An exclusive question and answer with The Silencer co-creator Dan Abnett.
The Silencer is one of the DC Universe’s latest and deadliest assassins. Created by writer and artist Dan Abnett and artist John Romita, Jr., the character of Honor Guest made her debut in The Silencer #1 (January 2018). The in-universe history has Honor being already in existence for years—with her abandoning her past life to start a family and normal life. Of course, we all know that past ghosts can’t be forgotten that easily. As she’s pulled back into the assassin fold with a new mission, Honor must balance family and survival.
Marking the release of The Silencer #4, The Fanboy Review has an exclusive question and answer with The Silencer co-creator Dan Abnett. Here, he shares his thoughts on introducing this exciting new character and how her story may unfold.
Steve Lam: Was there an inspiration behind Honor Guest? If so, who was it?
Dan Abnett: No one in particular, actually. I had the idea for the character, and for The Silencer, and she evolved from there. John Romita Jr., of course, had huge input in the way she looked, which in turn influenced the way I thought she’d talk and behave. I guess she just came to life!
SL: In this latest issue, Silencer #4, you have Honor going up against Deathstroke—truly one of, if not, the deadliest assassins in the DC Universe. Did you have qualms in allowing this new character to take on such a powerful assassin? In other words, were you nervous in actually giving Deathstroke a challenge? We know that some hardcore fans may see this as blasphemy.
DL: Not really. Deathstroke IS a legend, and I am careful to respect the character – but Silencer is pretty damn capable too. Just because she’s not well-known like Deathstroke, it doesn’t mean she’s a newbie. The whole point of the story is to show she’s been ‘around’ for a while and has a rep of her own. Putting her and Deathstroke together really helped cement the idea that she and her storyline – and indeed, “The Underlife”, the invisible culture of assassins and criminal operatives that exists just below the surface – is an established part of the DCU. It’s right there all the time, we just seldom see it.
SL: What can you tell us about future crossovers with other characters? Since we're dealing with Talia al Ghul will we be seeing Damian Wayne or Batman soon?
DL: Silencer lives and works in the DCU. So there’s every possibility! 🙂
SL: What were the most difficult challenges in creating this character?
DL: Probably creating someone who is a killer and a hired gun while trying to make her identifiable. There needs to be sympathy for her and her situation. I believe that’s there in the story, particularly as we learn more about her background and her origins.
The Silencer #4 was released on April 25, 2018 and available in comic book stores and online
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Dan Abnett is a British comic book writer and novelist. Due to his extensive work on 2000 AD, Dan is also the creator of the publication’s better known and longest running strips in the last decade—Sinister Dexter. Dan has also contributed to the comic’s other major titles which include Judge Dredd, Durham Red, and Rogue Trooper.
At Marvel, his work includes Death’s Head 2, Battletide, Knights of Pendragon, The Punisher, War Machine, Annhilation: Nova, various X-Men titles, and several stories for Doctor Who Magazine.
At DC, he is best known for his 2000 relaunch of Legion of Super-Heroes and the ongoing series The Legion. With Andy Lanning and artist Jackson Guice, he co-created the Resurrection Man in 1997. For Dark Horse Comics, an imprint of DC, he co-wrote Planet of the Apes: Blood Lines with Ian Edginton.
Dan’s extensive work also spans the genres of audio plays, video games, and screenplays.
Source: Wikipedia
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