Area 51’s UFOs Attack the Roanoke Colony: Fred Van Lente on Archer & Armstrong #12

As Archer & Armstrong‘s “Far Faraway” storyline has built to a fever pitch, we got a month that’s just full to brimming with hints being dropped for the future of the characters, the book and the Valiant Universe in general. It’s the kind of standalone issue that you feel like somebody might come back to in a few years and say, “Oh, hey, nobody ever followed up on that nifty-sounding plot thread,” which makes it even more of a must-read than usual.And, let’s face it, folks–this book is a must-read. Since we do this commentary track, I haven’t really reviewed the title yet, but it should be stated that this book is fun, smart, funny and action-packed; there aren’t many books more deserving of your attention and your money.On that note–the interview which follows is spoiler-filled, which means you should really buy and read the book before you continue!Series writer Fred Van Lente joined us to discuss the issue, the future of the Valiant Universe and…Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure? Okay, then…!ComicBook.com: Now, how many of these conspiracy theories are things that you just had a passion for, versus things that you specifically researched for the “Far Faraway” storyline?Fred Van Lente: Of all the topics we’ve tackled, my interest in Mysterious Disappearances dates back to when I was a kid — They used air specials on them all the time on early, early HBO. I’ve always been fascinated by the Lost Colony of Roanoke, I guess probably because I’ve been fascinated by the colonial period in general, and this book, A Kingdom Strange by James Horn, is pretty excellent. It’s less mysterious once you look at the evidence — the hapless English colonists were just absorbed by the local natives — but it is still a fun read.

Van Lente: ComicBook.com: Van Lente: ComicBook.com: Comic Book History of Comics Van Lente: ComicBook.com: Van Lente: “I feel that my colors overall are subdued compared to some of the other colorists in today’s comics. I like to pick my places to go extreme as I feel that helps bring the characters in to a more realistic world. My main goal first is to always tell a story with my colors. The second is to blend with the art and to make it shine in the best ways possible.” ComicBook.com: Van Lente:  ComicBook.com: Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure Van Lente: Archer & Armstrong Unity Bill & Ted Action Philosophers ComicBook.com: Van Lente: ComicBook.com: Van Lente: ComicBook.com: Van Lente: