DF Interview: Nathan Edmondson puts a headlock on Deathlok

By Byron Brewer

With the exception of Jean Grey of the X-Men, it is hard to think of any character that has had more beginnings, false starts and rebirths than the cyborg called Deathlok.

The House of Ideas is at it again as Deathlok takes up the good fight in October for Marvel, in a book to be written by Nathan Edmondson with art from Mike Perkins.

To get the 411 on the new book, Dynamic Forces met with Edmondson in a desolate alternate future and was able to get this information from the tortured scribe.

Dynamic Forces: So, Nathan, how does a Georgia boy go from Olympus and The Light for Image to Black Widow and The Punisher for the House of Ideas in what seems like a short time?

Nathan Edmondson: The gypsy woman on the street made it happen. That, and working with great artists like Christian Ward, Brett Weldele, et al, so that no one notices the writing.

DF: Deathlok has had a lot of incarnations, breakthroughs and breakdowns since he was conceived in the days of my youth by Doug Moench and Rich Buckler. Tell us about YOUR Deathlok spin: who is he/it?

Nathan Edmondson: We’re telling the story of Henry Hayes, an unwitting one-man-army; he’s DEATHLOK and he has no idea.

DF: What is Biotek? What is its role in Deathlok’s story here, and what plans do they have for our hero?

Nathan Edmondson: Biotek is behind Deathlok, but Henry thinks they’re just the company behind his prosthetic; a company that helps veterans with injuries like his own. Henry is also a single father, struggling to keep his home in order…

DF: Without (or with) spoilers, what can you tell us about the first arc of this new series?

Nathan Edmondson: We meet Henry, and watch as he “goes to work” to Doctors Without Borders — or at least that’s who he thinks pays his bills. He doesn’t know that when he’s in the field, he’s not really saving people. In fact, he’s doing just the opposite.

DF: Have you looked at any of this book’s predecessors by the same title? Any old threads coming through here?

Nathan Edmondson: I can’t reveal that at the moment, but yes, while this series will initially stand on its own and be completely accessible to new readers, former story threads won’t be ignored.

DF: Where do you draw inspiration for stories about a “Demolisher”?

Nathan Edmondson: Good question. I don’t know, exactly. There’s plenty of crying involved in the process.

DF: Do you think Henry Hayes’ appearance in Original Sins #1 helped whet the appetites of new (and old) readers for a new iteration of the cyborg?

Nathan Edmondson: That seems to have been the case. We’ve gotten lots of buzz and excitement off of the short; old fans of the character seem to be on board completely and lots of new readers are telling us they’re thrilled to give it a shot. Take to twitter and tell us what YOU think!

DF: Mike Perkins has done some excellent work on Captain America and The Stand. How is he right for Deathlok?

Nathan Edmondson: This is Mike’s DREAM book, and I mean that literally as well as all the other ways. Mike has apparently been threatening Marvel to make this series happen for years and his enthusiasm is coming through clearly on the page.

DF: I hear SHIELD will be an important part of Deathlok’s book. What agents will be prominent?

Nathan Edmondson: A new one will be our main point of contact. Andrea.

DF: Current or future projects for Nathan Edmondson?

Nathan Edmondson: Currently? Catch Splinter Cell: Echoes on the stands, we’ve got The Dream Merchant and The Activity and Jake Ellis new issues on their way to the printer and stay tuned for some NEW STUFF!

Dynamic Forces would like to thank Nathan Edmondson for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. Look for Deathlok #1 from Marvel Comics in stores in October!

Don't forget to order your copy of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Echoes #1 signed by Nathan Edmondson !

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