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Interview: Keith Giffen Talks THRESHOLD, Blue Beetle, Larfleeze and More

Keith Giffen has plans for the exploration of space in the New 52 Universe.

Even though it's been a year and a half since we've seen the New 52 flesh out the DC Universe, there is still a lot that hasn't been explored. We've seen some stories explore space and other planets, specifically in the Green Lantern comics, but there still is a lot left to see.

Last week in GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS ANNUAL #1 we were introduced to some new characters and locations including Jediah Caul, a Green Lantern that has broken away from the Corps and is doing his own thing. In the annual, we saw he got himself into a bit of a sticky situation which will lead into THRESHOLD #1, on sale this week.

To find out more, we asked THRESHOLD writer, Keith Giffen, a few questions about the series.

No Caption Provided

Comic Vine: Where did the idea for THRESHOLD come from?

Keith Giffen: That would be Dan DiDio.

CV: Is it meant to explore the sci-fi/space areas of the New 52 Universe?

KG: It's certainly meant to expand the the DCU's sci-fi presence. I mean, there's more out there than Lanterns and Gods. It's a big ol' universe so we figured, let's go check it out.

== TEASER ==
THRESHOLD #1
THRESHOLD #1

CV: We saw Jediah Caul introduced in GREEN LANTEN: NEW GUARDIANS ANNUAL #1, will he play a big role in the series?

KG: Jediah's a major player. But then, so are Stealth and Ember and Colonel T'Morra and Captain K'rot and... You get the picture.

CV: Is "The Game" going to be a big part of the series or only a storyline?

KG: The Game is a major part of the series, but not the only major part. As an anchor, I think it works pretty well.

CV: What are the chances of seeing other 'space' characters and teams like Adam Strange, L.E.G.I.O.N., the Darkstars or…Lobo?

KG: I've got plans for the Omega Men and L.E.G.I.O.N shows up in Larfleeze (not what you think). Adam Strange is too big a hassle because EVERYONE wants to do Adam Strange, so he's a no show. And as for Lobo... that's a big maybe because I hate the current version.

CV: How is Jaime Reyes going to fit into the series?

KG: As our eyes. Being from Earth, he'll be the one asking the questions we'd ask. Actually, I'm much more interested in Jaime than I am in Blue Beetle so this should be interesting.

No Caption Provided

CV: What do you have planned for Larfleeze in the back ups?

KG: That'd be telling. I'm trying to remain flexible with Larfleeze, spell out his adventures in smaller bites. You never know when the GL guys will need him back. Hell, I'm still stunned they let us have him in the first place!

No Caption Provided

CV: What is it that draws you to writing sic-fi comics?

KG: The freedom. Whether we realize it or not, the star of any sci-fi story is the environment. Where it takes place is just as, if not more, important than who it takes place around. World building is always fun. That, and... NO REFERENCE NEEDED!

CV: You've mentioned elsewhere that issue #2 will introduce a "breakaway character" for the book. Can you tell us anything more about the character?

KG: The meanest rabbit you've ever seen. A hard drinking, crude, rude, sci-fi pirate searching the galaxy for the lowdown scum that took one of his legs for luck. Ladies and gentlemen... Captain K'rot.

THRESHOLD #1, written by Keith Giffen with art by Tom Raney and Scott Kolins (in the back up) is on sale January 16, 2013.

41 Comments

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Jonny_Anonymous

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Edited By Jonny_Anonymous

YES, I love LEGION and Omega Men are like the cosmic Secret Six

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sethysquare

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Edited By sethysquare

I wish Keith would reboot Lobo. The one we got was horrible, so we can most certainly reboot it again.

Also, please bring in adam strange

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longbowhunter

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Edited By longbowhunter

I'm really hoping the reviews are good. I'd love to pick this up in trade.

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KennyQuick

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Edited By KennyQuick

This book sounds pretty interesting. Plus Larfleeze! Sold!

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Jonny_Anonymous

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Edited By Jonny_Anonymous

Hopfully Blue Beetle will fill the "Nova" role for the DCU

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doordoor123

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Edited By doordoor123

I loved Marvel's cosmic universe when it was at its prime (my favorite stuff I have ever read) so I am excited for anything that Keith comes out with.

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Billy Batson

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Edited By Billy Batson

Excellent.
BB

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xtremekidx

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Edited By xtremekidx

Captain K'rot sounds awesome....can't wait !

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GundamHeavyarms

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Edited By GundamHeavyarms

I'm looking forward to this and Keith working on LSH again, but why does Jaime look so much older in that picture.

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DEGRAAF

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Edited By DEGRAAF

I disliked the current Lobo as well but how much was really told about him? He was only in a handful of issues so couldnt he build Lobo in his own way and just make the stupid shit we saw little to nothing to do with him. I didnt read it so idk how bad it really was but from the small summary on his profile about his current story in the New 52 it doesnt seem terrible

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jesusdisciple001

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Edited By jesusdisciple001

After #1 i'll like to see the number of k'rot vs rocket racoon threads.

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Green ankh

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Edited By Green ankh

Adam Strange is to big to do?! One od Fav DC heroes.

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Psycho_Soldier

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Edited By Psycho_Soldier

I was a bit dissapointed by GL:NG Annual, 

but I'm still optimistic about the characters and the idea of an expanded cosmic DC that is more than the GL's 
 
and yeah we all hated Lobo

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dondave

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Edited By dondave

Picking this up

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TheCommissar

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Edited By TheCommissar

Disappointing to hear that Adam Strange won't be in Threshold anytime soon, but also great to hear that so many other writers want to use him. I'm hoping he'll get a solo at some point.

