Whitechapel - The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:17:47 -0700

People are starting to ask me questions in the FAQ. Which was really intended to supply answers to the usual queries, not turn into a Q&A thread.

So, if that's what people want, we'll do the Q&A thread here.

I'll answer whatever you throw to the best of my ability, though it might take me a while.

One condition: no questions about when stuff's due to come out. It makes me feel like a walking calendar for the internet. I won't answer those questions anymore, so don't bother asking. If you don't know when something's coming out, and you've already googled it, then you're not supposed to know. Okay? You're only going to get pissed off when I tell you the truth, which is most often "nobody's told me" or "I don't know."

So fire away.

-- W

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

offtandiscord — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:24:46 -0700

have you ever wished you could illustrate or draw because someone else hasn't quite captured your vision?

and if we're allowed two questions i'd ask if you've ever tried being a creator in any field other than writing...

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:28:30 -0700

1) SO MANY TIMES.

2) I did a book of odd photography and short fiction, and was exhibited as a photographer at the SENT exhibition in LA a few years back.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Gypsy — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:31:13 -0700

Change of question.
Are there any further plans to do Transcontinental and Transoceanic?

btw- I enoyed Available Light; some neat stuff in there.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

offtandiscord — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:52:59 -0700

1) SO MANY TIMES.

that would upset me to no end! knowing that the creation with my name attached to it isn't quite living up to what i wanted it to be... do you just have a beer and move on or have you ever considered finding a new artist for an old story you felt could have been done better?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:16:49 -0700

have you ever considered finding a new artist for an old story you felt could have been done better?

Can't really do that with company-owned stuff, and there are always sticky rights issues on other things. Just have a beer and move on.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Ted — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:19:02 -0700

Have you had a perfect moment in the last few weeks? If so, what was it?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

BenMiller — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:23:44 -0700

What is the status/chances of ever seeing a Transmetropolitan movie/tv show/mini-series?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:25:06 -0700

Ben: zero.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

paribolzi — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:25:38 -0700

I've noticed that FREAKANGELS pages are split in half, creating two horizontal tiers. Is this a decision you made because of the way each page will display online (scrolling)?
Apologies if this has been covered in a FREAKANGELS thread.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:35:50 -0700

I've noticed that FREAKANGELS pages are split in half, creating two horizontal tiers. Is this a decision you made because of the way each page will display online (scrolling)?

Yes.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

TechnocratJT — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:36:27 -0700

One I have been wanting to ask for a bit.

Warren, do you think your bifurcated market strategy is a permanent (or as nearly permanent so as you can see ahead) situation where you will always be splitting efforts between creator owned work and mad gun for hire, or do you foresee a time when you will be able to return to near exclusive creator owned projects.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:49:49 -0700

Warren, do you think your bifurcated market strategy is a permanent (or as nearly permanent so as you can see ahead) situation where you will always be splitting efforts between creator owned work and mad gun for hire, or do you foresee a time when you will be able to return to near exclusive creator owned projects.

Nothing in this market is permanent. However, beware of assuming that the market is binary. God only knows what's ahead, but you can be fairly sure it won't be just "a pendulum swing". My creator-owned work still out-pages my company-owned work, in any case.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Jon Wake — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:50:40 -0700

You've got pretty good taste in movies, music, etc..
But what's something you enjoyed once upon a time and now cringe whenever you think back to liking it?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

TechnocratJT — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:58:53 -0700

However, beware of assuming that the market is binary

It came to mind again today from CBR thread. Someone was pushing you should write Ultimate X-Men (unaware, I guess, of your actual x-book run coming up shortly), and a poster asked "was that the guy who wrote Ultimate Extinction?" I always find in interesting when internet fandom is unaware of information posted on the same message boards they attend to. Thanks for the reply.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

The Rascal King — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:19:13 -0700

I've got to restrain myself from posting the Questionaire that my comic shop likes to pester people with, so in terms of intterogation, I ask you simply this:
Where have you hidden the detonators?!

Seriously though, something I've wondered about. With series that you started/made worth reading (I'm thinking Stormwatch/Authority here) (Thats, you made Stormwatch worth reading, and started the Autority), are you happy with the way other writers have handeled it/continuted it and what-not? Does it bother you at all, with what are essentially your (freaky, slimey, chestbursty) babies, what happens to them now? Do you still follow them, and think that you would/wouldn't have done something that others have/haven't done? What is your favourite out of the lot after you left?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

orwellseyes — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:40:27 -0700

Faulkner used to say he re-read Shakespeare every year to stay mindful of those great works. Do you have any authors to books you re-read regularly?

And, if I can go for two, as linked in as you are, do you ever have the urge to cut online ties and be less interconnected via the web?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

JimJonesEsquire — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:42:00 -0700

My question is simple what is your favorite whiskey?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:45:55 -0700

Faulkner used to say he re-read Shakespeare every year to stay mindful of those great works. Do you have any authors to books you re-read regularly?

I re-read Hunter Thompson every four years, and I tend to come back to Ellison's GLASS TEAT books once every couple of years. I used to re-read ON THE ROAD annually.

And, if I can go for two, as linked in as you are, do you ever have the urge to cut online ties and be less interconnected via the web?

That would make it hard to deliver work or stay in touch with friends and colleagues. Would you give up the postal service?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:46:19 -0700

My question is simple what is your favorite whiskey?

Springbank Campbeltown, in the 31-year bottling.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:46:52 -0700

Seriously though, something I've wondered about. With series that you started/made worth reading (I'm thinking Stormwatch/Authority here) (Thats, you made Stormwatch worth reading, and started the Autority), are you happy with the way other writers have handeled it/continuted it and what-not? Does it bother you at all, with what are essentially your (freaky, slimey, chestbursty) babies, what happens to them now? Do you still follow them, and think that you would/wouldn't have done something that others have/haven't done? What is your favourite out of the lot after you left?

They're not mine. So who cares?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:47:35 -0700

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

BrianKellett — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:49:37 -0700

Ok - a very personal question so if you ignore it I completely understand.

Given your health, and your family health history - coupled with your intelligence, why do you smoke?

If you tell me to fuck off I guess I'll deserve it.

More work related, do you ever feel that the tropes that you chose to use have limited your audience? (smoking, foul-mouthed Brit, and I know that doesn't fit everything you have written by a long shot but I suspect that this is a big perception of your work).

*Again, apologies if I'm coming across as a tit, but I have an empty bottle of wine next to me where a full one was standing a while ago*

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

TechnocratJT — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:57:22 -0700

When I did ULTIMATE FF, I was drowned in messages from people who wanted to know if I'd done any other comics before.

I think I recall you saying that back when.

I don't expect every random reader to know who each writer is, I have at least one friend who still clings to the idea writers are interchangeable in service of character he has read for thirty years. He walks into a comic store with a genuine air of ignorance. And by that extension he has no idea that any comic news or column site be it Newsarama or Sequential Tart exists. As much as I disagree with him, he comes by that ignorance in what seems a logical way - he does not know or care.

What interests me is these are, well, internet nerds (not unlike myself in some respect obviously), they read the news sites and frequent the related gossip, yet at the same time seem unaware of whats being written or said outside a narrow scope of interest. Its not only blinders but the seeming intentional choice to only notice the headlines they wish to consume directly despite living on these boards. I can't even see the mindset.

Ok, I am going on again. Sorry bout that.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

synthsapien — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:00:06 -0700

When I did ULTIMATE FF, I was drowned in messages from people who wanted to know if I'd done any other comics before.

I'm always amazed when people seem to forget the existence of the internet.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Spiraltwist — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:06:50 -0700

yet at the same time seem unaware of whats being written or said outside a narrow scope of interest

I think this applies to any genre.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:14:52 -0700

Given your health, and your family health history - coupled with your intelligence, why do you smoke?

I smoke ten cigarettes a day, more or less. Helps with allergies, and with the IBS I developed when I quit smoking at thirty (which, healthwise, was probably the biggest mistake I ever made). Frankly, my family history is such that something's going to get me.

More work related, do you ever feel that the tropes that you chose to use have limited your audience? (smoking, foul-mouthed Brit, and I know that doesn't fit everything you have written by a long shot but I suspect that this is a big perception of your work).

Well, I hate to argue with the internets, but numbers suggest that it hasn't limited my audience. In any case, that's not really the greatest concern to me. I'm a Brit. These are our British heroes, really -- even the ones who aren't foul-mouthed and smoking are cranky and difficult in other ways. Even Dan Dare was a stubborn pain in the arse, and he was deliberately created to be sweetness and light itself.

Some of us have a kind of character we enjoy exploring. Look at Howard Chaykin and his pretty much single-handed and career-long effort to subvert the role of the Jewish man in adventure fiction.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

BenelGermosen — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:23:05 -0700

Speaking of interrogations, I know that you like to write interrogation scenes(correct me if I'm wrong), what are your favorite interrogation scenes in books/movies/fiction in general?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Rootfireember — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:30:18 -0700

Mr.Ellis
1) I have heard there are kitties in your household. If this is true, what are their names? (I have one kitty, and I like hearing about other people's pets.)
2) What is the strangest food you've ever eaten?
3 What is the strangest typo you recollect recently making?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:35:16 -0700

1) I have heard there are kitties in your household. If this is true, what are their names? (I have one kitty, and I like hearing about other people's pets.)

We have three: Oscar, Lucretia (Lucy) and Anton.

