Marvel’s Generations series plays an essential part in their upcoming Legacy initiative, but also has major ramifications on a more personal level for some of their most popular heroes.
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Marvel’s Editor and Chief Axel Alonso sat down with ComicBook.com to Generations, starting with how it fits into the story arc for the greater Marvel Universe.
“The idea for “Generations” sprang out of a discussion of Kobik, the Cosmic Cube and the Vanishing Point,” said Alonso. “At a retreat to discuss “Secret Empire, we started to ponder the types of experiences other heroes could have inside the Vanishing Point, and we realized that, in fact, there was a pivotal scene in “Secret Empire” that would allow us to find out.
The team at Marvel have a variety of characters to choose from, but there was one defining factor behind the characters they chose.
“We decided to keep it to a manageable 10 characters, and we leaned into the core characters, many of whom are going through an “identity crisis” of some sort: Spider-Man, Wolverine, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye, Ms. Marvel. The Vanishing Point, like the “Twilight Zone,” provides a place where Logan and Laura, Bruce and Amadeus, O.G. Thor and Jane Foster-Thor can actually meet, team up, and learn something new about each other and themselves that has a profound effect on them moving forward.”
Marvel is bringing their A game in terms of talent to the series, and familiarity was the motivating decision in regards to picking the teams.
“We thought it was essential that the stories count – that they really factor into the larger plan for each series – and the best way to ensure that was to put them in the hands of writers who are making those long-term plans. Each story is set in motion when a hero – Miles [Morales], Riri [Williams], Sam [Wilson], Amadeus [Cho], Jane Foster-Thor, Kate [Bishop], Kamala [Khan], etc. – are hurled into the Vanishing Point and encounter their counterpart – Peter [Parker], Tony [Stark], Bruce [Banner], Thor, Clint [Barton], Carol [Danvers], at the height of his or her power.”
“Since the POV characters are the younger heroes – Miles, Riri, Amadeus – it made sense that the writers of those series write these stories: Brian [Bendis], Jason [Aaron], Greg [Pak]. Except for a schedule conflict or two they did.”
Alonso feels that each book delivers something unique, and finds it hard to pick a favorite.
“That’s like picking a favorite kid. What I can say is that I think each story will connect with readers for a very different reason. Each “Generations” story will a profound effect on the path that each of our younger heroes takes moving forward, and will provide clues to the whereabouts and future of the more classic hero. If we were going to bring back, say, Bruce Banner or Logan or Jean Grey anytime soon, this would be the place to seed clues.”
As for why Generations is a maxi series Alonso said “The tide seems to have turned on limited series – mini and maxi – and that’s very exciting. Over the past couple years, we have had great hits not only within the “Star Wars” universe but with series like “Spider-Men 2,” “Unworthy Thor” and “Clone Conspiracy.” Expect that to continue throughout the coming year.”
The question with events is always how long will they matter or will they really matter at all. Generations will seek to offer an explanation that many fans have sought after, saying “The question on everyone’s mind these days is, “Is the Marvel Universe big enough for Peter and Miles, Laura and Logan, Amadeus and Bruce, Odinson and Thor?” “Generations” will offer clues to answer that question.”
A persistent rumor has involved a certain red-headed mutant being an important link from Generations to Legacy, and when asked about that Alonso said “Is Rawhide Kid a mutant…?”
Not necessarily the mutant most are thinking of, but it could be entertaining if you think about it.
Marvel Generations begins in August, and you can view a full-on preview of the anticipated issues in the gallery.
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