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Juandicimo_Magnifico45

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I really hated his issue of New Guardians Annual #1. Honestly, it was bad enough to not even try Threshold for the Larfleeze backup.

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doordoor123

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Edited By doordoor123

@TheCommissar said:

Disappointing to hear that Adam Strange won't be in Threshold anytime soon, but also great to hear that so many other writers want to use him. I'm hoping he'll get a solo at some point.

@Green ankh said:

Adam Strange is to big to do?! One od Fav DC heroes.

Some time this year Adam Strange is going to be in Jonah Hex when Jonah Hex somehow goes into the future. Palmiotti confirmed it at Comic-Con.

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evilvegeta74

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Edited By evilvegeta74

Guardians of the Galaxy rip-off?

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TheCommissar

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Edited By TheCommissar

@doordoor123 said:

@TheCommissar said:

Disappointing to hear that Adam Strange won't be in Threshold anytime soon, but also great to hear that so many other writers want to use him. I'm hoping he'll get a solo at some point.

@Green ankh said:

Adam Strange is to big to do?! One od Fav DC heroes.

Some time this year Adam Strange is going to be in Jonah Hex when Jonah Hex somehow goes into the future. Palmiotti confirmed it at Comic-Con.

Odd choice, but I won't complain (although I'm not really interested in All-Star Western).

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doombot890

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Edited By doombot890

is that captain bucky O'hare??

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ssj2DeadPool

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Edited By ssj2DeadPool

@evilvegeta74: This

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TDK_1997

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Edited By TDK_1997

I have hope in Giffen.

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Eurynom

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Edited By Eurynom

"What happens when Larfleeze, the ultimate hoarder, is robbed...of everything!" enough said....

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Onemoreposter

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Edited By Onemoreposter

DC's answer to rocket raccoon?

In any case, this book sounds good. Giffen has done some amazing stuff. I remain optimistic

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Spideycap

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Edited By Spideycap

Looks really interesting. I'll definitely be checking out the first issue.

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Avenging-X-Bolt

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Edited By Avenging-X-Bolt

Captin K'rot=Captain Carrot.

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Azrael66

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Edited By Azrael66

Interesting. I'll definitely check it out.

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the_tree

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Edited By the_tree

I f###in' love Keith Giffen and I can't wait for Threshold! It's great to see him just tell us how it is regarding New 52 Lobo.

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Green_Tea_Light

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Edited By Green_Tea_Light
DC's answer to rocket raccoon?

@Onemoreposter: My thoughts exactly!

Although, also getting a Jazz Jackrabbit vibe

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SmashBrawler

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Edited By SmashBrawler

I've been interested ever since I saw Keith Giffen's name.

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Rixec

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Edited By Rixec

@Juandicimo_Magnifico45 said:

I really hated his issue of New Guardians Annual #1. Honestly, it was bad enough to not even try Threshold for the Larfleeze backup.

Maybe the way he'll write Threshold will be better than the Annual. Besides, while connected, they're different stories. Also, every writer eventually writes one bad issue. Personally, I liked the Annual.

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Kiltro95

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Edited By Kiltro95

I have to agree with Giffen on the new 52 version of Lobo, but if he were to bring in Lobo I think he would be the guy for the job to restore The Main Man to his former 1980's style glory. (hopefully)

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monitor_earthprime

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Just when I have almost broke away from DC comics they reel me back in with this sci-fi adaventure.

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dernman

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Edited By dernman

Heh He hates the new Lobo as much as everybody else except the one who messed him up. 
I'm really interested in the book and so glad for space stories that are not GL. Though I wish they would drop the Larfleez backup.  

Captain K'arot might be DC's answer to Rocket Raccoon but that's where it ends with it being DC's GoTG IMO.

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RedheadedAtrocitus

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Stunned that he was allowed to have Larfleeze in the first place?! Geesh, no love for him in this reality now, is there? :/

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ShirEPanjshir

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Edited By ShirEPanjshir

It so sounds like a Guardians of the Galaxy rip-off. Especially with the 'new' character which is a mean, badass, talking raccoon... Oh way, I meant bunny...

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Baberaham_Lincoln

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Sounds like a Dark-Horse title.... i'm IN!!!!

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Herx

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Edited By Herx

:O It's the series i've wanted since the relaunch 2 years ago! DC SCIFI UNIVERSE (appart from the usual green lantern shiz) YAY!!!! L.E.G.I.O.N! OMEGA MEN! TOMMY TOMMOROW (well the new spelling of his name anyways) YAY!!!

Plus this guy agnowledges how Liefled fucked up lobo in the new 52, so give this man a sandwich. (pssst, we can fix him. just say that he and his "associate" were lobo clones, ala R.E.B.E.L.S 2009 final story line where Psions clones him, you could then have a proper main-man hunting down all thoes clones and, well, do what he usually does and make himself the last of the Czarians again... and you could have him team up with Smite.)

Cannot wait for this :)

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SmashBrawler

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Edited By SmashBrawler

@ShirEPanjshir said:

It so sounds like a Guardians of the Galaxy rip-off. Especially with the 'new' character which is a mean, badass, talking raccoon... Oh way, I meant bunny...

People use that expression too often nowadays, many times not considering what it means. OK, there's Rocket Raccoon, where's Star-Lord? Where's Gamora? Where's Drax? Where's Groot? See where I'm getting at?

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jmills

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Edited By jmills

The K'rot similarities to Rocket Raccoon are really not that big a deal. You need to look at the bright side of things. It was Keith Giffen that dragged Rocket Raccoon out of obscurity and back into the spotlight during Annihilation. He did a great job with him then so I'm sure K'rot will be equally as charming.