The writers of the Annihilation: Nova mini-series and the current Nova ongoing series, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, are currently writing the upcoming Annihilation: Conquest proloque and mini-series. They were very generous and took the time to answer some questions about the Annihilation sequel and Nova's role in it! I'd like to thank Dan and Andy for their time and answers!

Annihilation: Conquest is the high anticipated follow-up to the successful Annihilation series from 2006. How much of a direct sequel is Annihilation: Conquest to the original Annihilation? Is it a matter of the same characters fighting a new threat to the universe or are the events in Annihilation a major factor to the situation in Annihilation: Conquest?

Conquest very much follows on from Annihilation, in that the story comes out of the previous event and it's aftermath. The universe is reeling from the consequences of the massive Annihilation War, and we will focus particularly on the fate of the Kree Empire. However, it is also a new story, kicking off in Conquest Prologue, so new readers should not feel that they have a lot of catching up to do. This is an ideal point to join the fun of the Marvel Cosmic books. Many of the main characters from Annihilation will be returning in Conquest, but expect to see some new faces too. Nova, Star-Lord, Quasar, Moondragon, Ronan, Super Skrull are joined by Wraith (a new character) and Star-Lord's motley crew which includes such diverse favorites as Rocket Raccoon, Bug and Mantis. As for the brand new threat that they all face, we really can't tell you about that, it'd ruin the surprise!

The format of Annihilation: Conquest is very similar in format to Annihilation (a prologue, 4 minis, a main series). However, one of the four minis is actually a story arc in your fantastic Nova series. Does having Nova's contribution set inside of an ongoing monthly make you change your approach to Nova's story versus when you did the Annihilation: Nova mini series for Annihilation?

Yes, it has involved a different approach: in Annihilation we were given defined story parameters: i.e. Nova must start here, and end here and what we did in between was up to us. Whereas, for Conquest, the story needs to be fitted into the overall context of Nova's ongoing book. This has made the story stronger as rather than being a self contained episode for Nova, it has far reaching repercussions for Nova's ongoing adventure that will be reflected in the issues preceding the Conquest tie-in.

Keith Giffen's Annihilation felt more like a war movie set in space with its more realistic approach as opposed to say Jim Starlin's more concept-themed space-based stories (the various Infinity series). How are you approaching Annihilation: Conquest thematically? Is it more of a western in space, an Annihilation-style war epic or something completely different?

Conquest is still a military epic but with more of a mythological, fantasy feel: more Lord of the Rings than Saving Private Ryan this time, with underlying themes of identity and self determination. Bill Rosemann's choice of cover artist's reflects this fantasy epic approach as he has chosen top illustrators from the gaming world like Clint Langley (Games Workshop), Aleksi Briclot (World of Warcraft), Nic Klein and Matt Wilson (Warmachine RPG) as well as Adi Granov, who is supplying the sensational Nova covers. In Bill's words, these artists make sci-fi/fantasy look 'modern, sexy and cool!' and then some! They also reinforce the mythological elements in the story, giving the series an epic scale and feel that's fresh and unique.

Annihilation's main character was Nova and his transformation into a leader and more mature hero. Which character would you consider to be the primary focus of Annihilation: Conquest?

Though each of the mini-series focuses on their own characters, the Conquest series itself is seen through the eyes of Quasar who, as a Kree, is trying to defend her very race from the threat at the heart of Conquest.

What will Nova's role be in Annihilation: Conquest and how does he become involved in the situation?

In his capacity as a one man Nova Corp, Richard is called in when the crisis first occurs but what he does and where he goes will have to remain secret for now as this would ruin any surprises we have in store.

I know this question is probably going to result in a 'wait and see' answer, but I've got to try. What can you tell us about the female Nova on the cover to Nova #5? Is she...a survivor from the previous Nova Corps, the beginning to a new Corps or someone completely different?

Sorry, it's a 'wait and see'. If we gave this away, there would be no revelation in the story itself. But, it's a doozy when it happens!

What would you like to say about the work of the Annihilation: Conquest creative team?

The great thing about orchestrating a crossover event like this is that we get to set up ideas then see what other writers and artists do to develop them. Each of the mini-series teams are bringing their best game to the table and it makes us raise our game everytime we see new stuff come in. On our own books, Sean Chen and Brian Denham on Nova and Tom Raney on the Conquest mini-series, are producing some of their best work to date which will have readers jaws dropping! All in all, this next Annihilation Event is going to produce some damn fine comics to read, full of epic battles, cosmic threat and a galaxy on the brink of destruction!