DF Interview: Melissa Flores brings ‘90s icons to comics in front of returning animated adventures in ‘Biker Mice from Mars’

By Byron Brewer

Rocketing out of the pages of NacelleVerse #0, the free-wheelin', butt-kickin' animation icons who ride the Red Planet's hardest roads return in Biker Mice from Mars!

The '90s cartoon sensation is back in a brand-new comic book series from writer Melissa Flores (Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, Spider-Gwen: Smash) and Eisner Award-nominated artist Francis Portela (Green Lantern). Best friends Throttle, Modo and Vinnie were just three anthropomorphic, motorcycle-riding mice who called Mars home . . . and were always bad to the bone. But when the ruthless Plutarkians stage a mass invasion to strip their planet of its precious resources, their anti-authoritarian streak is going to turn into a full-blown insurgency. Only the Biker Mice from Mars can prevent the mass destruction of Earth's neighbor . . . and the freedom of our entire solar system may just hang in the balance.

I chatted with scribe Melissa Flores about the book.

Byron Brewer: Melissa, from animated mutants to endless TV series reboots, we are seeing a lot of reflective recall to the 1990s these days across all entertainment media. Why is now such a good time for ‘90s niceness in general and ‘90s cartoon sensation Biker Mice from Mars coming to comics in particular?

Melissa Flores: I think there are certain types of media that resonate with us no matter how old they are. If they made us feel a certain way, we want the nostalgia of that feeling back. There was nothing like the Biker Mice from Mars. When they came out, they were radical and fun and cool, and honestly, in today’s world, who wouldn’t want to feel that way again?

So much about reliving the shows of our childhood really boils down to how they made us feel. As adults, to recapture that feeling again? It’s pretty magical. It makes us feel as free as when we were kids.

Byron: For those under a rock or not born yet (you know who you are!), introduce readers to the Biker Mice from Mars.

Melissa Flores: The Biker Mice From Mars are a trio of badass, muscular motorcycle-riding anthropomorphic mice who are determined to save planet Earth from a greedy race of aliens who strip-mined and destroyed their home planet, Mars. They want to make sure that Earth doesn’t suffer the same fate. They’re heroes who’ve given nearly everything to the cause, but that hasn’t dampened their sense of humor, or their love for hotdogs!

Byron: Bringing the animation icons forward into 2024, what about YOUR take on the rodent riders differs from what old school fans may remember? (Did I REALLY just call the ‘90s “old school”? Sheesh!)

Melissa Flores: I want to be really respectful to the very active Biker Mice from Mars fanbase. I want to bring back the feeling that Biker Mice gave them – and in that spirit, I’m not changing much. What I am doing is bringing the boys into today’s world, and the NacelleVerse with just a little modernity. But at their DNA and heart, they’re still the same loyal trio that the fans fell in love with. In the miniseries, I get to explore a specific moment in time for them that the fans haven’t gotten to see – an origin that we can use to shed more light and depth into these already amazingly nuanced characters.

Byron: Give us a little closeup on Throttle, Modo and Vinnie. What else can you tell us about these individual cycle enthusiasts – differences, etc.?

Melissa Flores: Man, I love them all so much. If there’s a leader among the trio, that’s Throttle. Of the three, he’s the one that has the most perspective. He’s our strategist, able to see the big picture and take the strengths of them as a team to win the day. He’s also a born romantic, but ready and willing to put duty over his love life if it means saving innocents.

Modo is our tank. He’s a big guy, with an even bigger heart. Think of him as a gentle giant, at least until he loses his temper! But that only really happens when you threaten someone he loves. His family is by far the most important thing in his life, and he’ll give anything he can to protect them.

Lastly is our ladies man, Vinnie. He’s the cool, slick one, or at least that’s what he likes to believe! Think of him as the adrenaline junkie of the group. But underneath that attitude is a real bleeding heart who wants very badly to find true love and maybe a few more adventures. He also really, REALLY hates cheese.

Byron: How do these Martian easy riders become entangled in the fate of Earth, and who are the Plutarkians?

Melissa Flores: The Biker Mice were Freedom Fighters on Mars. A long time ago, a fishy-looking alien race called the Plutarkians came to Mars under false pretenses and ended up taking it completely over, strip-mining it of all its resources and leaving it desolate and abandoned. Now the Biker Mice are determined not to let the same thing happen on Earth. It’s not an easy task – the Plutarkians are already deeply embedded on our planet, and they have some sinister plans in motion!

Byron: Talk a little bit about the amazing art of the Eisner Award-nominated Frances Portela.

Melissa Flores: Are you kidding? I’m obsessed. I’ve loved his work since Faith, and to be able to partner with him here is a dream come true. We’re telling a nuanced story that is based on a cartoon, and I think France is the perfect artist to capture the heart and fear of a trio locked in a war that they’re not sure how to fight. His range is fantastic, and I can’t wait for you to see what he does.

Byron: Word has it that Nacelle is currently developing a new Biker Mice from Mars animated series to be directed by Brian Volk-Weiss. Can you tell readers anything at all about its progress?

Melissa Flores: I can tell you that Brian has an incredible vision and he’s working with some amazing people to introduce this series to not just new fans, but old ones who want their Biker Mice back. He’s so passionate and respectful of the brand and the fans, it’s truly a pleasure to see.

Byron: Melissa, what other projects in which you are involved can you tell us about?

Melissa Flores: Currently, I’m in the middle of a nearly year-long Mighty Morphin Power Rangers event called The Darkest Hour that is wrapping up! It’s been so much fun. There’s also more NacelleVerse on the way! Don’t forget to check out RoboForce, coming soon!

Dynamic Forces would like to thank Melissa Flores for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer our questions. Biker Mice from Mars #1 from Oni Press, Nacelle and Maximum Effort is slated to be on sale July 17!

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