2) What is the strangest food you've ever eaten?

Hmm. Puffin was pretty odd. As was sheep's head.

3 What is the strangest typo you recollect recently making?

I don't make typos.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

MegaGoosey — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:11:32 -0700

1) You mentioned re-reading Hunter S. Thompson every so often. Do you have a favorite of his?

2) Favorite classical piece of literature?

3) If you had to pick an animal to fight to the death with (knowing that no matter what animal you picked, you would lose and die), what animal would it be?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

muse hick — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:40:07 -0700

1. will you be writing anymore columns for suicide girls?
2. what do you like most about where you live?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Rudi — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:42:18 -0700

When writing Dracula (for Castlevania), how do you take a character that has such a rich history that's been done so many times before and put your voice to it? I imagine I could ask the same about Robin Hood as well.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Alan Tyson — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:42:21 -0700

Oh, why not. Looks like fun.

Orbiter is what made me consider you one of my favorite writers, before I'd even heard of Transmetropolitan. I know you did Ministry of Space as well, and unfortunately I haven't been able to find that yet, but anyway: my question is, do you plan on doing anything more with the topic of space exploration? I don't feel like anyone else has done much worthy reading on that subject.

Also, thanks for taking the time to answer these.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

pi8you — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:47:03 -0700

Nothing serious to ask comes to mind, so I'll go for a geeky tidbit: What was your first Internet-enabled machine?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Hawksmoor — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 01:03:24 -0700

Mr. Ellis.

Two questions, actually, if you don't mind.

If you do mind, well, it's too late now, aint it?

Heh.

First, you've obviously got a huge interest in applying real-world science to your stories. Is there a favorite Science Fiction writer, past or present, that you owe your literary scientific interests (explainations) to?

Second-wise, heh, is there a specific character that you wish to write but haven't had a chance or the time to?

Hawksmoor...From The Bleed.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Eli Green — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 01:35:00 -0700

Who would win in a fight, you or Orson Welles?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Rantz — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 01:55:32 -0700

Hey Warren I've got one for you since I'm getting hit with this myself and immediately thought of you...

With the number of projects that you have rolling in a variety of media at any given moment, how frequently do you find yourself thinking 'I really should have said 'no' or 'maybe later' to project __(fill in the blank)___?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

daz — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 03:09:03 -0700

You did in your knee playing rugby, I believe. League or Union? And what position?

d

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Chris M Ferguson — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 03:15:07 -0700

Honestly, where do you find the time go through a million feeds, write a billion books, and post at a dozen forums, Mr. Ellis?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

moali — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 05:17:44 -0700

bloody hell, this thread is going to turn into Blind Date....

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Pete Martin — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 05:22:36 -0700

Mr. Ellis
When was the last time you were un-bearded?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

CodyMelartin — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 06:47:13 -0700

As a science-loving atheistic individual who knows both Alan Moore and Grant Morrison personally, what do you think of their claims of being active magicians?

Also, would you ever consider revisiting the world of Ministry of Space? I really liked that series, and I'd love to see more of that history explored.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 07:28:18 -0700

Who would win in a fight, you or Orson Welles?

Me. Orson Welles is dead.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 07:28:52 -0700

Mr. Ellis
When was the last time you were un-bearded?

The age of 25 or 26, I think.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Lucifal — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 07:30:18 -0700

Would you like to read an issue of Murky Depths?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 07:34:07 -0700

You did in your knee playing rugby, I believe. League or Union? And what position?

Union. Second row.

Second row may possibly be better known as "locks" these days.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 07:35:04 -0700

my question is, do you plan on doing anything more with the topic of space exploration?

Yes. Probably next year, in fact.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 07:36:07 -0700

First, you've obviously got a huge interest in applying real-world science to your stories. Is there a favorite Science Fiction writer, past or present, that you owe your literary scientific interests (explainations) to?

Not that I can think of.

Second-wise, heh, is there a specific character that you wish to write but haven't had a chance or the time to?

That's not really how I work.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Doctor Pockets — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 08:08:33 -0700

Why comics?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

mark barter — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 08:11:00 -0700

Talking of difficult, foul-mouthed, chain smoking Brit heroes. My favourite comic of the last 10/15 years is Hellblazer. John Constantine/Warren Ellis. Seemed so right but went so wrong. Would you ever revisit the character or has that boat sunk? You must have had lots of ideas for the title that never got used - did you use them elsewhere?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

mbakunin — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 08:22:02 -0700

Speaking of Hunter S. Thompson: have you read The Kitchen Readings (personal reminiscences about HST collected by two of his long-time Woody Creek friends and neighbors)..? It just came out last year or so, truly a delighful little book. Very much confirms the view that Hunter's more over-the-top writings were not some exaggeration of his real life, but rather a children's-book version of The Real Thing...

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Pete Martin — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 08:29:54 -0700

Another question, about how you got into comics. There must have been a point where you weren't in comic and then you were (Deadline was the first, right?). I just want to know how that came about. Did you just throw out million s of submissions and hoped one stuck? Or were you friends with someone who gave you a chance?

What was you "foot in the door" moment and how did it come about?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Derleth — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 08:38:15 -0700

When reading comic books, I often have an accompanying soundtrack running in my head... so much so that I now find appropriately thematic bands listened to while reading to enhance the experience. Would you agree with my selections, or would you suggest others' music for your works?

Doktor Sleepless - She Wants Revenge

Gravel - Aphex Twin

Black Summer - The Birthday Massacre

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

hmobius — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 08:51:29 -0700

Just curious - when you're trawling t'internet for news and new things, do you read about something and then know that it will work nicely in with a story you've got going or is it only ever brainjuice for future possible use? And how often do you go back through your delicious links, blog archives etc looking for inspiration or a useful answer for a problem the story is posing

I guess single issue stories like Fell and Global Frequency lend themselves better to the former...

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 10:50:43 -0700

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

TF — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 10:58:06 -0700

Does it annoy you when people forget that you know how to work a search engine?

I'm always amazed when you send out a random thought on BadSignal and then have to send another one telling people to stop sending you the most bleeding obvious internet results related to that thought.

ALSO - As a lover of Orson Welles have you ever read Superman 62 where Superman and Orson team up and fight Martians?

I know it's unrelated to Orson's genius BUT COME ON!! He's fighting Martians with Superman!

I don't know, I only just found out about it and I think it's brilliant! What do you think?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 11:00:32 -0700

Does it annoy you when people forget that you know how to work a search engine?

There's this weird thing about Bad Signal where it seems that no-one realises I can work a search engine, and that whenever I mention a book or a band or something, three thousand people seem to think that I only just read or heard of it and start sending me recommendations of things I read when I was 14 or something.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

orwellseyes — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 11:45:24 -0700

ALSO - As a lover of Orson Welles have you ever read Superman 62 where Superman and Orson team up and fight Martians?

Orson Welles, dressed as Londo from Babylon 5, fighting the Martians. Drawn by someone who never saw a picture of Orson Welles. Comics are wonderful.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

SeanGrimm — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:30:24 -0700

Dear Love Swami,
Have any advice on love and relationships?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

TF — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 13:16:49 -0700

@ orwellseyes

In fairness - I saw Blackmagic only the other week on Film Four and I think it's a fair comic book translation (for the time) of what he's wears in the movie.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Solario — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 14:36:31 -0700

Which work-for-hire job are you the most happy about ever having taken? Did you learn the most from it or did it expose you to a greater number of people or did you simply really enjoy writing the story?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

frenchbloke — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 14:50:36 -0700

I'm having smash hits flashbacks circa 83ish.
nobody asked about favourite colours yet ? *ducks*
speaking of welles, I have a recording of when orson welles met hg wells from 1940 - if anyone wants a copy

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

cjstevens — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 15:12:30 -0700

You're such a legend for even opening this up as a post.

So many questions..!

When are you gonna appear somewhere in the UK? I hear it's Chicago this year, San Diego last year. Dammit I wanna meet you in person..Not enough cash for US trip..
Living in SE London it's so frustrating knowing your just over the river probably in a boozer hammering out more cool stuff.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

howyadoin — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 15:56:14 -0700

Whatever happened to Morning Dragons?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Muldrate — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 20:46:01 -0700

Well in response to a few of the above, (and feel free to answer any or all, with thanks)

1.) You've mentioned that you do company owned work primarily as favors-for-friends, good-source-of-funds, or other non-creative reasons, but do you LIKE anything that comes from that situation? In other words, is there any creative aspect of doing company-owned work that appeals to you? Any unique challenges or benefits? Any company owned project that you feel especially proud of?

2.) Do you find, as you get more respect in the comics industry, that you have more input in selecting your own artists? When Marvel calls you, do you say "so-and-so would be great" or do they typically assign somebody without checking with you?

3.) What is your favorite pre-Transmet work?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 20:59:19 -0700

Whatever happened to Morning Dragons?

A number of things. Short version is that it's off the cards for the moment, until I go out again to try and find a publisher who'll support it.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 21:02:26 -0700

When are you gonna appear somewhere in the UK?

I don't really get offered much in the UK, and, to be honest, UK appearances in the past kind of put me off doing more. I was Guest of Honour at a UK convention a few years back -- the accomodation turned out to be a converted loft room in someone's house, I went almost 24 hours without food and the dealers decided that bringing books of mine was somehow beneath them.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

GreggN — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 21:45:17 -0700

I read a lot about you getting your writing done at a pub. Is this the only place that you work, or do you write at home/libraries/the bus/wherever in addition?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Aberrant_Press — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 04:58:53 -0700

How about appearances in Vegas then? I just started a chapter of the Drink and Draw Social Club, and while I don't have it in the budget at the moment to fly people across the pond, I'm working on it. I'll even put you up in one of those fancy casinos all the kids are going crazy for these days (either the Luxor or the Monte Carlo).

