Phil Hester talks Gold Key: Alliance #4 (of 5), on sale in July from Dynamite. Cover by Felipe Massafera.

BYRON BREWER: Phil, as the penultimate issue of your tale (#4, July) arrives, what have been the greatest challenges about teaming this gang of classic characters?

PHIL HESTER: Juggling the disparate casts and locales, for sure. Thankfully, we settled the fact that all these events are taking place on our Earth in 2016, but we're still jumping between Asia, Africa, New York and the southwestern U.S. throughout. Also, every hero is embroiled in a different caper with their own distinct villains and allies. Of course, it all gets weirder in this issue.

BB: Is there any character who has become your favorite during the course of this tale? One you might want to write in solo action?

PH: I knew I would like Turok best, and I feel his world is the best realized so far, but I'm surprised by the affinity I've developed for Doctor Solar. True confession: I've always felt Solar was kind of a cold fish, no matter the incarnation, so to find myself getting into the character was a surprise.

BB: What's up with Doctor Spektor?

PH: You're about to find out.

BB: How have you enjoyed artist Brent Peeples' rendering of your adventure?

PH: It's been a true joy to watch him develop over the course of the series. He's gone from a promising newcomer to series MVP in four short issues. I just wish I had more space to give him each issue to show off.

For more information on Gold Key Alliance #4, click here.