When I started G-Man Comics, Michael Desharnais was there at the beginning with his hero Commando, joining the G-Men on day one. I was excited to have Mike with us and his Commando was a cool character. I had seen Marshal Stong another one of Mike’s heroes on the internet. Stong was an interesting-looking character and with a wink and a nod connected some of my favorite characters. Now Mike is ready to launch Marshal Strong into the world in his first comic and he was nice enough to stop by First Comics News and let our readers know all about Marshal Strong.
First Comics News: Who is Marshal Strong?
Michael Desharnais: Colonel Marshal Strong is a character that I created way back in 2000. His name was inspired by my love of westerns, and Lancelot Strong (my favorite Mighty Crusader!). If I were to try to describe him to a fellow comic book fan, I would say that he combines elements of the Lone Ranger, Lancelot Strong, and Rick Flag.
Marshal began his military career serving as a military psychiatrist in the Air Force, rising to the rank of Major. His life was forever changed when, due to his expertise in human psychology, he was asked to assist in a secret government program involving recovered alien technology and the creation of the military’s first meta-powered soldiers. Originally only brought in to screen potential candidates, Marshal eventually talked his way into being one of the test subjects himself.
1st: What are his powers?
Mike: Marshal Strong has heightened Intelligence, reflexes, and agility. His strength is augmented beyond Olympic levels and he is an expert in numerous hand-to-hand fighting systems and modern military weaponry.
1st: What is his mission?
Mike: Marshal’s mission is to lead his team in responding to meta-human and extraterrestrial threats to The U.S. and the world as a whole.
1st: What is A.P.E.X.?
Mike: A.P.E.X. (Agency for Paranormal and Extraterrestrial eXperimentation) is the secret government agency that is experimenting with alien technology to create a team of meta-powered soldiers.
1st: Who is on the A.P.E.X. team?
Mike: The Apex lineup currently consists of Marshal Strong, Kid Nemesis, The Spartan, Startide, Pinpoint, Joseph Turner, and a mysterious being, who remains behind the scenes, known as Mr. Clear. Future issues reveal past and future members of the team.
1st: What made Elton Thomasi the right partner for this comic?
Mike: Dan Sehn of Argo and Thunderzone Comics showed me some art from various artists that might be available for Marshal Strong. Elton’s art jumped out at me from the first time I saw it. Seeing the first pages he completed was a powerful moment for me, as I saw what had only existed as a story in my head for many years, suddenly unfold in such a dramatic and vibrant way on the page. Elton has also helped design many of the characters in the book, always adding his unique touch to the character’s look. It’s been a pleasure working with Elton, and I feel very fortunate to have him on the Marshal Strong team.
1st: Where has Marshal Strong appeared before?
Mike: Marshal Strong #1 marks Marshal’s first appearance (making it a true collector’s item!). I should add that the first time Marshal was ever actually drawn was at the MegaCon comic convention in Orlando in 2010. I described my idea for the Marshal Strong character to artist Elvin Hernandez and he did an amazing job. Seeing the character drawn for the first time had me walking on air for the rest of the convention. That was a special moment.
1st: What is the connection to Archie Comics Private Strong?
Mike: In 1983 I fell in love with the Mighty Crusaders comic book. Right off the bat, my favorite member of the team was Lancelot Strong, The Shield. Like Lancelot Strong, Marshal is a patriotic character with a military background, who has a strong sense of duty to serve his country.
1st: What is the minimum pledge for a digital copy?
Mike: A digital copy is only $5 and a print copy is $10.
1st: What is the URL for the Kickstarter?
Mike: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dansehn/thunderzone-comics
1st: What makes Marshal Strong so cool that no true fan should miss it?
Mike: Marshal Strong is old-school comic book coolness at its best! Thirty-two pages of dynamic art featuring relatable heroes in an epic battle against a twisted villain, in a story that highlights themes of loyalty, duty, and sacrifice. All this and the bonus of knowing that the story doesn’t end here – I have six issues fully drawn, inked, and colored, ready to roll!
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