Plus, free booze.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

frenchbloke — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 10:34:51 -0700

i'm still attempting to persuade the powers that be locally to include your good self in the forthcoming book festival festivities, i may have suggested it to be at the bladnoch distillery rather than the big tent thing as they don't make nice whisky at the tent.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 12:52:54 -0700

I ate in Vegas once.

I honestly don't know how anyone in that town is still alive.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:22:19 -0700

I read a lot about you getting your writing done at a pub. Is this the only place that you work, or do you write at home/libraries/the bus/wherever in addition?

I do the bulk of my writing at home, obviously. But if I get up to the pub for an hour or two every day, I can clear my pipes, drink some red bull and smoke some cigarettes (I don't smoke in the house). And, of course, if I'm travelling, then I'm working in the hotel room, and in bars and coffee shops etc.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:23:48 -0700

1.) You've mentioned that you do company owned work primarily as favors-for-friends, good-source-of-funds, or other non-creative reasons, but do you LIKE anything that comes from that situation? In other words, is there any creative aspect of doing company-owned work that appeals to you? Any unique challenges or benefits? Any company owned project that you feel especially proud of?

I don't like anything I've written, a half hour after writing it.

2.) Do you find, as you get more respect in the comics industry, that you have more input in selecting your own artists? When Marvel calls you, do you say "so-and-so would be great" or do they typically assign somebody without checking with you?

I've almost always selected my own artists. I made a point of that from the beginning of my career.

3.) What is your favorite pre-Transmet work?

See answer 1.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:24:34 -0700

John Constantine/Warren Ellis. Seemed so right but went so wrong. Would you ever revisit the character or has that boat sunk?

Oh, that's sailed. I don't see myself ever going back to that book.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

KPatrickGlover — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:44:28 -0700

I re-read Hunter Thompson every four years, and I tend to come back to Ellison's GLASS TEAT books once every couple of years. I used to re-read ON THE ROAD annually.

I loved Glass Teat. I think I actually prefer Ellison's non-fiction over his fiction (though i love both). I'm curious, what's your opinion of An Edge In My Voice? It's my favorite of his works.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

SJD — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 14:38:52 -0700

I love that you like to play with formats. (I.E. the slimline format for Image, the Graphic Novelette at Avatar, the online comic currently with FreakAngels)

Are you pushing for more diverse formats as a way of keeping things fresh or do they stem naturally from the ideas of each individual project? And will there be more variations we can expect to see in the near future?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

AtomicSloth — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 15:17:05 -0700

Being the poor umemployed bum that I am, I get the majority of my comics fix from the local library. I got Fell, Global Frequency, Nextwave, The Authority, Desolation Jones, Orbiter, The Ultimates and others (actually bought Crecy and Crooked Little Vein myself) in tpb for three weeks free rental.
So my question is, this being a library in bucks, england and these books usually coming from america (I've seen page45 pricetags on some, Titan on the others) do you actually get any money from me reading these, or am I akin to someone downloading torrents of scans?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 15:20:43 -0700

I don't see any money, due to these works being American imports -- that money would go to the Author's Society. But I'm okay with that.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

CodyMelartin — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:36:37 -0700

Oh hey, have you seen any of The Venture Brothers yet? If so, what'd you think? I recall reading that you said at some con last year that you hadn't seen it.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Egon — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:50:12 -0700

Who's your favorite living comedian?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Steve — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:07:01 -0700

"I don't like anything I've written, a half hour after writing it."

As an 'aspiring' writer, I think I need to print that on a piece of paper and hang it on the wall. I tend to hate everything I do.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

kozmund — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:19:19 -0700

I apologize if this this question crosses a boundary into your family life. As your daughter gets older, do you have limitations on when you will or won't allow her to read certain pieces of your work due to their content? I was thinking about this after reading Scars, in the context of what you wrote about your process and mental state while creating the book.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:33:28 -0700

I apologize if this this question crosses a boundary into your family life. As your daughter gets older, do you have limitations on when you will or won't allow her to read certain pieces of your work due to their content?

No. Putting artificial limitations on ideas isn't how you raise a kid.

One of her favourite books is still LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN V2.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:57:04 -0700

Who's your favorite living comedian?

Patton Oswalt.

As I recall, Fraction and I had the same reaction on hearing 222 -- neither of us had laughed that much at an American comedian since Bill Hicks was alive.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:58:14 -0700

Are you pushing for more diverse formats as a way of keeping things fresh or do they stem naturally from the ideas of each individual project?

A little of both. There's a boring answer for you. Sorry.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

NimyL — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:11:07 -0700

I don't like anything I've written, a half hour after writing it.

How do you identify what's worth keeping and what's actually dreck?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 04:04:51 -0700

"I don't like anything I've written, a half hour after writing it."

How do you identify what's worth keeping and what's actually dreck?

I've already sent it by that point!

History awaits!

oh god why am i awake

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

dnwilliams — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:49:49 -0700

your attitude towards superhero comics always reaches me second-hand through people who often use it as some kind of joke, so my question is: what is warren ellis' attitude to superhero comics, in a nutshell?

i find it hard to accept the paradox that someone who is averse to the genre should be so skilled in crafting stories which conform to it...or that someone with such a grasp of these characters and immersed in a medium where they are dominant can have no affection for it whatsoever. plus, that's not the vibe i get from THAT issue of planetary

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:58:59 -0700

your attitude towards superhero comics always reaches me second-hand through people who often use it as some kind of joke, so my question is: what is warren ellis' attitude to superhero comics, in a nutshell?

I'm not a particular fan of the genre, so it's an interesting challenge to write superhero fiction that I would want to read. wouldn't want to do it all the time. (I'm a commercial writer -- If I were working in US movies in the 1950s, I'd be facing similar problems with westerns and musical comedy.) I dislike walking into comics stores that only sell superhero fiction: I think it's unhealthy for the medium.

There you go.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Mark Datik — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:05:42 -0700

When the "Clyde Fans" story began in Seth's Palookaville, I believe you mentioned looking forward to the beginning of the serial as it featured a long monolog by one of the lead characters. You said this was a very interesting experiment and were looking forward to seeing how it would unfold.

Did you ever get a chance to read the story? And if so, how did you like the experiment? Did the narrative work from your point of view?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:07:55 -0700

Did you ever get a chance to read the story?

Nope. Only ever saw the first part. That's about the same time I gave up on comics shops. These two statements may be connected, heh. I'll get myself the GN one day, if I remember...

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

johnplatt — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:11:05 -0700

I spend all day at the computer, and find myself in a lot of pain as a result. As another keyboard junkie, how do you keep your hands healthy?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

ValCapone — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:50:00 -0700

For a guy who claims to hate people, I have to wonder: why torture yourself with multiple message boards and attempts to answer the questions of the idiot masses?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:52:36 -0700

So that I can hate people BETTER.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

ValCapone — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:01:47 -0700

And to recycle their most idiotic of comments where necessary in future writings?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Solario — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:56:26 -0700

What's the most you've ever written in one stretch and for how long?

If you could decide which year to have been born in, what would it be? (sorry for the outlandish question, it just popped into my head.)

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

SJD — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:15:02 -0700

@Warren Ellis

So that I can hate people BETTER.

That is the best answer, EVER.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

SJD — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:17:04 -0700

You've written a novel (with another one on the way), screenplays, video games, and a ton of comics that we love like heroin.

What haven't you done that you'd really like to do (writing-wise or not) or which medium would you like to work more in?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Rudi — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:46:02 -0700

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Andre — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:57:08 -0700

First off thanks for holding this thread it's great to see so many good questions be answered. I'm hard pressed to keep up
but would feel poorly if I missed the opportunity to ask something.

1. What's your favorite comics work of Grant Morrison, Alan Moore and Garth Ennis.

2. Which of your works would you feel would work best if translated to film or television..under your supervision of course.

3. A friend of mine swears there's some sort of rivallry between Grant Morrison and Alan Moore, i couldn't find evidence but being a friend of both is there any validity to that.

4. Would you be involved in 52 series type deal working with other creators and if so who would you like to work with.

Thanks Warren your works an inspiration to budding creators everywhere.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:02:23 -0700

1. What's your favorite comics work of Grant Morrison, Alan Moore and Garth Ennis.

Hm. Tough one, actually. Grant: KILL YOUR BOYFRIEND or THE INVISIBLES as a whole, I think. Or maybe ST SWITHINS DAY. Alan... FROM HELL, I think. Garth... there's PREACHER, obviously, but I love his WAR STORIES. ARCANGEL is a favourite.

2. Which of your works would you feel would work best if translated to film or television..under your supervision of course.

GLOBAL FREQUENCY. Ha ha.

3. A friend of mine swears there's some sort of rivallry between Grant Morrison and Alan Moore, i couldn't find evidence but being a friend of both is there any validity to that.

They're not friends. Leave it at that.

4. Would you be involved in 52 series type deal working with other creators and if so who would you like to work with.

God, no.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:19:38 -0700

When writing iconic characters like Dracula and Robin Hood (and even some of the WFH) , how do you take someting that has such a rich history that's been done so many times before and put your voice to it?

