Sometimes, the best way to protect Earth is to leave it; to go out into space and try to bring justice and order to a chaotic cosmic landscape. The latest Avenger to do this is Carol Danvers, the title character of "Captain Marvel." Under the watch of writer Kelly Sue DeConnick and artist David Lopez, Carol set out with her cat and a talking space ship to explore and protect the universe both as a solo hero and a newly-minted member of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

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Carol's first intergalactic adventure found her protecting the people of the planet Torfa from the machinations of J'Son, emperor of the Spartax and father of Carol's fellow Guardian of the Galaxy, Star-Lord. We spoke with DeConnick about the aftermath of that conflict' some of the book's supporting cast; and her upcoming plans for "Captain Marvel" which include stories guest-starring Carol's Guardians teammate Rocket Raccoon and intergalactic, mutant rock star Lila Cheney.

CBR News: In the "Higher, Further, Faster, More" arc, you sent Captain Marvel into space for a story that blended what fans love about Carol with some of the best elements of "Star Wars" and "Star Trek." It's clear you're loving the book's new cosmic status quo, but what are you enjoying most about having Carol in space?

Kelly Sue DeConnick: The same thing I love about having Carol on Earth, oddly enough -- the way she plays off her supporting cast. I enjoy creating characters and getting to know them and care about them as they build up a history. I've come to really care about the people of Torfa.

Carol didn't head out into space alone. She was accompanied by her cat Chewie and Harrison, who appears to be a Kymellian Smart Ship. Is that what he is?

It's--not, actually. In my head "Harrison" is just the name Carol gave the ship's AI -- thank you, Tony Stark. But that's such a great idea I wish I'd thought of it. Maybe I'll retcon...

We've just started reading "Power Pack" [Where the Smart Ships first appeared] with the kids, oddly enough. But I didn't put the two together.

What inspired Harrison's creation?

Same thing that made me have Carol take Chewie into space -- I tend to lean too heavily on her internal monologue, I think, so I wanted to be sure she had company to talk to.

In "Higher, Further, Faster, More," Carol foiled a scheme by J'son, Emperor of the Spartax, and in a recent arc of "Guardians of the Galaxy" she helped Star-Lord foil another one of his father's schemes. How would you describe the enmity between J'son and Carol after these recent clashes?

Remember, Carol saw J'Son try to give up the Earth to the Builders. She watched him make the heel turn that got the Ring World destroyed. She understands why he did it, but she doesn't forgive or forget easily. (Cue someone making a memory loss joke -- I said easily!)

Does Jason regard her with as much ire as he does his son?

I don't think so. We save that kind of passion for blood.

The solicits for your next "Captain Marvel" story suggest that both Carol's Guardians teammate Rocket Raccoon and Chewie play large roles.

That's correct. This is a two-issue storyline that centers around Chewie and changes their relationship going forward.

Part of me wants to call it "Jump the Shark," because people are going to either love it or haaaaaate it.

Marcio Takara of "Incorruptible" is handling the art duties for "Captain Marvel" #7-8, filling in for David Lopez. In terms of style, his work appears not to be too dissimilar from Lopez's.

Marcio is great -- you're going to love his stuff. And yes, he and David are similar enough that it won't be jarring, but not so much the same that you'd confuse one for the other. You'll love them both -- I promise.

Lopez returns for November's "Captain Marvel" #9, a story which features the return of intergalactic mutant rock star Lila Cheney. What can you tell us about the adventure they'll have together?

I don't want to give too much away, but '9' is my favorite number, and Issue #9s are always my favorites/significant for me for whatever reason -- and this is no exception. You can see how much fun David is having -- you can see the joy on the page. I haven't seen colors yet, but I'm dying to.

I don't want to give up too much, so let's say "'80s fairy tale rock opera."