Out of curiosity, if we were ever blessed with a Bowhunter spinoff or comic series, what do you predict the stories would have included?
I'll prefix this with, I haven't watched S4 in a while, so this is gonna be based mostly on how Bowhunter Security is presented in s3ep4, because that is ingrained in my brain and is the perfect episode, in my opinion, to base a spin-off on…
Also, this is probably gonna be more about the vibes I'd like to see than the actual plots that it could explore, because this is just how my brain thinks things up…
Firstly, I think a comic would be awesome, and I’d have each issue be its own standalone plot, with that old-style sitcom vibe, so anyone could jump in at any point with it.
It would need to keep its ‘everyday is just a regular day at the office’ vibe… and then the shenanigans occur.
Will is a loving, stable, working father first, crime-fighting, kickass, masked hero second.
It would absolutely need to keep its lighthearted tone with moments for some poignant fatherly words of wisdom dotted about throughout. Nothing too extreme or earth-shattering (in the literal sense). Keep the vibes down to earth, something similar to what the Marvel Wonder Man series was like (if you saw that). Heart should be at its core, more than the usual action-packed nature of superhero stories.
Same as with Will, I think Bowhunter Security should stay a legitimate business first, and a sometimes vigilante/hero shadow brand second.
I'd love to see a revolving wheel of different heroes helping out/subbing in.
Maybe there’s even a work experience scheme set up with the MHYC to help out the youngsters there build their skills and confidence in an environment that won’t judge them for any metagene mishaps.
It could be used as a way to expand the characters we don’t get to see much of outside of their hero setting. I’m thinking people like Mist and Livewire - let’s get to know them as Andy and Leslie as they help out for a couple of days. Let’s learn some backstory beyond the fact that they got roped into the villain's life by nefarious means. I think Will is a brilliant character for bringing these conversations to the surface, and I would love to see that so much!
Heck, let it get to a point where everyone has their civilian clothes, their hero costume and a Bowhunter Security uniform, for just in case.
Maybe there could be a storyline where someone gets benched from going on missions - could be because of injury, or mental wellbeing, or as a punishment for something - and instead of leaving them to wallow at home, Will arranges for them to help out with Bowhunter Security. Throughout, there would be a bit of angst as they don’t really want to be there, and we discover what got them to the place they’re in. There could be some lightheartedness with Jim being Jim. Then some major fatherly wisdom from Will that helps them come to terms with whatever lesson it would be they needed to learn.
Then I think it would be really fun to have an issue where, on (what’s supposed to be) a very normal day, Roy just turns up in his Bowhunter Security uniform and is like - I’m ready for work, boss. And Will's like - I didn’t hire you. And Roy’s like - well, I’m here anyway, so where’d you want me? Let’s just say, Will is immediatly suspicious, as Roy doesn’t ever help unless massively incentivised… so he absolutely knows Roy’s up to something shady… however, (because we’re gonna make things extra complicated) it’s also ‘bring your kid to work day’, so Lian is there and she loves her uncle Roy, which means Will can’t really confront Roy on what is going on. Will then has to juggle running his business, and solving what Roy’s up to, all while taking care of his daughter and it all accumulates in whatever Roy is up to bringing major trouble right to will’s door… let’s just say, Roy’s the only person to ever get fired from Bowhunter Security, which he actually deems as quite the achievement in the grand scheme of things… Will, however, absolutely does not.
Anyway, that’s all I’ve got at the minute, though I may add to it if I ever come up with any more. I love the idea of a Bowhunter Security spinoff - particularly as a comic. It’s such a great concept to play with, and Will is a gem of a character to lead a mini-series with.
But that's just my thinking. Thank you for your question anon!
