ETHAN SACKS
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DF Interview: Ethan Sacks introduces a villain-heavy government team that does the dirty work in the ‘Heroes Reborn: Squadron Savage’ one-shot By Byron Brewer There are some threats that require a more savage approach than the Squadron Supreme of America can offer. For those missions, the Department of Defense has put together a team consisting of Elektra, the Punisher, Crossbones, Cloak and the enigmatic Murder Hornet. They must fight their way through a team of super-powered terrorists known as the Redeemers – if they don't kill one another first! Prepare for twists, turns, double crosses and action aplenty! From writer Ethan Sacks and artist Luca Pizarri comes Heroes Reborn: Squadron Savage! To do a deep dive into this one-shot, I dropped by the House of Ideas, flashed my vintage Merry Marvel Marching Society card, and sat down with scribe Ethan Sacks. Byron Brewer: Ethan, for those who have been under a rock (and who can blame them lately?), can you do a capsule summary about Marvel’s Heroes Reborn event of which this book is a part? No detail needed, just enough to get us rolling. Ethan Sacks: Imagine how different the Marvel Universe would be if there were no Avengers, if Captain America was never thawed out of the ice. What would that world look like if it was up to the Squadron Supreme of America to keep the peace — against threats such as a Dr. Doom imbued with the power of the Juggernaut? Well, it’s a pretty cool world for Marvel readers, I’ll tell you that. Maybe not so much for Blade … who seems to be the only Avenger around to remember the way everything is supposed to be. BB: I assume you will be weaving your book into the larger fabric of Heroes Reborn, but what kind of world building did Luca Pizarri and you do expressly to capture the necessary atmosphere for Squadron Savage? Ethan Sacks: As this is one of the darkest corners of the rich backdrop that Jason Aaron and Ed McGuiness created, I can’t tell you too much… or risk having to send a death satellite in your direction. I can say that I think fans will be shocked when they see who is pulling the strings on this particular unit. BB: What is the Squadron Savage and, if not a major spoiler, how was it formed by the Department of Defense? Was there an incident specific to it being formed? Ethan Sacks: The Squadron Savage are secret government operatives, mostly “reformed” criminals and assassins, led by Elektra that are sent to do the dirty work that President Coulson needs done without getting Hyperion’s cape dirty. They are up against a particularly dangerous target in this one: A mysterious figure who could rewrite reality as they know it. BB: Can you put a spotlight on the players who are your protagonists here? Good move making Elektra the leaders, IMHO! Ethan Sacks: Honestly, Martin Biro, my editor, gave me a lot of freedom to assemble my team. These were street heroes (or more accurately, in some cases) and I thought I’d play with this dynamic. For example, could Crossbones and Punisher exist on the same team without going after each other? What would Cloak be like if he had lost Dagger? Most of these characters are recognizable if somewhat shifted. I did get to add a new one—sort of—in a reimagining of Rita DeMara. Now, she’s known as Murder Hornet! Basically, as soon as I heard those TV news reports about Murder Hornets as yet another sign of the 2020 apocalypse, I swore I would make a Marvel character with that name. And here we are. BB: And appreciated! (laughs) … And likewise the Redeemers? Who are they, why are they? Ethan Sacks: Fans will remember the Redeemers from the iconic Mark Gruenwald/Paul Ryan Squadron Supreme series in 1985-86. There are more than a few tips of the cap to that series, one of the most formative comics of my youth and one of the greatest in the history of the medium. As for why are they… I could tell you, but… (moves death satellite into position). BB: Give readers an expanded pitch, if you will, for this book. What is the storyline? Ethan Sacks: The newscasts are full of the heroic exploits of the Squadron Supreme of America, but there are jobs that require a more savage touch. Just don’t get too attached to this lineup—not all of them are making it to page 30. BB: Why is Luca Pizarri the right artist for this tie-in mag? Ethan Sacks: Luca Pizarri is the right artist for any project. But he’s especially perfect for this one. His characters have a dynamic movement that really powers the action scenes. He also has a knack for the facial expressions that gives the story another level. And let’s not forget Carlos Lopez, who brings some amazing coloring into the shadows in which this story takes place. BB: Ethan, what other projects, inside comics or outside, in which you are involved can you tell readers about? Ethan Sacks: I’m blessed to be a part of TWO epic Marvel crossovers this summer. On June 9, on the same day that Squadron Savage hits your local comic shop, so will Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #13! I’ll never get too jaded to appreciate that. I also have my first creator-owned project in the works and that will be revealed soon! Dynamic Forces would like to thank Ethan Sacks for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. The Heroes Reborn: Squadron Savage one-shot from Marvel Comics is slated to be on sale June 9th! For more news and up-to-date announcements, join us here at Dynamic Forces, www.dynamicforces.com/htmlfiles/, “LIKE” us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/dynamicforcesinc, and follow us on Twitter, www.twitter.com/dynamicforces. 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