ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG

Alex Groff · Dec 10, 2004, 12:52 pm

<a href="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/marvel/marvelheroes/YNGAVN001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/marvel/marvelheroes/YNGAVN001t.jpg" align=left alt="Young Avengers #1 Cover"></a>by Remy Minnick, ComiX-Fan Staff Writer

Allan Heinberg might not be exactly what you think. While he may work on hit shows like Sex In The City and The O.C., he is also a comic book fan. Part of a new generation of comic book writers like Geoff Johns, Joss Whedon and J. Michael Straczynski who have come from other mediums to write comics for one reason: because they love comics. Now he is assembling a new group of young heroes who want to try and find out what being an "Avenger" truly means.

ComiX-Fan: Marvel has been keeping their cards pretty close to their chest when it comes to Young Avengers. What can you tell us about the book?

Allan Heinberg: Marvel has been extraordinary at both promoting the book and keeping its closely-guarded secrets. I honestly could not have asked for a more supportive and nurturing publishing environment in which to write my first comic book scripts.

That said, I can tell you that Young Avengers is about a team of young heroes on the brink of adulthood who've banded together in the wake of Disassembled to confront a formidable Avengers foe now that the Avengers have technically disbanded. AND I can also tell you that each of these young heroes has a secret -- as well as a direct tie to the Avengers themselves OR to Avengers history.

CXF: Comic book fans can be particular when it comes to retcons or things being inserted into history off panel. How do you take a new character and interweave them into comic book history without having it seem forced into continuity?

AH: It's always a tricky proposition, isn't it? The Marvel Universe is already so vast, how do you introduce NEW characters and have anyone care about them? How do you get readers to invest their time and hard-earned cash in characters (and in a writer) they've never heard of before?

With Young Avengers, the answer for me was: the Avengers.

The audience is already deeply invested in the Avengers, and so am I. So, the Avengers themselves -- their history, their uncertain future, and their legacy -- are at the center of Young Avengers. That's why this book isn't New Warriors. Young Avengers is a book about what it means to be an AVENGER. And if readers are invested in the Avengers, I hope they'll be invested in these kids' relationships to the Avengers.

And as a continuity-hound myself, the last thing I wanted to do was force new characters into an existing history. Happily, though, there were enough dangling plot elements and unanswered questions in Avengers' history to provide plenty of inspiration for new characters.

<a href="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/marvel/marvelheroes/YNGAVN001019.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/marvel/marvelheroes/YNGAVN001019t.jpg" align=right alt="Young Avengers #1 Preview"></a>CXF: Is the cast going to be compromised of all new characters or will there be any familiar faces showing up in the book?

AH: The core team is made up of four newcomers to the Marvel Universe -- though there will be plenty of familiar faces in the book's supporting cast: Jessica Jones, J. Jonah Jameson, several former Avengers, and many more...

CXF: Any chance of getting some of the code-names for the new characters that will be appearing? Lately I've found myself referring to them as Private America, Thor Lad, Iron Boy and Hulk Jr.

AH: The kids' code names (when we meet them) are: PATRIOT, ASGARDIAN, IRON LAD, and HULKLING.

CXF: Joe Quesada has said several times that Young Avengers is not what we are expecting. With so much of what it is being kept for the release, can you tell us what not to expect?

AH: Don't expect Teen Tony. And don't expect the book to be Marvel's answer to Teen Titans. The folks at Marvel and I have an enormous amount of affection and respect for the work Geoff Johns and Mike McKone are doing on Titans, so everyone involved with Young Avengers has taken great pains to make sure YA is its own book with its own voice and point of view. That said, I hope the audience is able to set aside whatever preconceptions they may have about the book and experience it on its own terms.

CXF: Outside of Young Avengers you are also currently a writer on the hit show The O.C. Do you find it hard to switch gears and write in the Marvel Universe as opposed to The O.C. Universe?

AH: I did. Especially at first. If only because when you start a project like Young Avengers, it requires a tremendous amount of research and planning and TIME -- the one thing there is NOT much of in television. But the good people at Marvel have been extremely generous and patient with me, and writing the book has become more pleasurable with each successive script.

CXF: How far ahead do you have the future for Young Avengers planned?

AH: Right now, we have the first twelve issues planned. And I sincerely hope that healthy sales and reader interest will justify plotting the next twelve.

