Posted in: Comics | Tagged: battlestar galactica, Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, entertainment, Robert Place Napton, starbuck, tony lee

Tony Lee Talks Starbuck… The Original Starbuck… No Not The Coffee Chain…

Published Fri, 24 Jan 2014 17:00:03 -0600

by Dan Wickline

Last updated Sat, 25 Jan 2014 06:46:20 -0600

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Tony Lee is writing Dynamite Entertainment's Battlestar Galactica: Starbuck series. As the project moves into it's third issue, Lee spoke with Robert Place Napton about the series and his connection to the old TV show.

ROBERT PLACE NAPTON: So things are heating up for Starbuck in issue #3 in this intense origin story. What can you tell us without giving too much away?

TONY LEE: This is the turning point for Starbuck. He's been arrogant, convinced that he's untouchable, but Osiris and Diana have hit him where it hurts. They've killed his girlfriend and they've framed him for the crime. He needs to get out of jail and fast, he needs to not only clear his name but also stop Osiris. And, now knowing that his parents were likely killed by the councillor, things just got a whole lot more personal.

RPN: I was happy to see Baltar make an appearance especially since (shameless plug) I'm writing an origin story of my own for the good Count which is forthcoming from Dynamite. Its fun to see Baltar interacting with our core characters before the betrayal of the Colonies — did you enjoy those scenes?

TL: Oh absolutely, and it's something I wanted from the start. If it was two years before Baltar betrayed everyone, there's no reason why people wouldn't trust him at this point – after all, he does become a Councilor. To not only have Starbuck's origin, but also have the story of how Baltar gained his seat on the Council of Twelve was too much to pass on. He was always one of my favorite characters too!

RPN: I continue to be impressed with the art on this series — Eman really captures the feel of the original TV series and its even evocative for me of Marvel's great early Battlestar Galactica comics. What's the art bringing to the table for you on this project?

TL: I think it's giving me an opportunity to really build the scale. Once I saw the art to issue one, I knew I could really ramp up the story, give each panel more bang for the buck. As someone not that much a fan of the 'decompressed' style of storytelling, it's something i was very happy to do. And I find myself eagerly awaiting every issue when it appears.

RPN: I worshipped the Ron Moore Battlestar, but the endless appeal of classic is the fun, space opera aspects — it's a less heavy than the moderation incarnation, do you concur?

TL: You haven't read episode 4 yet! But seriously, I think the modern version became very angsty very quickly. The original series spent less time naval gazing and more time punching Cylons in the toasters.

RPN: As the series reaches its conclusion, anything you can tell us about what's to come?

TL: In issue 4 you have the most vicious girl – on – girl fight scene I think I have ever written. Everything comes to a conclusion, people die, people live, people are honored, and people betray. And it begins as it ends.