The Fearless Defenders enter the Age of Ultron this week but are they still heroes in this new time twisted reality? Acclaimed artist Phil Jimenez joins writer Cullen Bunn on Fearless Defenders #4.1. Jimenez designed Warrior Woman who joined the series at the end of issue two and will drawn the cover and interior art for this week’s tie-in issue.
At Fan Expo Vancouver I asked Jimenez his inspirations for the revamped Hippolyta aka Warrior Woman:
The artist known for his run on DC’s Amazon princess revealed his approach to the newest member of Valkyrie’s team and what to expect in this week’s issue with Marvel.com.
“Marvel wanted a character that could stand toe-to-toe, visually and literally with Valkyrie and Misty Knight. I also wanted to keep her in a costume that fit with the mythological worlds of the Marvel Universe, which definitely have a distinct design sensibility—thank you, Jack Kirby!—and are not entirely rooted in “reality.” So the idea was to create a physically imposing character while maintaining a distinctly mythological look that would work in the Marvel Universe. I used previous versions of her—she last appeared in Incredible Hercules a couple of years ago—and we took elements of that design, [like] her large mane of hair, the bird helmet, and mixed and matched them with armor and other pieces inspired by current fashion and actual armor that I found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The winged harpy on the bodice was meant as both fearful emblem and playful homage.
There was quite a debate about skirt vs. pants; I really, really wanted her in a skirt, to delineate her visually from Valkyrie but also to maintain the Grecian “feel” as well as a hint of sexy. Plus, I like the idea that this character is now so powerful, she can wear whatever she wants. Oh, except heels, maybe!
If nothing else, I think I bring a bit of regality, scale, and uniqueness to the character, and a look that makes her visually distinct from the other Defenders, and most other characters in the Marvel Universe.”
Jimenez revealed who pops up in the next issue – the Age of Ultron tie-in:
“Omigod, I love it! I get to draw Hippolyta, Wolverine, Doctor Doom—as ever, I am reminded what an incredible job I have, playing with iconic characters that people know all over the globe. I simply wish I had more time to do the pages justice!”
With a roster including Valkyrie, Dani Moonstar and Misty Knight – the artist revealed his favorite Defender so far:
“Hippolyta, of course. Followed closely by Misty Knight and Dani Moonstar; both are characters I’ve loved since I was a kid. I think it’s actually really amazing that those two characters—both women, both minorities—have these long, storied pasts at Marvel, and are being showcased in a book like this. Beyond that, they’re unique in terms of their character and characterization; they each bring something so different and wonderful to the roster’s table. And I’m a sucker for anyone with a bionic arm, especially a character as visually fabulous as Misty Knight.”
For the entire interview here’s the Marvel.com link.
A big reason not to miss this issue: the villain of the current series is connected to the enemy now attacking Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in the new reality of Age of Ultron! This week Marvel promises to reveal that tie.
By Editor