There's not really a trick to it -- or if there is, it's all instinct. It comes down to reading as much as you can and then deciding what kind of man that was and writing accordingly.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

BMTMTC — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:12:34 -0700

What are your thoughts on video games as a writing format? Is it viable for authors having difficulties getting their work into television or movies to maybe get their vision onto a computer screen?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Egon — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:13:56 -0700

1) What was your most recent nightmare like?

2) What was the best meal you've ever had...or at least recently.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

tedcroland — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:19:36 -0700

Is there any chance of seeing a Nextwave sequel or continuation?

Also, if Immonen were unable or unwilling, would you do it without him? If he didn't return, who would you see illustrating in his stead? Not to get political or anything, I'm just curious.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

promethian — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:25:31 -0700

Hi Warren

Last summer Newsarama ran an article "SDCC: 44 things said at the Spotlight on Warren Ellis panel"

#42 was: "There will be a one-shot Planetary comic, and it will be expensive."

Is this different to the upcoming issue 27? If so, is it going to be a Ellis-Cassaday collaboration?

Thanks!

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

BMTMTC — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:53:32 -0700

I didn't realize the forums had morphed into Inside the Actor's Studio

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:08:27 -0700

Heh

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

JoshHechinger — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:42:38 -0700

1) Kirby or Steranko? Who made up the better toys for Nick Fury?

2) Any chance of more things along the lines of Available Light?

3) What's one show you dug in the past that needs to be on DVD, but isn't?

4) If you could import one Japanese artist for a GNette or short series, who would it be?

Thanks for your time.

@ Andre: Psst, check out this interview, towards the bottom.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

joe.distort — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:01:16 -0700

do you read diy comics? i always want to know that about writers.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

IsaacSher — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 22:14:55 -0700

I recently heard that you will be attending Wizard World Chicago this summer. I'm looking forward to that, as I was planning on attending anyway. But I have some questions about it.

1) Is there a reason why you chose to do this convention in particular, as opposed to San Diego or any other comics-related convention?

2) Do you have any pet peeves about signings or Q&A panels that you hope to avoid by warning us about them ahead of time? Questions you'd rather not be asked there, or books you'd rather not be asked to sign, that sort of thing?

and on a different subject:

3) What is the most recent moment of pure entertainment in comics that you've read? Where you looked at the page and were pleasantly reminded why you read comics?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Andre Navarro — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 23:02:28 -0700

I didn't realize the forums had morphed into Inside the Actor's Studio

Heh

You're right, it's been an exceptionally uninspired day for me (no sarcasm here, I'm serious). I'll ask something better later.

@ Andre: Psst, check out this interview, towards the bottom.

Thanks.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

caseyvegas — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 23:11:18 -0700

Learning a lot with the pilot for Global Frequency, how would/can you approach, say a Freak Angels, tv show now? How much can you get involved in their process, and how much would you want to be involved? (Loved the GF pilot by the way...)

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

James Cunningham — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:04:32 -0700

Am I the only person in the world who remembers Switchblade Honey, enjoyed it, and would love to see a bit more in that universe? I think it's my general dislike for Star Trek and all things related that made me enjoy that story so much.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Jonathan Hickman — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:09:49 -0700

Hey Warren,

On average how much sleep are you getting a night?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Andre Navarro — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:27:00 -0700

Warren sleeps?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

BenelGermosen — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:36:44 -0700

Warren sleeps?

No. He waits.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Brendan McGinley — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:34:57 -0700

What are your unimpeachable joys in this world?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Rantz — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:14:48 -0700

Hey Warren,

On average how much sleep are you getting a night?

I'm willing to take a money bet that it's more than you or I. But that's because he haz POWERZ.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Andre Navarro — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:17:54 -0700

I'm willing to take a money bet that it's more than you or I. But that's because he haz POWERZ.

Probably stopping time, sleeping and then resuming it.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

raymondconlon — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:21:48 -0700

What was the last movie you watched?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

jdack — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:31:14 -0700

1. Is your cane metaphorical, or is there an actual cane?

2. If actual, have you ever waved it wildly at anyone?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Leandro Damasceno — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:35:29 -0700

Recently a teacher of mine said: "I never even think of anybody else while I'm creating. Audience, public, if anyone with "get it". I don't care about the others, I care about me.

My question is: do you wrtie with a perfect reader in mind? Better yet, do you care if what you're writing is reader friendly, or you write just for to fulfill yourself?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Skylark — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:47:50 -0700

What is your earliest childhood memory?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

muse hick — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:10:13 -0700

hello mr ellis, a couple of questions:
1. have you ever felt the urge to write yourself into your fiction like stephen king and grant morrison?
2. what do you think is the biggest mistake a comic writer can make when approaching a story?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

tedcroland — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:14:28 -0700

He appeared in an issue of Transmet (or, at least two friends that look strikingly similar to Warren and Darick, respectively). They were talking about cosmetic penis warts.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

brittanica — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:42:43 -0700

warren:
in the case of your book tokyo storm warning, did you always plan on calling it that? or was it a case of "i've written a giant robot story set in japan; what the hell, i'll title it after an elvis costello song"?

either way, you'll always have a place in my heart for it.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

cjstevens — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:42:54 -0700

This post is amazing. I am saving it.

Warren, could you give us a list of your top most visited websites, feeds, blogs etc.

Thanks

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

ValCapone — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:48:59 -0700

Warren, do you ever grant more formal interviews (even if only via e-mail)? And if so, what's the procedure for getting in touch?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Andre Navarro — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:21:44 -0700

What is your earliest childhood memory?

Wikipedia answers this one: "Ellis was born in Essex in February 1968, about seventeen months before Neil Armstrong landed on the Moon on July 20, 1969; he reports that the televised broadcast of the event is his earliest coherent memory." It was Warren's foreword to "Orbiter", I believe...

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Admiral Neck — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:22:49 -0700

You've graduated from Cloud Atlas to Master and Commander already? Do you read as fast as Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting? Did you give up on Cloud Atlas? If not and you just read more than one book at a time, do you like it? Question mark?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Cat Vincent — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:25:00 -0700

Warren - you've written a lot about supernatural/occult themes, with both good research and sympathy. Do you actually have any beliefs in any paranormal/magical agencies or models? And have you ever had an experience which you'd call 'supernatural' or similar?

And with two protagonists in your current work who had a year with no sleep, I'd also like to know how your sleeping...

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Pete Martin — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:37:00 -0700

I should point out that a lot of these questions could be answered by searching we.com... (nextwave, expos, comics, writing...)

Anything else can normally be answered with "no", "not nearly enough", "a lot of money" or "not nearly enough money".

And the cane is real. I'm sure there's a recording of a panel session somewhere about the rugby accident.

So, with that, I should come up with a question myself...

Would you accept a EIC job if it came up?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

mrph — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:39:18 -0700

Warren, a vaguely WFH question or two...

With your creator owned work, you seem to put lot of effort into considering the format and style of the physical product - I'm thinking of things like Fell and Apparat here. How much of that aspect also makes it into the WFH books you're involved with - and is it something that some publishers actively discuss with you, given that you're quite well known for this side of your work? (I'm guessing that the distinctive newuniversal covers and the Nextwave style both fall, at least partly, into this category...?)

On a related note, but slightly more of a general industry WFH question - how involved/informed are you when recent (or not-so-recent) WFH work is being republished as a collection? You've mentioned the Ultimate Human situation elsewhere, and presumably the original contracts cover most of the business side of any collection or reprint/translation, but how do these things work - does someone just drop you a mail to say "by the way, we're going to be publishing XYZ as a collection in October"?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Winther — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:01:55 -0700

On a related note, but slightly more of a general industry WFH question - how involved/informed are you when recent (or not-so-recent) WFH work is being republished as a collection? You've mentioned the Ultimate Human situation elsewhere, and presumably the original contracts cover most of the business side of any collection or reprint/translation, but how do these things work - does someone just drop you a mail to say "by the way, we're going to be publishing XYZ as a collection in October"?

The way comics work nowadays, isn't an eventual collection virtually a given, if the comics are even moderately successful?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:24:55 -0700

Work's eating my head today. Will get to these ASAP, feel free to keep them coming, I'll get to them all in the end...

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:26:58 -0700

VAL: drop me a note at degaussing@googlemail.com and I'll transfer you to my home account. Interviews via email are fine.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

agentarsenic — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:33:16 -0700

I've been wanting to ask these for a long time...
1. I know you've written videogames (and things based on videogames), but do you actually play them?
If so, which ones?

2. What do you think about Kahn's upcoming Neuromancer?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

paulmcenery — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 21:01:37 -0700

Hey Warren --

RU Sirius has gotten some nice Transhumanist people to fund another magazine, and I'm doing a review feature on you for them, narrowing it down to Freakangels and Ultimate Human for reasons of space, coherence and not going utterly doolally. Mind if I ping you on the degaussing address for a one liner to fit into the piece?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Rantz — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 21:29:04 -0700

Hey, I've thought of this a couple times, but always forgotten to ask...

Have you ever had any interest in creating a series of 'shared world' titles... Like Heinlein, Elmore Leonard, or even Millar did by way of example? Not so much interdependant, but all of them part of the same 'world'?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

kyu915 — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:22:14 -0700

I work at a comic shop. We are constantly getting those new converts who have picked up your Marvel writer-for-hire work and want to check out other things by you. Our top recommendations are usually Transmetropolitan, Desolation Jones, Fell, Black Summer, and The Authority.

