Welcome, X-fans, to another incredible edition of X-Men on Monday at AIPT!
When you’re leading the X-Men after the fall of Krakoa, it’s hard to find time for sexy dinosaur adventures. (Trust me, I tried!) But thanks to the magic of Marvel Comics, Rogue has appeared in Uncanny You can have a flashback adventure in Savage Land.
Rogue: The Savage Land #1 is out now, so we took the opportunity to sit down with writer Tim Seeley to learn more about how this five-issue mini-series came about, and with whom he collaborates with artist Zulema Scotto. It’s the perfect time to learn what Lavina is all about. Of course, what happens next for Rogue, Zaladan, and the rest of the Savage Land gang.
Provided by Marvel Comics
AIPT: Welcome to X-Men Monday, Tim! In an interview with Polygon, you called Rogue: The Savage Land a “dream job.” X-Fan Karen wanted to know how the opportunity to write this untold retro story came about. Is this something you pitched to Marvel or is this something the House of Ideas pitched to you?
Tim Seeley: Yeah, I started being a big Marvel reader in 1987 when I was 10 years old. But then I was reading the classic X-Men…Chris Claremont/Dave Cockrum/John Byrne issue. For some reason, when Marc Silverstri’s new book comes out, I get a little scared. But in 1989, I picked up my first “new” X-Men issue. It was the debut of the 269, Savage Land Rogue. That era really holds a place in my heart, but my interest in dinosaurs, women in swimsuits, and Casals hasn’t waned one bit after 35 years. So when Marvel’s Darren Shan suggested this mini, I was immediately sold on it.
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AIPT: Let’s take a closer look. X-Fan LegacyOfX wanted to know what stood out to you about the original Claremont/Jim Lee storyline and what made you want to write more about it in this miniseries.
Tim: At the time, I liked that it was a “jungle survival” story in the middle of an X-Men superhero story. (Shi’ar/Deathbird’s work was also being prepared at the same time). As I get older, I think the most interesting thing is the relationship between Magneto and Rogue. And I don’t mean what later becomes the occasional romance — that aspect is less evident in this story. However, the idea of two people who are supposed to be enemies working together is very interesting. What do they respect about each other? What are they related to? What kind of conflict do they still have? I had a lot of thoughts about that. Also dinosaurs and swimsuits.
AIPT: You mentioned the relationship between Rogue and Magneto. From Age of Apocalypse to X-Men ’97, we’ve seen storytellers explore their romantic potential. Is there anything else you can share about what you have planned for the dynamic between these two?
Tim: Well, I feel like I can’t tell you right now because I spent all five issues on that. I have to say, I wasn’t really interested in the romantic appeal…which is fine, and I think later writers were able to use it to great effect from time to time. However, after reading issues 269 through 275, I had a different premise. Please read it!
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AIPT: Rogue: The Savage Land #1 spends a lot of time exploring Rogue’s mind, and we see how resourceful and resilient she is. As a writer, what do you like about Rogue as a character? X-fans Evie and Meadow would love to know.
Tim: Well, I think what’s interesting about Rogue is that she can steal all these incredible powers, but the question for me has always been, does she need them? When she gains someone else’s powers, it helps for a while, but she always has to go back to being a neglected kid in the rural South who made her way on her own. The neglected child figured out how to survive and thrive almost on his own. I also wanted to explore how that makes her a lonely person.
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AIPT: What’s the creative process like for a classic story like this? I guess you’re revisiting the original comic, but did you make any effort to channel Chris Claremont or other Tim Seeley? Do you approach the story the same way?
Tim: I love Chris and his work. We played New Exiles together once! But I don’t think our styles or interests are exactly the same. So, first I created “I”. What am I being forced into? How do I frame this? That being said, Chris’ fingerprints are all over this story. It’s his setting, his take on these characters, his dangling plot threads. I think it’s an interesting blend of our approaches. And I’m totally proud of it!
AIPT: From lush tropical landscapes to supermodel-like mutants, Zulema Scott Ravina is the perfect artist for this miniseries. How is the collaboration with Zulema?
Tim: It’s always fun. She and I drew Hexware together at Image Comic, so I know what she wants to draw and how to draw it. This allows you to completely customize the script to suit her. She has a knack for beautiful people, expressive acting, and truly organic sculpting. So I gave her a hot human-dinosaur adventure!
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AIPT: Let’s get into spoiler territory for what happens next. First, Ka-Zar seems to be having a bit of trouble with the Deep Men. I think they are a new addition to the Savage Land legend. Is there anything more you can share about these guys? Friendly guys?
Tim: Well, it’s not really a new addition. I’ve picked up all sorts of things from back issues of Ka-Zar to either expand upon or tilt the lore. I love jungle adventures…I read the Tarzan books when I was a kid. But in addition to being a jungle adventure, Ka-Zar is also a dinosaur adventure. Everything is cool and pulpy! We tried to recreate as much of the existing continuity and characters as possible to capture the feel of the old comics.
AIPT: Obviously I need to catch up on Deep Men lore! I’ve searched the internet without success. And Zaladan’s glorious return awaits. He seems ready to ascend to godhood. What can we expect from this former priestess as the miniseries continues?
Tim: I wanted to make Zaladan more like a witch. I wanted her to be cult-like. And more than anything, I wanted to scare her. And I wanted to know why she was like this. Her origins have always been a bit vague – we’ll investigate it.
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AIPT: Lastly, I have a question about the recent and amazing comic about Beak and Angel’s family, X-Men: From the Ashes of Infinity. Dermatologists at X-Fan Chamber say: “As someone who has a loved one fighting a difficult battle with cancer, Infinity’s story with Beak and Angel’s daughter has moved me to no end. What inspired you to write this? Did it come from that experience?
Tim: Oh, thank you so much! I would be happy if you could read it! When Darren Shan asked me to write a “Beak Thanksgiving” story, he said, “It doesn’t have to be a typical superhero story.” I think Grant Morrison’s idea for Beak was that he was an everyman mutant. And even though he looked nothing like the average person (or mutant), he had all the same problems that the average blue-collar person has. It’s a really honest story about a father who has recently had several fights with a sick relative and is having difficulty paying the medical bills imposed by the insurance company, so he’s just trying to help his child. I felt that. And it’s not like a Cyclops or Cyclops. Juggernaut could probably make an appearance.
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AIPT: Still, you found time to sneak in a fun Scott and Kane moment! But on that note, thanks for stopping by Monday’s X-Men, Tim!
X fans, if you missed issue #1 of Rogue: The Savage Land, it’s on sale now. and Rogue: The Savage Land #2 will be released on February 26, 2025. Speaking of which, this week’s X-Men Monday eXclusive is a textless page featuring the work of artist Zulema Scott Lavina and color artist Rachel Rosenberg. Courtesy of our friends at Marvel. .
Provided by Marvel Comics
Provided by Marvel Comics
Provided by Marvel Comics
Provided by Marvel Comics
In the next issue of X-Men Monday, writer Eve L. Ewing makes her long-awaited X-Men Monday debut, discussing the outstanding X-Men.
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Until next time, have a special time, X-fans!