<a href="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/marvel/marvelheroes/YNGAVN001020.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/marvel/marvelheroes/YNGAVN001020t.jpg" align=left alt="Young Avengers #1 Preview"></a>CXF: What is the core audience that you are trying to attract as a reader of Young Avengers? Are you writing with any particular demographic in mind?

AH: I actually wanted to build a book that would appeal to longtime comics fan as well as newcomers to comics; one that Avengers fans and non-Avengers fans would enjoy. Mostly, though, I wanted to write a book that I'd have fun reading every month. A book that was utterly respectful of Avengers history without having its stories be dependent on the readers' intimate knowledge of that history.

CXF: How has it been working with Jim Cheung?

AH: Working with Jim Cheung is maybe the most fun I've ever had. He's an ideal collaborator. Smart, funny, brilliant, and a complete gentleman. He has an endless supply of terrific ideas. And his work is spectacular. Beyond my wildest dreams. Honestly, I cannot say enough about the man's talent. You should see the smile on my face when he sends me new pages. I could not be more grateful to C.B. Cebulski and Joe Quesada at Marvel for bringing us together.

CXF: Since we are dealing with some brand new characters, or at least new character designs, what sort of process did you and Jim Cheung go through before finally getting to what we see as the finished project?

AH: I think that by the time Jim got involved, I had already written a series pitch for Marvel that included the character descriptions and the stories for the first two issues. Jim and I met on the phone shortly thereafter and spent a lot of time talking, bouncing ideas -- and JPGs -- back and forth. It all happened remarkably quickly. And Jim's designs were truly awe-inspiring.

CXF: You have also been working closely alongside Brian Bendis while writing Young Avengers. What has this experience been like?

AH: Working with Brian has been a dream come true for me. I'm a huge, huge fan of Brian's work and I have to tell you, he's been nothing but generous and encouraging and inclusive. AND he lets me ask him all the geeky, fanboy questions I want about Jessica Jones and Deena Pilgrim and Night Nurse.

CXF: How long have you been into comics and what originally pulled you in to the medium?

AH: I've been into comics since I was maybe seven years old. And, somewhat ironically, I got into comics through television by watching Super Friends and Wonder Woman and Adam West-Batman reruns as a kid in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The first comic book I ever bought with my own money was Wonder Woman #212, the first of her twelve labors to rejoin the JLA. After that, I was hooked.

<a href="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/marvel/marvelheroes/YA_promo_col.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/marvel/marvelheroes/YA_promo_col_t.jpg" align=right alt="Young Avengers Promo"></a>CXF: You have worked in the television industry for quite a while, how is the comic book industry typically viewed by others in that industry? Has their outlook changed since the recent blockbuster super hero films such as Spider-Man or X-Men?

AH: In terms of pure economics, the success of the Spider-Man and X-Men films have definitely given comic books more cachet in Hollywood. But the television networks are still trying to figure out how to do super heroes on the kind of budget and schedule that doing twenty-four episodes a year requires. It's a tricky proposition, but not impossible. Joss Whedon and company did it year after year on Buffy and Angel -- and beautifully, too.

CXF: Are there any other characters that you would like to get the chance to write?

AH: Absolutely. Marvel's been great about allowing me to guest-star my favorite Marvel characters in Young Avengers. And in the DCU, I'd love to write Wonder Woman someday. And Barbara Gordon, the JSA, the Legion of Super Heroes, Nightwing, the Question, the list goes on and on...

CXF: I have also read that you are friends with Geoff Johns. A lot of comparisions have started going around between Young Avengers and Teen Titans/Young Justice. Has the idea of a Young Avengers/Teen Titans crossover ever came up?

AH: Geoff and I have definitely talked about it over dinner, but we've only ever gotten as far as "Man, wouldn't it be cool if..." And I'd love to do it -- if only because it'd be so much fun to work with Geoff.

CXF: Do you have any other projects coming up in the future?

AH: No comics projects right now. But I've been talking to Warner Bros. Animation and the Cartoon Network about developing a super hero project for them. After that, I'm writing a movie script (WITHOUT super heroes) and a musical (WITH super heroes). And with any luck, more comics...

Young Avengers #1 will be on sale on 9 February 2005.

Pre-order Young Avengers online now at X-World Comics and save!

ghostly1 · Dec 10, 2004, 01:12 pm

Well, at least there's _slightly_ more info here than in previous stories. I'd still want to see a good preview of this up (not just of the art, but of the story), if I was even to consider buying it.

snowman250 · Dec 10, 2004, 01:27 pm

I think Arana and X-32 should be a part of the Young Avengers as a salute to the New Avengers!

