Review Fix Exclusive: Anthony Del Col Talks ‘Luke Cage: Everyman’

Review Fix chats with writer Anthony Del Col, who discusses his new series, “Luke Cage: Everyman.” A veteran of the indie comic scene for years, Del Col has moved up the ranks thanks to hit after hit. His ascension to Marvel is a dream come true, both for him and his fans who have read his work for the last decade.

Review Fix: How did this all happen? 

Anthony Del Col: Just before the holidays last year I was contacted by Marvel editor Jake Thomas, who had been a fan of my Dynamite series NANCY DREW & THE HARDY BOYS: THE BIG LIE. He asked me if I’d be interested in putting together a pitch for a Luke Cage miniseries and before he even finished the question I immediately say yes!

I’ve always found Luke to be a very interesting character – someone with unbreakable skin but very sensitive emotionally. So I relished coming up with a storyline that posed an obstacle more neurological than physical.

Review Fix: What has it been like to work for Marvel?

Del Col: There’s a reason that Marvel is one of the most successful entertainment companies in the world: they’re a blast to work with! Yes, the characters are so fascinating and fun but most importantly the editorial team is so strong. From our original editor Jake Thomas (and Mark Basso) to the current editor Alanna Smith, they’ve helped me out so much as a writer and comic creator, helping me mold this tale and making it so much better as a result.

Review Fix: Why is Luke Cage an important character to you?

Del Col: As a Canadian that now lives in New York, I’m partially drawn to characters that are an extension of the city itself. And to me Luke Cage IS Harlem. So when I sat down to craft this story I knew that Harlem needed to play a big role in the story and be a character in and of itself.

The other thing about Luke Cage that I’ve always enjoyed is – as mentioned above – he’s a very sensitive character. Yes, he has bulletproof skin but that’s never defined him. He’s very aware of his community, and when he married Jessica Jones in the comics and became a father, he suddenly became a fully-fleshed out individual.

Review Fix: What will make this run special?

Del Col: This is – as far as I know – the first comic series to explore the issue of CTE (Chronic traumatic encephalopathy). That’s the real selling point to this series. Luke is diagnosed with it in the first issue and the rest of our story features him coming to terms with this diagnosis and its effects – all while hunting down a serial killer in the midst of Harlem’s worst-ever heat wave.

When I was first conceiving this run I realized I wanted to create an obstacle for Luke that was more mental and emotional than physical. He’s a man with unbreakable skin – but what happens inside his head? Even he’s susceptible to trauma and we get to know a little more of what the condition yields.

Review Fix: How do you want this run to affect people?

Del Col: First off, I hope that it sheds a little light into CTE. I think most people have the perception that it’s something that affects retired football players when in fact it’s a condition that many veterans deal with. Any time any sort of explosion goes off or something else goes amiss, troops may have impact that affects their brain.

I’m also a fan of making superheroes into human beings. Yes, they have powers and it’s always fun to watch them use them to defeat bad guys. But the stories I enjoy the most are on the emotional levels. What makes a superhero break down emotionally? What are their neuroses? It’s a very interesting sandbox to play in.

Review Fix: What was your research process like?

Del Col: I have read a number of articles and profiles of those affected by CTE or researching it. But I knew I needed to speak to a specialist, and was put into contact with Dr. Maheen Adamson of the Stanford School of Medicine. I had a long conversations with her about CTE and its symptoms and effects, and was able to incorporate a lot of these into the storyline.

For instance, in the first issue Luke suffers some memory loss – he temporarily forgets his own daughter’s name! That was inspired by my conversation with Dr. Adamson.

Review Fix: How does it feel to have an all-Canadian team at the helm?

Del Col: Though I now live in New York, I’m a very proud Canadian so as our team was assembled, I loved that it was filled up by Canadians.

I hadn’t actually heard of artist Jahnoy Lindsay when Jake and Alanna first suggested him but when I read his run on She-Hulk I knew he’d be a great fit. I absolutely love his style and knew he could not only hit the key action elements (does he ever!) but also the emotional ones. We actually talked about that last week – he loves that we’ve been able to include some tender moments for Luke through the series.

And Ian Herring was the colorist for my very first comics project – Kill Shakespeare (IDW) – so when the editorial squad suggested him I knew it would be a great fit. Ian’s expanded his repertoire so much over the last few years. He’s able to really elevate the scenes of the summer heat as well as the key emotional scenes.

Review Fix: How have all your other experiences prepared you for this?

Del Col: As a writer and storyteller every time I write a new story I learn something. From the days of working on Kill Shakespeare through to Assassin’s Creed and then my recent Son of Hitler, what I’ve really learned is that at the core of every story is the human story. It’s not enough for a main character to defeat a villain but how does that affect him/her emotionally? How does it affect their relationship with others? So that really allowed me to focus on Luke’s journey through the stages of grief and acceptance of his CTE diagnosis.

Review Fix: What’s next?

Del Col: The first issue of LUKE CAGE: EVERYMAN was released last week as a digital exclusive through ComiXology and Marvel Unlimited. The second issue will be mid-September, the final one in mid-October, and the trade will be printed shortly after that, from what I’ve been told. In this next issue look for Luke to become obsessed with finding out the identity of the “Everyman” serial killer, continuing to deal with his CTE diagnosis – and the appearance of another superhero!

Beyond this series, my Son of Hitler graphic novel with Image continues to garner good reviews and increased sales and my Nancy Drew & The Hardy Boys: The Big Lie is up for a Ringo Award next month! And I’ve just closed a deal for a follow-up to my best-selling Audible drama series Unheard: The Story of Anna Winslow.

Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?

Del Col: I’m still so pleasantly shocked to know that I’m writing a series for Marvel Comics! It’s a dream come true for me!

As for LUKE CAGE: EVERYMAN… it’s a series that has it all – action, emotional moments, some comedy, fun set-pieces, an exploration of the American health care system… and Luke at his strongest AND most vulnerable. It’s got it all.