BOLLERS TALKS SOLDIER X

[Eric J. Moreels]

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0303/SOLDIER_X_9.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0303/SOLDIER_X_9t.jpg" align=left alt="Soldier X #9 preview"></a>Following the departure of writer Darko Macan and artist Igor Kordey from Soldier X, the reins for the series are being handed to Muties writer Karl Bollers and X-Factor artist Arthur Ranson for a two-issue arc kicking off with March's issue #9. X-Fan recently caught up with Bollers to find out more about his plans for the time-tossed mutant soldier formerly known as Cable.

But first, here's how Marvel originally solicited the issue:

SOLDIER X #9
Cover by Igor Kordey
Karl Bollers (w)/Arthur Ranson (p)
Racist militia groups await the Soldier as he completes his long journey home. America's never looked so good, or so troubled.
32 pgs. with ads/FC/Marvel PG......2.25

According to Bollers, the arc focuses squarely on the problem of racism and Nathan Summers' reaction to it, as well as his continued efforts to convert people to the Askani way of life.

"Nathan Summers is a proselytizing fascist who just happens to be an Alpha-level telepath and telekinetic from the far-future," Bollers responded as to his take on the character. "He's not interested in justice, and isn't seeking to punish these terrorists for their actions so much as find out what makes them tick. Why does hatred for those who are different drive them to commit such acts of violence? Once Nathan understands that, he can recruit them to the ever-growing Askani religion he is spreading here in the past. He's looking for followers and firmly believes (almost egotistically) that he can convert anyone to his way."

"This arc, entitled 'Rebels, Freaks, & Prophets', brings Nathan to the United States in response to terrorist attacks across the nation by grassroots militants. It's a story that cuts right to the heart of a problem endemic to American culture - racism. And sure, stories about racism have been done before, but this one deals with Nathan Summers' response to it, while offering up a nice twist ending."

"The most important thing for fans to know about Soldier X #9-10: It's Nathan back in the U.S.A. after over a year abroad!" Lis told X-Fan. "I think folks will like to see this, and will be thrilled at Arthur's rendition of the character! As far as the story {is concerned}, it should be a nice change after Darko's run, and should appeal to the existing fans of Darko's work on Soldier X and for fans who dug the former Cable."

Bollers went on to confirm for X-Fan that he will be staying onboard the title past his initial two-issue arc.

"One day Soldier X editor Andrew Lis called me up out of the blue, asking if I'd be interested in writing a two-issue story arc, and I readily accepted his offer. Having co-written some Cable annuals in the past has given me some familiarity as well as insight into the character of Nathan Summers, and I was eager to venture into new territories with this more 'real world', updated version of him who isn't so mired in past X-Men continuity. As far as I'm aware, I'll be writing Soldier X for as long as Marvel continues to publish it."

Lis also provided X-Fan with a sneak peek at four black & white pages by Ranson from issue #9. Click a thumbnail below to view the full-sized version in a new browser window.

<table border=0 align=center><tr><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/SOLDX009001_150.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/SOLDX009001_150t.jpg" alt="Soldier X #9 Page 1 preview"></a></td><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/SOLDX009003_150.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/SOLDX009003_150t.jpg" alt="Soldier X #9 Page 3 preview"></a></td><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/SOLDX009004_150.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/SOLDX009004_150t.jpg" alt="Soldier X #9 Page 1 preview"></a></td><td align=middle><a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/SOLDX009007_150.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/SOLDX009007_150t.jpg" alt="Soldier X #9 Page 1 preview"></a></td></tr></table>

Pre-order Soldier X #9 online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=54&cat=SOLDIER+X+%28CABLE%29)

[shibia]

Interesting twist indeed. And very far from what was supposed to be the X-Men ideal. I'll have a look on this arc.

[Xtence]

Hmmm I here I thought Soldier X would not last a year! Will this frustrate the plans for Cable joining Weapon X?

[Eric J. Moreels]

Originally posted by Xtence
Will this frustrate the plans for Cable joining Weapon X?

I can't see how it would, seeing as characters who have their own books are regularly popping up in others (eg Wolverine, Captain America, etc.).

[mikecool]

eh i proabably wont buy it. Bollers has some nice ideas and all but Ranson needs his work inked because if it doesnt his work lookes like it did in X-pose which was not to my liking one bit. No offense to the books fans but 2.99 for a writer and artist that have yet to establish themselves and a charecter im not fond of are not pitchs to get me to buy the book. I will wait and look at it at my comic shop but i wont be pre ordering it.

[Eric J. Moreels]

Originally posted by mikecool
No offense to the books fans but 2.99 for a writer and artist that have yet to establish themselves

mike, both Karl and Arthur are veterans of the comic book industry. Just because you may not have heard of them before or read any of their past work doesn't mean they're "yet to establish themselves".

And as clearly shown in the post above, their debut issue is $2.25, not $2.99

[Anthony Lucynski]

I wish I could get excited about Cable again. I wish I could. But I cant. Good luck to the new creative team, though!