My question is what of your work would you suggest to these people who are discovering you only through the superhero genre at first?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Brad McLoughlin — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 02:12:34 -0700

Nice thread, warren. Skipping back to your self criticism, do you have ongoing personal gripes about your own work? Fancy sharing?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Widdow — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 05:10:06 -0700

Hi Warren.

You mentioned a few months back that you had one project left to do at Marvel as part of your deal with them. It wasnt for a well known title, but something you can breathe life into (a la New Universal). You asked for our opinions and ideas who we think you should bring back!

I suggested Marvel UK, predominately Dragon Claws, because I though you could bring them back and create a lot more ultra violent vicious gangs and modernise it for 2008!

You said you didnt know what was happening with the Marvel UK stuff and you were going to try to speak to Joe Quesada about it. Did you talk to him on this?

Is the Marvel Uk "world" an option that you could run with?

Or have you decided on another project, if you have.... can you say what it is? Or if you cant when do think it will it be announced?

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to ask questions and look forward to hearing from you.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Pete Martin — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 05:12:40 -0700

Last one from me: People like to talk about the "best" British writers, like Moore, Gaiman, Ennis, Morrison, yosself, etc.

Who do you think are going to be the next generation of star British writers? Where do you think they'll come from?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

fro — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 06:46:08 -0700

Sorry if this has been answered before, but whatever happened to that Rocket Pirates idea?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Nicolai — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:37:50 -0700

Have you read DeLillo's Running Dog? Did you borrow the whole "Hitler porn"* thing from it?

*Desolation Jones, story arc numero uno.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:43:18 -0700

Have you read DeLillo's Running Dog? Did you borrow the whole "Hitler porn"* thing from it?

No and no.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:44:55 -0700

Sorry if this has been answered before, but whatever happened to that Rocket Pirates idea?

A number of things, including Gmail fucking up massively and an inability to get the software to work. Just a cascade of disasters, really.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:46:02 -0700

Who do you think are going to be the next generation of star British writers? Where do you think they'll come from?

No idea. I'm way too out of touch to begin to answer that, really. I'd say people like Si Spurrier and Kieron Gillen. but there could be a dozen more who I'm just not aware of.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:46:38 -0700

Nice thread, warren. Skipping back to your self criticism, do you have ongoing personal gripes about your own work? Fancy sharing?

No. What is this, an encounter group?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:47:21 -0700

My question is what of your work would you suggest to these people who are discovering you only through the superhero genre at first?

I can't answer those. Totally depends on the person.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Warped Savant — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:57:33 -0700

I've always really enjoyed your short-stories/fast fiction that you've put up on the 'net. So far I've only been able to find them at three different LiveJournal accounts (Warren_Ellis, Mr. Sleepless, and Superflow). Are there any other places where some of your fast fiction is still up and available for reading?

Also, my other slightly random question: How do you deal with the obsessive, near stalkerish fans of yours? (You know, the really creepy ones).

Thank you for taking the time to answer all of the questions that people are posting for you.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Pablo — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:41:34 -0700

This may sound a little weird, but I've noticed sometimes that when you have characters explain something or go into personal musings or monologues and no other characters are around, you just have the character speak out loud to his or herself as opposed to using thought balloons or caption boxes that contain the character's thoughts (like a lot of modern comic book writers do). Is it that you don't like thought balloons and captions, and if so why?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

mrph — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:54:08 -0700

You mentioned a few months back that you had one project left to do at Marvel as part of your deal with them. It wasnt for a well known title, but something you can breathe life into (a la New Universal). You asked for our opinions and ideas who we think you should bring back!

I suggested Marvel UK, predominately Dragon Claws, because I though you could bring them back and create a lot more ultra violent vicious gangs and modernise it for 2008!

You said you didnt know what was happening with the Marvel UK stuff and you were going to try to speak to Joe Quesada about it. Did you talk to him on this?

Is the Marvel Uk "world" an option that you could run with?

Hmm. Seconded. Not specifically Dragon's Claws - and for all I know this stuff may not appeal to Warren in the slightest - but if Marvel are looking to revitalise a few old properties, there was a lot of stuff in the 90s Marvel UK boom, and I'd love to see some of it reappear in an updated form (Warheads, Pendragon, Wild Thing...). Some of it was a bit generic and/or just plain silly, but...

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:32:44 -0700

Is it that you don't like thought balloons and captions, and if so why?

On some projects, I simply want the clarity that comes from panels that contain nothing but art and spoken word.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:33:28 -0700

I've always really enjoyed your short-stories/fast fiction that you've put up on the 'net. So far I've only been able to find them at three different LiveJournal accounts (Warren_Ellis, Mr. Sleepless, and Superflow). Are there any other places where some of your fast fiction is still up and available for reading?

No.

Also, my other slightly random question: How do you deal with the obsessive, near stalkerish fans of yours? (You know, the really creepy ones).

I don't have any.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

curb — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:34:19 -0700

Warren, I remember you mentioning you still have 2000AD prog 1. Do you still read it, and if so, what do you think of it these days? Do you think it has much of a future? Can you envisage any condition under which you'd like to write for it?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:35:30 -0700

What are your thoughts on video games as a writing format? Is it viable for authors having difficulties getting their work into television or movies to maybe get their vision onto a computer screen?

No. Videogame work is far more creatively restricted, and videogame concepts are generated exclusively within the publishing house or production entity. It'll be a long, long time before a writer can consider videogames a viable market for original work.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:36:17 -0700

Warren, I remember you mentioning you still have 2000AD prog 1. Do you still read it

No.

Can you envisage any condition under which you'd like to write for it?

Sure. Give me creator-ownership and I'll be there like a shot.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:38:07 -0700

1) What was your most recent nightmare like?

I don't have nightmares.

2) What was the best meal you've ever had...or at least recently.

Probably the goose my girlfriend cooked at Xmas.

Is there any chance of seeing a Nextwave sequel or continuation?

No much.

Also, if Immonen were unable or unwilling, would you do it without him?

I don't think so.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

phil.lunt — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:56:18 -0700

Marmite: good or bad?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:59:47 -0700

BAAAAAAD

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

phil.lunt — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:05:00 -0700

BAAAAAAD

ta!

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

raymondconlon — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:08:24 -0700

What was the last movie you saw?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

curb — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:09:02 -0700

Apologies if this is a 'one question only' type deal, but it seems pretty clear from your work that you know how to 'do' funny. Would you ever consider writing a straight up comedy in one form or another? If not, why not?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

phil.lunt — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:13:02 -0700

Apologies if this is a 'one question only' type deal

One question only?!? And I blew it on that stupid bloody Marmite question?!? Bugger...

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Warped Savant — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:14:36 -0700

Did you realize that Anna Mercury was coming out today? If so, did I just completely miss everything telling me to go out and buy it?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:27:42 -0700

If so, did I just completely miss everything telling me to go out and buy it?

Yes.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:28:12 -0700

What was the last movie you saw?

THERE WILL BE BLOOD.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

KitsuneCaligari — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:44:01 -0700

Hey Kids! Film Fun Time!

1 - If you had That Kind Of Power, what writers/director/producers/actors/etc would you throw into a large room and demand a film from? Your Ultimate Collaborate Effort Superteam, I guess I'm asking....

2 - If you had Slightly Less of That Kind Of Power, what work of fiction (or non, I suppose) would you command to be properly adapted for the screen?

3 - Since That Kind Of Power doesn't exist, what work of fiction would you adapt for free, knowing that what you put down on paper would translate directly to the big screen? (And yes, this differs from Question 2, 'cause you'll be doing the writing work. So choose wisely....)

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

BradleySusumu — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:08:38 -0700

I just finished reading the Anna Mercury preview and I noticed that there are a lot of panels where part of Anna (or other objects) will be imposed over a previous or subsequent panel. Just wondering if you wrote that in or if that's Facundo's touch?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Andre Navarro — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:13:16 -0700

Is there a breed of dog you hate above all others?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Alastair — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:48:18 -0700

who are your favourite current bands/artists? and have you ever been inclined to try music yourself?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:06:38 -0700

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Scribe — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:52:40 -0700

Two questions.

1. I greatly enjoy the Freakangels webcomic. Is there any chance of possibly releasing it in graphic novel form?

2. Let's say hypothetically that you wrote a Doktor Sleepless/Transmetropolitan cross miniseries; how many issues in until Spider hits the Doktor with a bowel disruptor and calls Nurse filthy assistant?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

agentarsenic — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:36:36 -0700

In Crooked Little Vein, there are these two radio station guys in Columbus. Are they based on CD101's Independent Playgroud DJs (because the description are spot on)?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:39:56 -0700

In Crooked Little Vein, there are these two radio station guys in Columbus. Are they based on CD101's Independent Playgroud DJs (because the description are spot on)?

No, I made them up. Though I wouldn't be surprised to discover Columbus had people just like them, I think half of all indie/pirate stations have the same guys...