QBBEADLE · Dec 10, 2004, 02:50 pm

I'm really looking forward to this. Cheung's art looks spectacular, and I don't see Marvel putting this much support behind something that isn't going to impress people. And anyone who writes for The O.C. is alright in my book. I think this is going to be an excellent addition to the Avengers mythology, although I have to admit that Iron Lad sounds pretty corny.

Kira Madison · Dec 10, 2004, 03:55 pm

Again, I ask, why the all male team?

Jonny Demonic · Dec 10, 2004, 04:20 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowman250

I think Arana and X-32 should be a part of the Young Avengers as a salute to the New Avengers!

That would be a good idea, since they are also apart of the "Next Generation" of Marvel; and it would answer Kira's question, to boot.

Jordan T. Maxwell · Dec 10, 2004, 05:45 pm

dammit! now i won't get to write MY musical about superheroes...

mrpopstar · Dec 10, 2004, 06:03 pm

Here's a nod in the direction of the 'missing girls' point. Now, being a man myself(

), I have very few qualms with the concept of an all male cast. I do however, feel that a characteristically strong female brings more good than bad to the team dynamic. There must be a magic using, female nobody running around the Marvel U with a penchant for the Scarlet Witch. Hehe.

I like the codenames also. Not too grand, not too cheesy...just right.

Toga · Dec 10, 2004, 06:26 pm

I'm wondering if this series will be friendly to non avengers ppl like myself who have maybe read 2 avengers issues their whole life??

Martin Dudek · Dec 10, 2004, 07:01 pm

I'm looking forward to this, I love teen books.

Dylan McKay · Dec 10, 2004, 07:06 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Groff

AH: I actually wanted to build a book that would appeal to longtime comics fan as well as newcomers to comics; one that Avengers fans and non-Avengers fans would enjoy. Mostly, though, I wanted to write a book that I'd have fun reading every month. A book that was utterly respectful of Avengers history without having its stories be dependent on the readers' intimate knowledge of that history.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toga

I'm wondering if this series will be friendly to non avengers ppl like myself who have maybe read 2 avengers issues their whole life??

There is at least an attempt at ensuring accessability.

Mike J. Slott · Dec 10, 2004, 07:06 pm

Eh, I may give it a shot if I have a few extra bucks, but I just dont seem very excited about this book. It also better have some meat to the book, I dont like this current trend of writing for the trade.

Imyth · Dec 10, 2004, 07:32 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowman250

I think Arana and X-32 should be a part of the Young Avengers as a salute to the New Avengers!

AMEN! Finally someone that thinks that would be a good thing, too! I think they would work well on the team!

bravelybravesirrobin · Dec 10, 2004, 07:38 pm

I might buy this book if they'd jsut give me some info - everythings so damn mysterious I don't know what theappeal/dynamic is and if i'll enjoy

and the codenames are fine, except hulkling that right there, that's jsut plain awful.

nice art though.

Mike J. Slott · Dec 10, 2004, 07:53 pm

I like Patriot and Asgardian, but yeah they are not bad. Better than those horrible Legion of Super Heroes names.

Bernard Murnane · Dec 10, 2004, 08:01 pm

Yea. About that all male team thing. We don't know what Iron Lad or Patriot look like under their garbs. Maybe its a Samus thing under Iron Lad or Patriot is concealing long hair under there.

And that whole Iron Lad thing...Blech bad name...but I guess i get it...Its not it the names anwyay right?

I don't abide...just yet.

Jon Hancock · Dec 10, 2004, 08:21 pm

Hulkling looked like a girl to me.

Dylan McKay · Dec 10, 2004, 08:38 pm

It;s also worth noting that most evidence would suggest that boys who's ages are still in single digits would rather not read comics with a bunch of girls in it... That's why many team books traditionally only had one female member.

Iceman (Trevor) · Dec 10, 2004, 10:41 pm

I personally like the non-spoiler atmosphere that this book is putting out.

Since I've started interviewing writers and artists, getting info on all the said projects my thrill has been almost nil concerning upcoming projects. I can say that I know nothing about this title and I am glad.

bravelybravesirrobin · Dec 11, 2004, 07:31 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Hancock

Hulkling looked like a girl to me.

for your own sake please, please get out more.

ear rings do not = girl

Qubic · Dec 11, 2004, 11:02 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kira Madison

Again, I ask, why the all male team?

