Questions from John Lucien Grillo
How have the comic books you read in the past had an effect on the stories you make today?
You know, as a writer whose background is in fiction/screenwriting/novels, I'm somewhat new to the comics game. Growing up, I actually was way more into cartoons - the Saturday morning cartoon line up back then was legendary (Dragon's Lair, Superfriends, Dungeons & Dragons, Snorks, Spider Man, etc. - the list is endless). I always read the "funnies" in the paper and got into comics like The Far Side, Garfield, and Calvin and Hobbes. Those comics (and a continuous love for cartoons) ultimately helped generate my creativity and imagination - around age eleven, I swear I thought I could actually become a superhero. It wasn't until later, as an adult, that I discovered the full range of comic books - those that went beyond the "cartoonish" realm to become dark, serious, violent, complex, philosophical, and highly artistic. I'm still discovering them even today, constantly being impressed at the range of story-telling capability. I think the DC Conspiracy is a great example - I'm constantly wowed by the work this group creates.
Probably the best evidence of the influence of cartoons/comics on my writing, is in my first novel, National Darkroast Day. It's regular fiction, yet the cover is illustrated like a comic or graphic novel to fit the tone and style of the story. Ultimately, that's the lens that I see my stories through - which was certainly given to me by all those cartoons/comics.
What are your ideal working conditions? Or does your environment have any effect on your writing?
Good question. I think my ideal working conditions are always somewhat in flux. There are certain elements that I've learned are generally helpful - being surrounded by books and other inspiring items, or having a window nearby so I don't get claustrophobic, or listening to good music. But other factors seem to change day to day, or year to year. Some days having a TV turned on while working is great help - other days it's an enormous distraction. Some days, like I said, I can't work without good music - other days it ruins my train of thought - or I need a particular type, like techno music, to keep up the intensity. I guess in that way, to answer your other question, yes, environment definitely plays a part in my writing - but factors change. Ultimately, whatever gets the work done is what works for me.
If you had the money to turn any comic book into a feature film (that hasn't already been done) which would it be and who would you cast?
Well, I recently saw "Watchmen" and thought that made an awesome movie. But according to the rules, I've got to mention something else. I'm sure there are lots of great comics out there I don't know about, but I guess I'd say maybe Calvin and Hobbes. I know by all means that's not the "coolest" comic book, but I own (and still love) nearly every C&H collection that Bill Watterson released. I've always thought it'd make a great film - perhaps using CGI done by Pixar. Everything Pixar does is great - and there's lots of imaginative stuff in C&H, especially the Spaceman Spiff, T-Rex, cardboard-box modifier stuff - as well as lots of humor. Don't care who does the voices, but Pixar would definitely be the crew to produce it right.