Byron Brewer talked to Mark Waid about JUSTICE INC: THE AVENGER for Dynamite comics.

BYRON BREWER: Mark, from the beginning you have been very interested in or creating the Avenger’s past. What is it about this character that fascinates you and other writes so much among all the pulps?

MARK WAID: I think it’s that “obscure band that I found” syndrome--that the Avenger is a cool character who’s not nearly as well known as his brethren the Shadow and Doc Savage and the Spider. That makes him feel special to me.

BB: Speaking of past, we meet another character – and an instrumental one – in October’s issue #5. Can you give us just a taste of who this is and what the individual meant to Richard Benson?

MW: He’s a film star from the early days of the silver screen who taught Benson the art of disguise. He’s my favorite new character in forever -- a mentor who also becomes a student.

BB: Will we be seeing any additions to Justice Inc. in coming issues?

MW: This is it for a bit -- I’d rather concentrate on developing the existing cast.

BB: Any guest appearances in the wings from perhaps Doc Savage or the Shadow?

MW: I should call you and we should talk. It’s long been my dream to do an Avenger/Doc Savage crossover where the two heroes swap supporting characters. I’d love to someday write a story featuring the Avenger plus the Fabulous Five, and Doc plus Justice Inc. Dibs!

BB: Ha! Already got it copyrighted, my friend! … Now Mark, what would you say is artist Ronilson Freire’s greatest strength on this book?

MW: The character work. The acting. His characters move, and that propels the story.

BB: Finally, what is up with the addition of co-writer Christopher Sequeira?

MW: Chris is a terrific Aussie author whom I’ve known for years and years, and we’ve been trying to find something to collaborate on for a while. Turns out the Avenger is one of his favorite characters, too -- so we’re having a blast riffing away!

Make sure to check out JUSTICE INC: THE AVENGER from Dynamite!