There are exciting changes ahead in the pages of Dark Avengers as Jeff Parker brings the current era of the series to an end. Starting off as a team of Thunderbolts led by Luke Cage, the focus was then put on the "Underbolts" as they made a daring escape through time, before it was recently retitled Dark Avengers and Norman Osborn's team was brought back into the spotlight. This December, the writer will once again be altering the status quo of the title with the return of USAgent and an artist in the form of Neil Edwards. Many thanks to Comic Book Resources for the following teaser and comments, but be sure to click on the link below to read it in full. Are you looking forward to the return of USAgent? Share your thoughts below.
On Bringing The Current Era Of 'The Thunderbolts' And 'Dark Avengers' To An End:
The Timebolts come to a definitive conclusion that bookends the run from the time Luke Cage came on to run things. As you'll see, "Thunderbolts" will shape what "Dark Avengers" becomes, the one grows out of the other. It's going to be very different, but trust me and Neil. I know readers are anxious about the focus shifting, but remember when the Underbolts first arrived and no one wanted the focus to go to them? We're keeping with our organic hand-offs. The tone and the types of thrills will feel familiar.
On The New Status Quo Of Dark Avengers:
It will have much the dynamic that "Thunderbolts" had, it's still bad people being thrust into the role of heroes. I'm not so interested in the idea that they want to become better, but that sometimes circumstances give you a chance to go that way. You see this in the conclusion of the Thunderbolts super-arc, some characters that were pretty heinous when they arrived are doing some very noble things by the end.
On Whether We Will See Any Former 'Dark Avengers' And The Role Of USAgent In The Series:
Well, now the role to take is Captain Marvel! Moonstone likes to keep up with the times. We can change the books and go in wild directions, but she always finds the way to come along. And yes, USAgent will charge into the leadership role, but the question is, does he answer to just himself? The team gets separated at the beginning and really at that point wouldn't care about being a team, but will have to to escape where they find themselves. This is a break-down and rebuilding foundation story where we start seeing what they're really about.
On Where Dark Avengers #184 Stars And The Chances Of A Crossover With Other 'Avengers' Books:
The DA end up in a place where they're not the worst people standing, and their chances of getting out look hopeless. Our current Marvel heroes are the most vile figures there. They think they've been exiled to some alternate reality, but don't understand where they really are, or what the purpose of the place is. At first, they won't be able to interact, but soon. And that will be open-ended: will the Dark Avengers emerge as a positive force, and if they do, will anyone actually trust them to help?
On How He Feels About Moving Away From The Current Direction Of The Series:
I'm so happy with the conclusion to this big story. It's a big finale that brings together many threads we've had going for the past three years in what I think you'll find a very satisfying way. Someone big and unstoppable is about to return and there are surprises with the Boss Cage character in the future. If you've been reading all along, there's some big payoffs for you.