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Jay Kay — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:42:57 -0700

You mention you do work for Marvel whenever asked because of the money you get and good people to work with--does that mean you have had problems with DC or do they just not come knocking at your door?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

BZedan — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:37:01 -0700

I love that you garden. Planting anything this year that is new to you or that you're excited about?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Darnn — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:17:48 -0700

Are the Bad Signal archives ever coming back? It's interesting to see what you've written there about concepts for books after they've already been completed.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Dasai — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:23:43 -0700

Let's say tomorrow, you were granted the ability to erase one specific thing in comics. By thing, I mean any comic-related thing. One event, one creative, one character, one whole company, maybe a cliche or a practice you find disgusting, and by erase, I mean utterly purge all memory and proof of existence of said thing. What thing would you erase, and why?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Alastair — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:53:30 -0700

thats a very Joe Q power your giving him....

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

raymondconlon — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:42:44 -0700

Personally, at what time in the day would you say that the 'creative juices' are at their peak?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:34:13 -0700

Let's say tomorrow, you were granted the ability to erase one specific thing in comics. By thing, I mean any comic-related thing. One event, one creative, one character, one whole company, maybe a cliche or a practice you find disgusting, and by erase, I mean utterly purge all memory and proof of existence of said thing. What thing would you erase, and why?

This is something that people actually think about?

Fine. Bang - work-for-hire contracts are illegal.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:35:13 -0700

Are the Bad Signal archives ever coming back?

It's my understanding that either a) the rebuilding of a server deleted them and/or b) some twat deleted them.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

frenchbloke — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:00:14 -0700

would you ever do a jeff noon / david toop and create a soundtrack for your work ?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Egon — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:08:34 -0700

Any musical skill?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

epalicki — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:06:31 -0700

Do you see the FELL/DOSE/Slimline format as something more creators should be embracing? Can the English-language markets support a greater percentage of shelf space being taken up by comics of that size? Any particular creators you'd like to see attempting a Fell-format book?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

joe.distort — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:21:09 -0700

blah. edited

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

1599008689 — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:36:10 -0700

Why do you still write The Sunday Hangover column for SuicideGirls? Yes, that is my issue with you.
On another note: my cat just threw up on the kitchen carpet.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:22:46 -0700

Why do you still write The Sunday Hangover column for SuicideGirls? Yes, that is my issue with you.

?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

1599008689 — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:37:03 -0700

I am certain that I am going too far now, so I just as well should go for it:

since SG's policy towards their models didn't improve since 2005, I simply don't get how you can actually write for them.
Yes, I'm hinting at SG's lawsuits and the sheer amount of bullshit- terms they still dictate their models to abide by when it comes to ownership and selling both content and photo-sets to other, less 'artsy' porn sites, while treating certain models (like Apnea) as property.
:grimaces:

Well, most likely it is just me and my issue with the whole 'women in the sex- industry being strong women'- farce.
Time for my coffee, I guess.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

fro — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:13:04 -0700

Second question from me: are you ever not writing something?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:22:18 -0700

Why do you still write The Sunday Hangover column for SuicideGirls?

I've actually wondered this myself, though I would have phrased the question differently as it seems to be indirectly addressing the Lithium Picnic vs. SG situation.

I suppose if it had been my question (it wasn't), I would have asked, Warren, if you have an opinion on Lithium Picnic vs. SG. ...?

- Z

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:39:09 -0700

since SG's policy towards their models didn't improve since 2005, I simply don't get how you can actually write for them.

Ultimately, it's not my job to review contracts SG signs with other people. I wouldn't dream of expressing an opinion on the Lithium Picnic thing without reading the contracts in question, either. I have friends who work for the company with no problems, obviously. And I haven't actually written anything for SG in months.

You may as well ask me how I can work for DC when they fucked over Siegel & Schuster, or how I can work for Marvel after they fucked over Jack Kirby. The fact is, as soon as you step into the world of publishing... well, there are no virgins. Every publishing company on the face of the earth has fucked over someone.

This actually deserves a much longer answer, that gets into the nature of perceived empowerment, perceived exploitation, cultural shell games and all the rest of it. But I'm way too busy today and frankly I feel like shit on toast, so you're getting the short answer instead.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Egon — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:00:08 -0700

I enjoyed the Sunday Hangovers. Wil Wheaton's and Brad Warner's articles were pretty awesome too.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

TechnocratJT — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:20:12 -0700

@Warren,

A semi-personal question which you may ignore. Its only occurs to me because of the week I have had: had a serious bronchial/asthma flare up which left me gasping for breath and required two separate anti-inflammatories and an antibiotics regiment to set right. So put me in mind of people I know deal with similar, if not the same, shit.

So the question.

How have your lungs been lately?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

promethian — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:29:07 -0700

Warren,
is Akira (Otomo) a big influence on you?
Freakangels is giving me a bit of an Akira vibe... London is flooded, just like NeoTokyo; apparantly psychic persons were responsible, just like in Akira (although the Freakangels are a lot sexier); the young Freakangels psychics are like a bunch of non-related siblings who all communicate with each other like they have a cups and string, just like in Akira; presence of the 'k' sound in all the names (like Akkkkira!!! KKKaneda!); oh yeah and time is all messed up, which was apparantly part of Akira's effect.
Plus way back in stormwatch you wrote a great story, Kodo, with wierd mutant psychics on the loose in Japan, messing up stuff- always wondered if it was a riff on Akira?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Rootfireember — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:11:00 -0700

@Warrenellis -
If this has been asked already and I missed it, ignore it. Otherwise:

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 23:16:35 -0700

@Warren

I had another question: what was the last album you bought?

(didn't see this question earlier in the thread, sorry if it was already asked)

- Z

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

SJD — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 23:18:27 -0700

Warren,

Do you find it easy to switch gears between multiple ongoing projects or do you have to get yourself in the mood, so to speak?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Ted — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 01:09:05 -0700

@warrenellis - is there a single person, or small group of people, with whom you end up discussing pipeline stories? Do you have a regular go-to crowd for bouncing ideas off of?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Ariana — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 03:18:08 -0700

(Tidying some boring bits that aren't questions.)

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Admiral Neck — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 05:24:45 -0700

Mr. Ellis, Joss Whedon's current Buffy comic has a lineup of creators on it, most, if not all, of whom appear to be colleagues from his TV days or comic writers he admires or is friends with. Considering your mutual appreciation, would you write a Buffy arc if asked? Or would that be too much WFH than you're willing to take on right now?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

dnwilliams — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 05:44:20 -0700

seing that first page (can't believe the tease of only getting to see the first page!) of the notebook for planetary that you put up i noticed that, although radically different story elements were present, the title was always planetary.

i wonder, do the titles of your books usually remain the same from inception or are there more often numerous changes? if so it's be interesting to hear the discarded titles for some of the books you've written...

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Ian Mayor — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:17:32 -0700

Another games related question; you've written for a few but do you play any games for fun? and if not, what would make you interested in them?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Winther — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:24:06 -0700

seing that first page (can't believe the tease of only getting to see the first page!) of the notebook for planetary that you put up i noticed that, although radically different story elements were present, the title was always planetary.

Uh, I'd say it's pretty damn close to the final product. It's for Issue 7, To Be in London, in the Summertime, it's not an outline for the entire series. The dialogue from the disgraced superhero is pretty much used verbatim.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Pooka — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:16:22 -0700

Nope. Only ever saw the first part. That's about the same time I gave up on comics shops. These two statements may be connected, heh. I'll get myself the GN one day, if I remember...

I'd like to hear an elabortation on your dislike of comic book shops...

Although I do agree on your dislike of comic book stores that have nothing but Superhero stuff..

As an aside, we carry all the big titles and whatnot, but I also make it a point to keep trades stocked of all the best of all genres as well as art books, prints and whatnot. :P

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Winther — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:21:34 -0700

It was very interesting reading your thoughts on WFH in the 'Leaving The Thunderbolts' thread. The impression I got was that you mostly do it when you're asked, and I wondered, have you ever actively lobbied for a WFH job? A title where you thought, "I'd really like to do something with these characters and settings"?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:42:00 -0700

I'd like to hear an elabortation on your dislike of comic book shops...

No, see, what I meant was I gave up on my local comics shops.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:43:37 -0700

Another games related question; you've written for a few but do you play any games for fun?

Not really. No time, and currently no machine to play them on.

I like the games where you kill people and they scream. I liked SOLDIER OF FORTUNE, because you could shoot people in the throat and they'd thrash and choke and drown in their own blood. Also you could shove knives in their balls and they wouldn't die immediately, but lurch away from you shrieking.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:44:32 -0700

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

rickiep00h — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:44:59 -0700

I like the games where you kill people and they scream. I liked SOLDIER OF FORTUNE, because you could shoot people in the throat and they'd thrash and choke and drown in their own blood. Also you could shove knives in their balls and they wouldn't die immediately, but lurch away from you shrieking.

This is SO going in my Facebook quotes.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:48:16 -0700

@warrenellis - is there a single person, or small group of people, with whom you end up discussing pipeline stories?

Nope. I come from the old school where a writer is a person who sits alone in a room and beats on a keyboard with their fists until the machine surrenders and spits out the story they wanted.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:49:26 -0700

I had another question: what was the last album you bought?

The Singles Club collection from Moshi Moshi Records.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

WaxPoetic — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:04:31 -0700

I come from the old school where a writer is a person who sits alone in a room and beats on a keyboard with their fists until the machine surrenders and spits out the story they wanted.

laughing out my nose the reality of this is as my life...

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Jay Kay — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:37:32 -0700

Nope. I come from the old school where a writer is a person who sits alone in a room and beats on a keyboard with their fists until the machine surrenders and spits out the story they wanted.

