Some notes :
http://comics.ign.com/articles/106/1067753p1.htmlJeff Parker: Yes, we do keep a focus on all the personal developments Luke has gone through. I think Luke does see this as a somehow more stable life, keeping in line with the fact that
he's now one of Marvel's premiere family men. But... ultimately, it's not going to be any easier than being an Avenger- which he still is, of course.IGN Comics: Does this new direction tie into Luke's appearance in Thunderbolts #137?
Rosemann: That adventure gave Luke personal insight into how Norman Osborn had twisted the idea of the Thunderbolts into his own demented plaything. So while this new status quo isn't a direct continuation of that story,
one might say that it may have planted the seed in Luke's head of how he could take the idea of the Thunderbolts into his own hands and redeem the team's name.IGN Comics: How would you describe the mission of the Thunderbolts now? Is Luke attempting to reform the villains under his charge?
Rosemann:
The Thunderbolts program provides the best and worst of the super-incarcerated a shot at redemption and the path to rehabilitation. Rather than throwing them into the revolving door of arrest and escape, the hero and villain community now have a program that can break the cycle. Luke wants to help those that want to help themselves. But if you're there just to take advantage of the situation, Luke is going to smack you upside the head and give you a one-way ticket back to solitary.
Parker: Luke is put in a weird position though- many of the options given for the Thunderbolts to take action on are really, really treacherous.
He's well aware that everybody may not be coming back. But as he sees it, failure isn't an option. One bad event can close the whole program, and seal off everyone's chance at a new life.
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/Thunderbolts-Luke-Cage-100209.html
Jeff Parker: First, it's back to being an above-ground operation, based at The Raft supermax facility. Even former Thunderbolts are coming on as staff to help get the stain of Norman Osborn off the team and push again the idea of reform. All the most powerful criminals are now being contained at The Raft, an Alcatraz for the super community. At the east end of the prison is Thunderbolts tower, which all of the incarcerated can see from the courtyard, projecting up like a beacon, a constant reminder. You're down there, you could be up here. And up here means closer to the world out of these walls where you'll be expected to use your abilities to help for a change.
Nrama: Speaking of different characters, let's speak first to their new leader – Luke Cage. I know he's not back in prison, but Cage is an ideal person to lead up these criminal rehabilitation-cum-team program – his origin was him in prison where he traded parole for taking part in an experimental procedure which gave him his powers. But for you and Marvel, why Luke Cage to not only be apart of this – but to lead it?
Rosemann: Despite what his fantasies might reveal, Brian Michael Bendis does not corner the market on Luke Cage love. Throughout his history, Luke has displayed the intelligence, heart and willpower needed to lead. And, as you
so acutely noted the connection between this program and his own origin, Luke knows a thing or two about justice, hard choices and second chances.Rosemann:
Oh...and Thunderbolt fans will be happy to know we haven’t thrown the baby out with the bathwater. As you mentioned Chris, Ghost and Moonstone will be back in the game...plus a few more nail filers we’re keeping hidden in our cake.http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=24771CBR News: Jeff, perhaps the biggest news is that Luke Cage is now a member of the Thunderbolts. What can you tell me about the role he plays in the series, and in your mind what made Luke the right person for this role?
Jeff Parker: L
uke is the linchpin that holds it all together. After what Norman Osborn did with the Thunderbolts program, most people don't want it to ever exist in any form at all. But some influential people understand the value of a program that tries to give these powerful agents a more noble purpose. So the next time an Osborn rises to prominence, maybe he won't have so many big guns at his disposal.
Is Thunderbolts a book with a fixed cast or will we see certain cast members leave the book and new ones introduced on a regular basis?
Jeff Parker:
It will rotate, and even when we're focusing on a core group, there's always the likelihood of another prisoner being brought in for a certain mission that his or her powers fit with well.Jeff Parker:
At first, they have to spend some time on the aftermath of the "Dark Reign". While H.A.M.M.E.R. was in power, there was no S.H.I.E.L.D. in place to handle the things they would have around the world, and some hotspots have become a furnace.Is there anything you can tell us about the supporting cast of "Thunderbolts?" Do you have any plans for Luke Cage's friends and family or the original T-Bolts like Songbird, Techno, or Mach V?
Jeff Parker:You'll see some of those original 'Bolts lending their expertise to the program and weighing in on the team creation process. They'll be part of the extended cast. And
you will see Luke's family; they're a big part of his life that he is trying to balance here.