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[SDCC] 'WAR MACHINE' WITH GREG PAK | | We talked with the smash-tacular writer about his newest ongoing series | | | By Kevin Mahadeo | | Posted 7/25/2008 | |  | | At Thursday's Mondo Marvel panel, attendees received quite the treat with the announcement of fan-favorite writer Greg Pak—of World War Hulk, Incredible Hercules and Skaar: Son of Hulk fame—climbing into the War Machine suit with a brand new ongoing series starting in December.
We talked with Pak about good ol' Jim Rhodes, some extra suit enhancements and the possibility of a crossover to end all crossovers. | | ![[SDCC] 'WAR MACHINE' WITH GREG PAK](http://ep.yimg.com/ip/I/wizarduniverse_2058_899074181) |  How'd you get involved in this project?
PAK: At the last Marvel creative summit, [Editor] Bill [Rosemann] described the general plan for the new War Machine series. And my head popped off. I hadn't had any intention of going after another series right away, but as soon as I heard Bill's concept, I was hooked. It was just too compelling and dangerous to walk away from. I submitted a pitch, Bill dug it and we were off to the races.
Are you a fan of the character? How do you personally see the character of James Rhodes?
PAK: I'll tackle all these together. I've always thought Jim Rhodes was an awesome character. He was never just another guy in the Iron Man armor—he brought an entirely different background and a brand new, sometimes even shocking, perspective with him. Rhodey grew up fighting bullies on the mean streets of Philly. Later, he became a military man and developed a very different angle on the use of force from the average Marvel superhero.
In that regard, how would you say Rhodey differs from Tony?
PAK: Rhodey and Tony have been best friends almost since the day they met. But on a certain level, Rhodey will always be a military man and Tony will always be a civilian. Which means that for better or for worse, War Machine can go places that very few Marvel heroes would dare. So as this new series launches, get ready for some incredibly high stakes stories with monumentally explosive consequences.
Will the two be interacting much in your series?
PAK: Tony's likely to play a key role in War Machine #1—don't you dare miss it!
How does Rhodey differ inside the War Machine suit as opposed to outside of it? Does he even differ at all?
PAK: Excellent question. You won't want to miss War Machine #1 for the shocking answer!
[Laughs] Okay, okay. I can see where this is going. Can you tell us a little about the plans you have lined up for War Machine? What kind of adventures will you be taking him on?
PAK: Every day, somewhere on the globe, tyrants and madmen commit unbelievably horrific atrocities, and no one seems to have the authority to stop them. Until Jim Rhodes, a.k.a War Machine, claims all the authority that his shoulder mounted rocket cannons can muster!
[Laughs] That's like a movie trailer. Sounds awesome! But pre-Secret Invasion, Rhodey served at Camp Hammond in Avengers: The Initiative.
PAK: I'll just say we ain't in school any more.
What can you say about the artist, Leonardo Manco? What does he bring to the title and the character?
PAK: Leonardo has a great feel for dark realism and an almost eerie ability to merge tech with humanity. He's perfect for this series.
Who do you think is cooler—Iron Man or War Machine?
PAK: I've loved every chance I've had to write Iron Man—he's a phenomenal character, one of Marvel's best. But War Machine can go places that Iron Man can't. For the kind of hardcore story we're going to tell, no one's more compelling, dangerous and super-cool than Jim Rhodes and War Machine.
Will War Machine get an update to his suit? If so, what kind of new toys will he have?
PAK: Twin railguns, SMAW e-bomb launchers, firewire, USB 2.0, and an insulated cup holder.
[Laughs] Got to have that cup holder. He gets thirsty in that suit. Alright, might as well ask now, as I'm sure fans will want to know: Herc, Skaar and War Machine! When will be seeing the team-up to end all team-ups?
PAK: Hoooeee! The only problem is that the fight among the three to determine whose book the story would appear in might shatter the very firmament of the Marvel Universe itself. Honestly, something like that'd be incredibly awesome. Both Skaar and War Machine have some major business to handle solo before their respective dance cards open up, but in the fullness of time, who knows?
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