I think its probably to get the male demographic, but really if they wanted that where is the big breasted girls in an outfit 2 sizes to small I ask you? Tis a day the world cries.

I think a female will probably get added around issue 6, it will give marvel a good idea on how the title is doing and if some long term plans should be invested into it (more than the 12 planned)

I'm not sure about this title, I want to like it but I'm going to have to hear reviews first.

Londoncalling3275 · Dec 11, 2004, 11:09 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike J. Slott

I like Patriot and Asgardian, but yeah they are not bad. Better than those horrible Legion of Super Heroes names.

What's wrong with the LOSH codenames? As for the Young Avengers codenames they sound weak.

Mike J. Slott · Dec 11, 2004, 11:51 am

Lets see.........Electro Lass, Giant lad etc. What I was trying to get across is that even if the names sound lame, which some do as many of the LOSH names are kinda lame, it doesnt make the character. That's up to Heinberg and Cheung.

Londoncalling3275 · Dec 11, 2004, 12:01 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike J. Slott

Lets see.........Electro Lass, Giant lad etc. What I was trying to get across is that even if the names sound lame, which some do as many of the LOSH names are kinda lame, it doesnt make the character. That's up to Heinberg and Cheung.

Well true that the characterization is what makes the character, but dissing LOSH isn't a way to get your point across. As for their names as of post crisis its Sparx, Levithain, M'Onel, Livewire etc.

Mike J. Slott · Dec 11, 2004, 12:43 pm

Would you relax, are you so fanatical about the characters you cannot seem to take a joke about it. BTW, I dont know what Crisis is or whatever, but the new Waid/Kitson series is openly going back to those names. It wasnt a slam on the characters or series, it was just a joke and showed that despite the fact that the new Legion series does have some lame names IMO, Characterization is what matters. Relax.

Dec 10, 2004, 01:27 pm	#3
snowman250 Zombie Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: London Country: Posts: 18	Re: ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG I think Arana and X-32 should be a part of the Young Avengers as a salute to the New Avengers! __________________ Favorite Titles - 1. New Avengers 2. Amazing Spiderman 3. Wolverine 4. Daredevil 5. Y- The Last Man

Dec 10, 2004, 02:50 pm	#4
QBBEADLE Human Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Michigan Country: Posts: 113	Re: ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG I'm really looking forward to this. Cheung's art looks spectacular, and I don't see Marvel putting this much support behind something that isn't going to impress people. And anyone who writes for The O.C. is alright in my book. I think this is going to be an excellent addition to the Avengers mythology, although I have to admit that Iron Lad sounds pretty corny.

Dec 10, 2004, 03:55 pm	#5
Kira Madison Metahuman Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: New York Country: Posts: 359	Re: ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG Again, I ask, why the all male team? __________________ #2 Sofia Mantega (Wind Dancer) Fan Loyal Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir Fan The Original Paige Guthrie (Husk) Fan-The First and Last Kira's Journal

Dec 10, 2004, 05:45 pm	#7
Jordan T. Maxwell Jedi Join Date: Feb 2002 Country: Posts: 3,383	Re: ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG dammit! now i won't get to write MY musical about superheroes... __________________ bang.

Dec 10, 2004, 06:03 pm	#8
mrpopstar Zombie Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL Country: Posts: 49	Re: ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG Here's a nod in the direction of the 'missing girls' point. Now, being a man myself( ), I have very few qualms with the concept of an all male cast. I do however, feel that a characteristically strong female brings more good than bad to the team dynamic. There must be a magic using, female nobody running around the Marvel U with a penchant for the Scarlet Witch. Hehe. I like the codenames also. Not too grand, not too cheesy...just right.

Dec 10, 2004, 01:12 pm	#2
ghostly1 Clone Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toronto Country: Posts: 92	Re: ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG Well, at least there's _slightly_ more info here than in previous stories. I'd still want to see a good preview of this up (not just of the art, but of the story), if I was even to consider buying it. __________________ - The Unreachable Star http://www.unreachablestar.net Comics & SF News/Reviews/Opinions

Dec 10, 2004, 06:26 pm	#9
Toga Metahuman Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Great White North Country: Posts: 321	Re: ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG I'm wondering if this series will be friendly to non avengers ppl like myself who have maybe read 2 avengers issues their whole life??

