By Jim Beard

Marvel Comics and writer Ben McCool revisit a classic Avengers story in an all-new four-issue limited series this December. CAPTAIN AMERICA & THE KORVAC SAGA explores the well-known 1978 story in what McCool calls a "complete reimagining; a fresh tale inspired by the acclaimed original."

"For starters, Captain America's involvement is far more profound here," he says. "The story evolves around him and his relationship with the mysterious Korvac. Cap doesn't know who the heck Korvac is; neither does his Avengers team. And the intrigue surrounding the surreptitious stranger will pave way for an adventure as outlandish as the man himself!

"Additionally, the story takes place not long after Cap's awakening from his icy slumber; he's only just coming to terms with the peculiar new world he finds himself in, and the looming presence of Korvac will add yet another layer of intrigue."

Michael Korvac, created in 1975 by legendary scribe Steve Gerber, hailed from the 21^st century of an alternate Earth, one that found itself conquered by an alien race, the Badoon. Transformed into a cyborg, he warred against various Marvel heroes throughout space and time until ultimately gaining the Power Cosmic. Then, he ran headlong into the Avengers and Captain America, the original "man out of time."

"Without giving too much away, I'd say that Cap's sense of time displacement is best personified in his encounters with Korvac," McCool notes. "As we'll learn, the villain also suffers with the affliction, but in a very different way.

"Cap being a 'man out of time' is a significant theme throughout CAPTAIN AMERICA & THE KORVAC SAGA, and I've had tremendous fun developing it. His drive to determine what's really going on and the need to exorcise some personal demons to do so shapes motivation, and the conflict Cap faces is largely a direct result of this."

When first published, the Korvac Saga featured several prominent Marvel characters; this new take likewise claims a star-studded cast. Or as McCool describes it: "Classic Avengers galore!"

"Beast, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Vision-I haven't used the exact same lineup the original Korvac Saga featured, but it's pretty close," he reveals. "Writing these guys has been an absolute blast, and I hope that's evident when reading the story! There are also a few surprises tucked away, particularly in terms of character appearances. But I'm afraid I'll have to keep those clandestine for now-I'd hate to be a party pooper."

The writer feels the present day represents an opportune time to view the saga through new eyes and examine its weight in Captain America's life.

"I'm of the belief that younger readers would enjoy many of [Marvel's] great books, and a project such as this provides opportunity to reintroduce some of these characters and/or stories to a contemporary audience," he says. "Additionally, I think Korvac is deserving of a fresh appearance; he's as interesting a character as he is dastardly, and I can't wait for Marvel's readers to check out what he's got in store for Cap..

"As I mentioned earlier, I'm working with a time in Cap's life where he's trying to find himself in a strange new world; striving to adapt to

CAPTAIN AMERICA & THE KORVAC SAGA #1 cover

surroundings unfamiliar-and likely uncomfortable-to him. But at heart, Captain America is a soldier, and a bloody good one at that; he's never been one to shirk a challenge, nor shy away from action. And it's a good job, too, because he'll need every bit of those old school tough guy values to survive what I've got in store for him."

CAPTAIN AMERICA & THE KORVAC SAGA offers something for new and older readers alike, a balance McCool feels he's maintained throughout the series.

"I'd like to think of the book as very accessible: it's self-contained, action-packed, and features some of the Marvel Universe's most interesting characters."

For more big Marvel news this week and into San Diego Comic-Con International, keep checking back here on Marvel.com!

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