Anthony L

[Zachary J. Morrison]

Good response, Anthony. I'm also not going to be able to get more books weekly, since I'm currently get most of the X books, Elektra, Call of Duty (if it comes out), and Daredevil...

[number1958]

I remember when Cable's shoulders were bigger than his head.
:-)

[Justclowes]

YAWN - Cable sorry Soldier X takes on another militia group since the original re-launch of this title when Kordey took over this has become one of the most boring titles on the market - Bring Cable back to his glory days when he fought the likes of the MLF & Apocalypse & yes when he had shoulders bigger than his head!

[Andy James]

great news that soldier x is definitley continuing with this team :D should be a good ride!

[theory]

eric, you forgot to mention arthur ransom's name in the opening paragraph.
i dont think ill be picking this up, either. i havent cared much for soldier x under macan and kordey, and whats being presented here by bollers and ransom doesnt seem to be my cup of tea.

[charm]

I'll be getting it but this run sounds suspiciously like a continuation of Tischman's Cable run (as described if #100) and not Soldier X.

Wonder if Rachel Summers will be showing up ?

Charm

[Kevin Woodside]

Well, I'm curious. I like the fact the Bollers said he has SOME history with the character. But I'm going to reserve any big judgements until the issue comes out.

I recommend people read this. You don't what its going to be like until it's resting between your hands.

~W~

[Erwin Rafael]

sigh. no more Igor Kordey? i would really miss his work. i hope he pops up in another Marvel book soon...

[Jordan T. Maxwell]

I might pick this up and give it a try for Ranson's artwork, which i love...but the only thing i know Bollers for is Muties which was, shall we say, underwhelming (he said, biting his tongue and swallowing back bile). I love Cable, and i've loved the book since Kordey came on, but this might be where i get off the train. Just get my Askanison fix in Weapon X.

[VolcanoRob]

Bollers mentioned Nathan is spreading the ways of Askani "in the past." Anyone care to explain (maybe with a PM, to not derail this thread) for a non-Soldier X reader?

[Radicals]

Sounds interesting, might be worth picking up if I have some extra pennies and if these isn't anything else that peaks my interest more...

...Granted that doesn't make for a very likely scenerio that I will pick it up but its better than no chance, which so far is what Soilder X has been having.

[brucewayne]

Can any creator save this character from what's been done to him over the last few years? I used to like Cable, what happened? Save him Rob L.!

[atxbomber]

Going to miss Darko and Igor, but Bollers and Ranson (a man among boys when it comes to art) have me interested.

Originally posted by VolcanoRob
Bollers mentioned Nathan is spreading the ways of Askani "in the past." Anyone care to explain (maybe with a PM, to not derail this thread) for a non-Soldier X reader?

In the Askani/Cable's past, which is our present.

[mikecool]

I know the debut issue is 2.25 but the next ish is 2.99 and one issue unless super good doesnt make me want to continue to buy the book. Plus i read a few issues of muties and wasnt all that impressed. And i dont think they have established them selves as a must buy team yet. thats what i ment to say. I wonder if Ranson is staying past these two issues i mean X-pose was a little late unless that was its original schedule and X-factor was late as well for awhile. I may be wrong since i only bought the X-pose mini not X-factor. That said while Ranson isnt my type of artist he should be a good fit for this book since his style is very realistic. I cant say the future for the book looks well since Quesada over at Newsarama seemed pretty disapointed how the Soldier X revamp didnt do as well as he thought it would. I still think the book has some life left but i cant see too amny fans that dont care about the charecter picking this up since like i say Ranson and Bollers are not two big names that can generate buzz like Tishman and Kordey did.

[askanicablesgc]

WOOHOOOOOO! Very happy to see a new artist on the title, I may actually start reading Soldier X rather than just putting it in my comic box now!

[BoomBot]

Every creator on this title seems like they don't even really like Nathan. Also, I disagree with Nathan's views. I'd think he would want justice. It's cliche but still.

[Machina]

Well I did not like how evryone that has taking the book want's to inforce the Idea of Nathan being a fascist with the Askani religion. But I will give it a chance as I love Nathan and the art looks incredable.

[Radicals]

Originally posted by mikecool
And i dont think they have established them selves as a must buy team yet.

Thats the key thing thow, you dont think they're established themselves in that manner.

Other readers may see the pairing in a completely different light, we wont know until at least a few issues after they're started.

[Justice Daye]

What I don't understand is after very low sales, Marvel continues to keep this book relatively similar despite changing creative teams. The art and the ideas presented seem too similar for them to expect that this would change peoples views of the book and raise sales. I still don't get why it was changed in the first place. The book was saling better than ever and had found a nice horror/sci-fi niche. After 3 maybe 4 creative changes, Id think Marvel would revamp it into something, though I'm starting to think they don't know where to take it. Anyone who loved cable before, can't love his current direction, though that's just one man's opinion. However, I do wish good luck to the writers and fans who see something here and have an insight into this current incarnation that I don't.