Dec 10, 2004, 07:01 pm	#10
Martin Dudek Mutant Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: East Lansing, MI Country: Posts: 735	Re: ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG I'm looking forward to this, I love teen books. __________________ It is sometimes a mistake to climb; it is always a mistake never to make the attempt. If you do not climb you will not fall. This is true. But is it that bad to fail, that hard to fall? Sometimes you wake, and sometimes, yes, you die. But there is a third alternative. Sometimes you wake up. Sometimes the fall kills you. And sometimes, when you fall, you fly. "No rest for the wicked awesome!" __________________

Dec 10, 2004, 07:06 pm	#12
Mike J. Slott Zombie Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: St. Cloud, Minnesota Country: Posts: 35	Re: ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG Eh, I may give it a shot if I have a few extra bucks, but I just dont seem very excited about this book. It also better have some meat to the book, I dont like this current trend of writing for the trade.

Dec 10, 2004, 07:38 pm	#14
bravelybravesirrobin Metahuman Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: england Country: Posts: 389	Re: ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG I might buy this book if they'd jsut give me some info - everythings so damn mysterious I don't know what theappeal/dynamic is and if i'll enjoy and the codenames are fine, except hulkling that right there, that's jsut plain awful. nice art though. __________________ www.elgoonishshive.com - a meeting place for freaks "the not quite so brave as sir lancelot"

Dec 10, 2004, 07:53 pm	#15
Mike J. Slott Zombie Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: St. Cloud, Minnesota Country: Posts: 35	Re: ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG I like Patriot and Asgardian, but yeah they are not bad. Better than those horrible Legion of Super Heroes names.

Dec 10, 2004, 08:01 pm	#16
Bernard Murnane Metahuman Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Beacon, Ny Country: Posts: 357	Re: ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG Yea. About that all male team thing. We don't know what Iron Lad or Patriot look like under their garbs. Maybe its a Samus thing under Iron Lad or Patriot is concealing long hair under there. And that whole Iron Lad thing...Blech bad name...but I guess i get it...Its not it the names anwyay right? I don't abide...just yet. __________________ Per.pos.ter.ous - Moving to Virginia Check it out. Spread it around.

Dec 10, 2004, 08:21 pm	#17
Jon Hancock Jedi Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Merry Old England Country: Posts: 2,108	Re: ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG Hulkling looked like a girl to me. __________________ The greatest Youtube clip you will ever see "X-Force already answered the question of whether I can deliver or not. Case closed." - Rob Liefield "The world loves a bastard!" - Second Technician Arnold J Rimmer BSC SSC

Dec 10, 2004, 08:38 pm	#18
Dylan McKay Jedi Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: British Columbia Country: Posts: 2,591	Re: ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG It;s also worth noting that most evidence would suggest that boys who's ages are still in single digits would rather not read comics with a bunch of girls in it... That's why many team books traditionally only had one female member. __________________ "Well I've always said, There's nothing an agnostic can't do if he really doesn't know whether he believes in anything or not."

Dec 10, 2004, 10:41 pm	#19
Iceman (Trevor) Clone Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Country: Posts: 57	Re: ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG I personally like the non-spoiler atmosphere that this book is putting out. Since I've started interviewing writers and artists, getting info on all the said projects my thrill has been almost nil concerning upcoming projects. I can say that I know nothing about this title and I am glad.

Dec 11, 2004, 11:51 am	#23
Mike J. Slott Zombie Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: St. Cloud, Minnesota Country: Posts: 35	Re: ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG Lets see.........Electro Lass, Giant lad etc. What I was trying to get across is that even if the names sound lame, which some do as many of the LOSH names are kinda lame, it doesnt make the character. That's up to Heinberg and Cheung.

Dec 11, 2004, 12:43 pm	#25
Mike J. Slott Zombie Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: St. Cloud, Minnesota Country: Posts: 35	Re: ASSEMBLING THE YOUNG AVENGERS WITH ALLAN HEINBERG Would you relax, are you so fanatical about the characters you cannot seem to take a joke about it. BTW, I dont know what Crisis is or whatever, but the new Waid/Kitson series is openly going back to those names. It wasnt a slam on the characters or series, it was just a joke and showed that despite the fact that the new Legion series does have some lame names IMO, Characterization is what matters. Relax.

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