Acclaimed artist Phil Jimenez (Wonder Woman, New X-Men, Fairest) is joining Cullen Bunn on Fearless Defenders. Jimenez designed Warrior Woman who joined the series with issue three this week and will drawn the cover and interior art for Fearless Defenders #4 which ties into the Age of Ultron epic. The artist known for his run on DC’s Amazon princess reveals his approach to the newest member of Valkyrie’s team on 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.
Phil Jimenez will be appearing at Fan Expo Vancouver April 20, 21st.
By Editor