I definitely agree--I also find that if I tell someone about it I'm less likely to write it down, so yeah, I only let people see the story until I'm good and goddamn ready.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

raymondconlon — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:16:39 -0700

Warren, 'Father Ted'. Funny or not?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:03:35 -0700

Warren, 'Father Ted'. Funny or not?

I don't recall ever having seen an episode.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Jason_Thibault — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:37:29 -0700

Warren, aside from the works of JG Ballard (I'm well into those), which novellas would you recommend? Or at the very least, which writers excel in that story format (20,000-40,000 words).

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

helloMuller — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 03:18:31 -0700

Warren,

A) Favourite graphic designers / piece of graphic design - and why?
B) How do you approach the design of your own books (like all the Planetary covers, Ministry of Space,... or more recently the Doktor Sleepless "warning sings" covers...

I'm asking because you're one of the few writers (in comics) that I'm aware of that is quite involved with how a book looks and understands that the design is an integral part of the whole package...

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Insect King — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 04:05:30 -0700

warrenellis typed and this came out:
Nope. I come from the old school where a writer is a person who sits alone in a room and beats on a keyboard with their fists until the machine surrenders and spits out the story they wanted.

Yeah, this is the only way to roll. I've long since found that workshops and writer's circles are, for me, just fancy methods of procrastination. Like people who spend ages hunting for obscure and strange word processor software before being able to start.

The only way to write to get some work done is to be alone and bash it out. If you do want to and write, then write. Sit and write.

Oh yes, never forget that lying is not a form of creativity, creativity is a form of lying.

Cheers,

Chris.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Mathias B — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 07:20:37 -0700

Just curious: How do you feel about science fiction cinema? Are there any films in the genre you've found inspirational for your work? Or simply entertaining? Thanks. /Mathias

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

raymondconlon — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 08:58:16 -0700

Will you be watching Doctor Who tonight at 6:20?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Alastair — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 11:01:29 -0700

have you heard the new diamanda galas album? if so what do you think?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 11:11:41 -0700

Oops, album question (need coffee).

Nvm.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

norton — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 12:15:21 -0700

Do you wish you never started this discussion?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

DonburiBoy — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 12:55:48 -0700

I was asked, but my Marvel contract precludes it, and I'm not a fan of the publisher in question.

May I ask why you don't like Dark Horse?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 14:55:15 -0700

Will you be watching Doctor Who tonight at 6:20?

No, I took my family out for dinner and then to see the Yamato Drummers.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Face shrapnel — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 03:04:51 -0700

Me? I'm just curious what Mr. Ellis likes to smoke and drink.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Scribe — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 06:57:43 -0700

And when can I expect Desolation Jones #12 on the shelf?

First, you didn't read the rules.

Warren: "One condition: no questions about when stuff's due to come out. It makes me feel like a walking calendar for the internet. I won't answer those questions anymore, so don't bother asking."

Second, when did I miss issues 9,10, and 11? My collection stops at #8.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

James Sharpe — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 07:27:37 -0700

Warren, do you listen to music while you write? If so is there a particular band which helps you work?

Also, do you drink red bull to help get you into a certain state of mind for writing? Or is it purely to wake you up?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Insect King — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 07:44:45 -0700

Sorry, I shouldn't have posted my question here.

Cheers,

Chris.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Joe Paoli — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 08:25:19 -0700

No, I took my family out for dinner and then to see the Yamato Drummers.

Hey, cool! I've seen them, over a decade ago, and I still have the CD. Hope you liked it, it was a lot more engaging entertainment than one might think.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 09:47:25 -0700

@Face sharpnel

I'm just curious what Mr. Ellis likes to smoke and drink

Some answers to that question can be found here, regarding whisky, and I seem to remember the cigarette question being answered too, but it's too early and I've had no coffee. Here, have this link instead.

Check out the Search tab, it's actually a very useful function. And I see you've just gotten here, so welcome.

- Z

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

SJD — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 09:58:07 -0700

Warren,

I read that you are going to be on ASTONISHING X-MEN for 24 issues. If this is true, why two years on that when most of your WFH lasts for 12 issue or so? Just curious...

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Thomas Lawrence — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 10:56:50 -0700

If asked, would you consider writing an episode of Doctor Who?

(I know, I know.)

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Face shrapnel — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:20:51 -0700

@ Z
ah, thankee sirah.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

chris g — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:01:09 -0700

I know you're into Bill Hicks and Patton. What do you think of George Carlin? His latest HBO special was so good, the man has aged like a fine, pissed off wine.

Also - What happened to your "Ministry" column? Is that done with?

Should they start building Obama's pope mobile?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Hudson — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:49:52 -0700

Just wondering how far plotted into Hellblazer you were before you left the book? Were you planning on staying on long?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Insect King — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 02:51:27 -0700

Cross-posted form the Work FAQ thread:

Regarding comic scripting:

When you start on a fresh story and brainstorm up new plotlines, do you start scripting immediately after inspiration or do you map out the plot like say through beat sheets?

Thanks.

Cheers,

Chris.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Widdow — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 03:34:35 -0700

I guess the Marvel UK is not of interest to you then, as you have not answered my original question.

But have you decided on that new (and I believe final) project for Marvel?

And if you have got that ne project when will it be announced, and clues of what it will be?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

JohnPopa — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:08:22 -0700

Warren, I don't recall hearing you talk much about theater. Any playwrights you particularly like? Do you ever go to the theater?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Myles Griffin — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:09:00 -0700

Warren, is there any particular science fiction anthology you would recommend for someone who has an interest in sci-fi and its subgenres, but hasn't had the opportunity or know-how to dive into it?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:54:49 -0700

@Myles

Try this discussion. A few contributions by Warren, worth a look.

- Z

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Myles Griffin — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:58:26 -0700

@Z

Thanks! Relatively new (to posting here). But he does say "A futurist reading list does NOT include science fiction."

So I figured I'd ask.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:19:47 -0700

Nah, was meant to be a suggestion really, haven't had any coffee.

And welcome to WhiteChapel, by the way.

- Z

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

raymondconlon — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:15:04 -0700

Warren, having never drunken 'Red Bull' (I kid you not), does it more or less taste like 'Boost'?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

InvincibleM — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:47:07 -0700

Mr. Ellis,

If you were able to punch any one person, living or dead, in the jaw, who would it be?

You may also choose to be wearing brass knuckles, barbed wire or a gauntlet made out of pure, unadultered hate if you'd like.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:49:21 -0700

If you were able to punch any one person, living or dead, in the jaw, who would it be?

You.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

CCosker — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:01:14 -0700

Will Templesmith signing exclusive with IDW affect Fell?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:21:07 -0700

As posted by JShilpetski in Warren's Work FAQ thread:

From Newsarama, Newsarama Note: When asked by Newsarama, Templesmith said in regards to Fell, his Image series with Warren Ellis: "Fell goes on as normal meaning, whenever Warren gets me some script, I find some time and I do it. Same as always. Fell's not something I'd ever abandon."

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

CCosker — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:40:10 -0700

Thanks.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Corey Waits — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:40:05 -0700

We've seen a character based on Hunter S Thompson, and we're half way through a Desolation Jones arc based elements from the life of Philip K Dick. Any other authors whose life you could see as inspiration for a comics story?

Bonus points if they have a middle initial.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Val A Lindsay II — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:09:23 -0700

Is there any other form of expressive art besides writing you enjoy doing that you just do for yourself, like playing a musical instrument, painting, etc?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

James Cunningham — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:29:50 -0700

Do you ever get tired of hating things? I used to find I could hate all stupidity equally, but it gets exhausting after a while. Now I use indifference and an evil sense of humor to get past most things and save hate for stuff that actually warrants it.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

tedcroland — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:41:58 -0700

Come on, Warren has enough hate to go around!

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

roque — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:25:30 -0700

hate is a self-replenishing energy source. indifference is for the weak.

or something.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Egon — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:30:23 -0700

He will put the hate back in you. Probably via Arse Eels.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

SullyEliot — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:30:07 -0700

What is the general length Desolation Jones and Fell were intended to have? Will DJ be a bit more regular, barring any unforseen circumstances? Still with Wildstorm? Why the artist switch? If I remember right, Jones was nominated for an Eisner and remains to this day my favorite comic series; I'm certain I'm not the only one who enjoyed it.

Would you even consider writing more Nextwave without Immonen? Like... I'm wondering if assassinating him in order to obtain more Nextwave would be a viable plan.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Joe Paoli — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 07:20:40 -0700

Is there a url available that explains the current purpose/mission/criteria of diepunyhumans.com? If not, could you do so here? My searching has availed me naught.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:13:01 -0700

Does DPH even still exist?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Brad McLoughlin — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:19:33 -0700

its still there, I dont think its been used for about a year though

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Pete Martin — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:03:00 -0700

Warren,
Would you ever consider writing an autobiography? (or probably a more ambitious autobiographical comic?)

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:21:13 -0700

God, no.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Hudson — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:21:13 -0700

Warren,
What are your favorite comic book series at the moment? ALso, do you follow your friends work, like Ennis' Punisher, or Morrison's All-Star Superman?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Lyons — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:31:42 -0700

Thanks for taking questions. Mine is: given enough time, resources, and attention, do you think that science will ever be able to account for, explain, and predict everything?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

agentarsenic — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:56:37 -0700

Drugs: have you dabbled?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Jigsy Q — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:47:55 -0700

Would you ever consider writing a slice of life comic about 20-something slacker geeks who are just out of college and struggling to figure out work and relationships in the adult world?

