Dan Abnett is diving back into the sci-fi world for Dynamite, with the new series Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo. The series focuses on the hinted at story of what happened to Apollo before the Galactica reached Earth. Byron Brewer chatted with Abnett about the new series and killing off a beloved character.
BYRON BREWER: Dan, how does it feel to finally tell this untold yet in-continuity tale about Apollo’s demise?
DAN ABNETT: A privilege and a responsibility. It’s a big deal, and I’ve tried very hard to produce a story worthy of the moment.
BB: What is it about the Cylons that keeps them in pursuit of the Colonial Fleet, even though they have been relatively quiet of late (your timeline)?
DA: They are relentless and implacable. They also think on a different scale. To the humans, it’s been “quiet” for a few years, and that suggests the Cylons have given up. But space is vast, and that’s just human thinking. The Cylons have a large, ongoing program of plans. This is the next phase of work to eradicate the humans. Just a continuation. To them, there has been no pause, or no pause that signifies any change of policy.
BB: How would you describe Apollo as a hero, and can you juxtapose him to his father Adama?
DA: He’s very noble, very daring and very serious. He’s very much like his father, in fact, and I think Adama sees his younger self in his son. The key differences are that Apollo is a Viper pilot, whose focus is ship combat, the defense of the fleet, and the intense, extreme rush/thrill experience of Viper combat, whereas Adama, once a pilot himself, has taken a step back or up, and is now in over all command, so his viewpoint is broader, deeper and more long-term. It’s not about the moment and immediate defines as much as it is about extended goals and future survival, the long game. Apollo is very immediate and physical, Adama is more considered and cerebral.
BB: Can you non-spoiler-like let us know any dangers lurking for our hero and crew in #2?
DA: Well, the Cylons … (wink) They’re being especially devious this time around. They have upped their game.
BB: Why is Dietrich Smith the right artist for this cosmic tragedy?
DA: He’s a fantastic artist, with great storytelling skills. His action work and space battles are superb, he draws the ships so well, but he’s also great on people and likeness, in a superbly consistent and characterful way. I love his layouts and his clean line. He’s doing a superb job.
BB: Any other heretofore unknown big-bads hiding behind an asteroid?
DA: You never know …and you should always assume they are, just to be safe.