[Benjamin Ong]

Good for Karl to stay on after this two-issue arc. At least he gets a chance to shine as a fill in stint doesn't really allow the creator to bring out his plans for the character.

No word yet on who's the new regular artist huh?

[mikecool]

I think part of it is trying to get that magic that was Tishman's run on the book. As for a must buy team well after reading Muties and X-pose these two are far,far from must buy team in my book. I think the main problem with Nathan is the fact that writers keep trying to evolve the charecter which is a good thing but at the same time keep writing stories about terrorists. I mean how many straight months can you have Nathan battle a group of racists or Terrorists. I know that many comic books have super hero vs. super villian but in that case people are more gravitated towards the fact that often the villian is equal or more power ful to the hero. Here the people are just humans and Nathan is now one of the most power ful mutants in the world with his Virus gone. I think Marvel has really screwed up this book IMO with things like the reboot,changing the writer pretty often, and lieing to the press that Rob Weinberg would be staying on. If bollers can some how make Nathan Summers interesting like the way Rucka has with Elektra maybe he can draw me to the book but after Macan coldnt do it along with Kordey along with the rumors of cancelation i dont think it looks too good.

[ChristopherL]

I just can't get into this whole Soldier X thing. copped the first 2 issues and was severly turned off. I like Kordey but didn't dig the direction at all. I'm jsut always going to be a fan of Cable, much like i'm a fan of Deadpool & X-Force. So i'll be skipping this. I thouht muties wasn't very good at all. the artwork was kind of iffy in X-Treme X-Pose so the writer of one book i disliked, and an artist who's style just rubs me the wrong way aren't going to get me to pay 2.99 for a book.

I wish them luck in saving this book...but it looks like it's days are numbered.

[Anthony Lucynski]

Can any creator save this character from what's been done to him over the last few years? I used to like Cable, what happened? Save him Rob L.!

He already did that once during the twelve. You can only call Rob in to save a book so many times.

Anthony L

[Jason Alan]

Originally posted by AnthonyL
He already did that once during the twelve. You can only call Rob in to save a book so many times.

Anthony L

What do you suggest then, Anthony? Personally, I would love to see Soldier X do well because the main character is of course Cable, but I just don't see that happening. Remember how this book was announced as being cancelled, and then the news was suddenly clarified to the tune of the current creative team leaving Soldier X? Well, maybe Marvel still plans to cancel it. They just didn't want to do it without giving the book a second chance.

That's my opinion, anyway. If sales don't improve within this year, than Soldier X just might get the axe after all. The same thing goes for Agent X, IMHO. Again I ask, what would you suggest for saving this book?

[monsterx]

Im going to miss Darko Macan & Igor Kordey i've been a fan of Darko since Grendel and his work just keeps getting better & better. Karl Boller did Machine Man & Cable annuals sometime back and I cant remember liking them too much, & since the price of the title is going up my 1st thought is to drop it. But I really love Arthur Ranson's work in 2000ad with Judge's Dredd & Anderson & his work on X-Factor was great sooooo becasue I want to see more of Ranson's work in the USA I will continue to support Cable.

[Kevin Woodside]

I really want to see this. Come on, let's not past works and prejudgements blind us. This could be an incredible book. The first issue is going to be 2.25. Go out and buy it. Don't like it, don't spend the extra cash next ish. But at least give it a shot. Couldn't hurt.

~W~

[Nate_Grey_X_Man]

Even though I don't necessarily enjoy everything going on in Soldier X right now, I don't think it's worth dropping yet. I mean, there were worse story arcs back when it was Cable (don't ask me to name any since I don't have my collection here at school). I'd love to have Domino patch things up with Nathan and team up with him again. They were, in my opinion, the best couple/duo in Marvel comics for a while. Heck, they don't even have to get back together, just have someone like Domino from his X-past show up and spice up the title.

[tunasammiches]

i think you should cancel Soldier X and bring back Excalibur...but chenge the team name as i always thought it was wierd

:britain: :betsy: :rahne: :lockheed: :kitty: :bamf:

[tyran80]

Originally posted by tunasammiches
i think you should cancel Soldier X and bring back Excalibur...but chenge the team name as i always thought it was wierd

But then it wouldn't be Excalibur ;)

I'm not sure what to think of the new direction, perhaps it was the wording used. But at any rate, it does sound more like a continuation of Tischmann's Cable than Macan's Soldier X, which is always a plus if you ask me. It will be sad seeing Kordey go, but then again, i think Ransom is an excellent pick for an artist: he has that gritty penmanship that is perfect for a gritty character.

I will be picking this one up.

[nightwing_21]

Originally posted by Xtence
Hmmm I here I thought Soldier X would not last a year! Will this frustrate the plans for Cable joining Weapon X?

I think nathans involment with weapon x isn't so much him joining the team as he's opposing the canadian nazis.

-erick