be connected to the Death Celestial. It's funny. I was working on that idea... Matt was working on the Death Celestial... and Remender was working with the Undead Celestial all around the same time. This creature, though, has a history I think is pretty interesting. And what makes you think that is a non Fearless Defenders question?

[wsliney]

A brother-in-law is Irish (but based in Hong Kong), and do stay in FD as long as you can!

That is that plan.

[Cullen Bunn]

What do you think motivates the characters? This is Valkyrie's mission, but what about her offer do you think appeals to the other members, enough that they want to accept it?

It will be different for every character. For some, it will be a sense of duty and honor. For others, a feeling of belonging. For some, it will be adventure. And some who are offered the role of Shieldmaiden will turn Valkyrie down cold.

[Charlie_1981]

Could it be… the yet unnamed magic-user? Teen Enchantress? Agatha Harkness?! (For the crone figure.)

If that character was the teen Enchantress, I would be very happy to see her.

[.A²]

Hello Cullen and Will!

Despite brief moments of experimentation with their own unique looks, over time the New Mutants have all returned to the standard-issue blue and yellow training uniform. As such, it (unfortunately) adds to Dani's recognisability. Is this something you're hopefully looking to change? Will Moonstar finally have a new costume of her own, and if so, Will how do you go about fusing recognisability into your own, original designs?

Dani's prior adventures in Asgard have already made her a Valkyrie in her own right, and as such, she claims that power as her own. As new members join Brunnhilde's band of Valkyrior, will they too claim similar abilities?

Any chance we might see Bright/Darkwind or Dani's own Hel-puppy (gifted to her by Loki and Leah)?

Zeb Wells's run on New Mutants strongly suggested that Cyclops was grooming Dani to replace him as leader of the X-Men over time. Having headed her own teams time and time again since adolescence, will Dani's leadership potential be a factor in play?

Finally, Cullen, you've mentioned in the past that you're interested in possibly returning Dani a portion of her mutant abilities. Which of the many powers she's demonstrated over the years appeal to you the most (whether you decide to return them to her or not)?

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. It's very much appreciated and I wish you every success with this upcoming endeavour.

[mugiwara]

Hello, Mr Bunn.

1)Will some characters created between 2000 and 2013 be part of the Fearless Defenders or major villains (besides the new characters you will create)?

2)Will Dani's recent history (her relationship with Nate Grey or the fact she is the legal guardian of a young mutant named Elixir) play a part of the story?

Thank you for your time!