(PS don't you dare steal this idea from me)

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

InvincibleM — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:59:06 -0700

About your upcoming Astonishing X-Men run,

Will it exsist in a sort of pseudo-continuity(as in it gets effected by outside forces, but it tends to take a while to affect other titles) like the current Whedon/Cassady run or will it be more directly tied with the other current X-Men titles?

Also, a quick question about the preview art: Cyclops' giant nipples, was that a team decision or were either you or Simone really pushing for more giant man nipples in western comics(or comics in general, I should say)?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Joe Paoli — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:41:47 -0700

@warrenellis
Does DPH even still exist?

@brad mcloughlin
its still there, I dont think its been used for about a year though

Ah. I was fooled since there's a front page and a login. I thought it was still active as some kind of Ellis sekrit society or VIP room.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Hudson — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:32:13 -0700

Warren,

It seems that you have spent longer runs on Wildstorm WFH books than books for other publishers. Twenty plus issues for Stormwatch and Authority combined, and twenty seven issues for Planetary (or is Planetary creator owned?) I'm just wondering why? Do the characters appeal to you more?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Burke — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:35:05 -0700

What's going on with Dead Channel at this point?

And have you had a chance to see AMC's Breaking Bad? If so, what did you think?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

TechnocratJT — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:42:45 -0700

@Hudson

Well, he was also on Excalibur for over two years including the Age of Apocalypse digression (I think he wrote X-Calibre...its been, holy shit... 13 years!?) and the first mini series with Wisdom.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Eddie Current — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 03:38:52 -0700

Sir,
In reading the Strange Killings series and now Gravel, I noticed when Mike Wolfer started getting the script assist and now co-writer credit. How much do we have Mr. Wolfer to thank for getting us the adventures of that horrible English combat mage, and how does the writing happen? Whatever the process, thanks; the Sergeant Major is a favorite of mine.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

epalicki — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:56:48 -0700

Today's Bad Signal begs a question.

You mentioned that the script for FELL #10 was locked in your old computer and that you'd have to rewrite from scratch. My question is: how well does your brain retain such things, once you've committed them to paper?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:02:27 -0700

You mentioned that the script for FELL #10 was locked in your old computer and that you'd have to rewrite from scratch. My question is: how well does your brain retain such things, once you've committed them to paper?

Very badly.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:04:14 -0700

How much do we have Mr. Wolfer to thank for getting us the adventures of that horrible English combat mage, and how does the writing happen?

1) A lot.

2) I provide an outline. Sometimes it's a long outline, what we're calling a "scriptment," that has detailed breakdown and lots of dialogue but reads more like a short story. That''s how we're doing GRAVEL. On many of the miniseries, I just provided a concept and a rough breakdown of events in single lines, or roughed out an episode in a couple of paragraphs, and Mike did everything else.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:06:38 -0700

What's going on with Dead Channel at this point?

These things happen veeeerrrryyyyyyy ssslloooowwwwwllllyyyy.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:07:58 -0700

It seems that you have spent longer runs on Wildstorm WFH books than books for other publishers. Twenty plus issues for Stormwatch and Authority combined, and twenty seven issues for Planetary (or is Planetary creator owned?) I'm just wondering why? Do the characters appeal to you more?

Geezer, I wasn't counting.

PLANETARY is done on a "creator-participation" basis that gives us creative control of the book and a large financial stake in it.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:09:35 -0700

Will it exsist in a sort of pseudo-continuity(as in it gets effected by outside forces, but it tends to take a while to affect other titles) like the current Whedon/Cassady run or will it be more directly tied with the other current X-Men titles?

I'm locating "pockets" inside the ongoing continuity where I can tell stories without having to refer to anything or be affected by anything. There'll be a little timeshift between arcs to keep that effect going.

Also, a quick question about the preview art: Cyclops' giant nipples, was that a team decision or were either you or Simone really pushing for more giant man nipples in western comics(or comics in general, I should say)?

Um, what?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:10:20 -0700

Would you ever consider writing a slice of life comic about 20-something slacker geeks who are just out of college and struggling to figure out work and relationships in the adult world?

That sounds just a little too American for me.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:10:41 -0700

Drugs: have you dabbled?

Oh god, yes.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:13:27 -0700

Thanks for taking questions. Mine is: given enough time, resources, and attention, do you think that science will ever be able to account for, explain, and predict everything?

Sort of an "infinite monkeys with typewriters" situation?

I have a feeling not. I suspect that notion died out with the end of the rule of empirical physics -- there have in fact been times where scientists have announced that 'we are on the edge of knowing everything!' And then quantum physics happened, and it turned out we didn't know shit. I think that living in a quantum-physical world means that we'll never account for, explain or predict everything.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:15:21 -0700

What are your favorite comic book series at the moment? ALso, do you follow your friends work, like Ennis' Punisher, or Morrison's All-Star Superman?

I've stolen a couple of copies of ASS off the net to read, just to see what they're doing. Honestly, I gave up on following my friends' work in any timely manner years ago. I catch up with Grant's work, Garth's, Fraction's, Bri's etc every year or so, but not in any completist way. Just can't manage it anymore.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:17:00 -0700

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:18:17 -0700

Is there any other form of expressive art besides writing you enjoy doing that you just do for yourself, like playing a musical instrument, painting, etc?

Nah. Voice like a crow (I once lived with a singer who doubled over with pain whenever I sang in the shower), no musical skills, etc. I plant things instead.

The closest thing I have to a hobby is probably either that or doing The 4am.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:39:48 -0700

Any 'crop' or plant that's flourished in particular?

- Z

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Paul Duffield — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:40:40 -0700

Side-note on that quantum thing... the formulaic expression of the uncertainty principle is uncertain forward in time, but certain backward (essentially an experimentally verified statement that the past is predictable but the future is subject to statistical uncertainty)... which is the closest we've currently got to an answer about a predetermined future. Unless the uncertainty principle (which in its current form is a refection of fundamental reality not experimental limitation) is superseded in the future, that won't change.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

agentarsenic — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:25:45 -0700

I've always wondered...
One you hit a certain financial plateau are you going to slow down a bit? It seems you work much too hard. Red Bulls can't keep the ichor flowing forever.
I figure it's pretty much everyone's goal to make a ton of money then relax.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Eddie Current — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:42:06 -0700

One you hit a certain financial plateau are you going to slow down a bit? It seems you work much too hard. Red Bulls can't keep the ichor flowing forever.
I figure it's pretty much everyone's goal to make a ton of money then relax.

But... then the mad, mad ideas will have no safety vent and heads will explode.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Winther — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:09:41 -0700

Apropos venting ideas: This horribly bad joke pops into my head whenever someone mentions the uncertainty principle, and I won't have peace until I've released it:

Heisenberg is cruising down the road in his car, when he's pulled over by the police. The cop walks up to Heisenberg's window, completely livid, and yells "Do you have any idea how fast you were going?!"
And Heisenberg says "No. But I know exactly where I am."

I'm sorry. I am so, so sorry.

On topic: The discussions about how writing UFF and other mainstream titles brought new people to your creator-owned stories made me wonder: Did Crooked Little Vein have any impact on your comic sales? It does go out to a wider audience, but it might be harder to 'convert' people who don't normally read comics.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

InvincibleM — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:52:26 -0700

Um, what?

I'd assume you'd seen the gorgeous preview art: (I won't post it here, due to the fact that it's pretty huge)

Astonishing X-Men 25 preview art

I love the art, but the size of cyclops' nipples is slightly eye catching. Either they're a repository for his powers or Emma loves to mess with them.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:59:14 -0700

Or you spend too much time looking at nipples.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

fro — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:01:36 -0700

They do seem very large.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Brad McLoughlin — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:07:23 -0700

I'd be more concerned with the hourly-rates-motel bed... Is there a little machine to slip dollars into out of panel?

Seriously though, beautiful artwork. Had my doubts about Simone off the back of Wolverine, but this looks so much more... complete, I guess... despite not yet being coloured...

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Egon — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:09:11 -0700

Pepperoni-sized nipples are Scott's secondary mutation. :P

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Brad McLoughlin — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:10:46 -0700

Back on track! Warren, can I ask your opinion on Star Wars?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:17:45 -0700

Back on track! Warren, can I ask your opinion on Star Wars?

The first two were good kid's films. The third one, not so much -- but, of course, I was older then. The new three? Haven't seen them.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Solario — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:23:44 -0700

@WarrenEllis,

And you never should.

What are you currently growing in your garden? (I'm not refering to the retrovirus deviation.)

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Doctor Pockets — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:34:27 -0700

Warren:

Did you pick Bianchi for AXM, or did someone else put the two of you together?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Egon — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:37:02 -0700

Ever watch Lost? That show is a continual nod to all kinds of fanboy literature.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Byrd68 — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:58:49 -0700

First, before my question(s), let me just say that, in my 30+ years of reading and collecting comics, I don't believe that I've read a more twisted and politically subversive comic book writer. For that I thank you. Oh, yeah, "Twisted Little Vein" puts you in company such as Bukowski, Burrough (W. not E.R.), and Thompson.

Now, enough apparent kiss-assery (it's not but it sure sounds like it), a few of questions.

1) Do you think that an anthology title like 2000AD or Judge Dredd would go over well here in the states (Think Wildstorm or Vertigo titles)?

2) You might have answered this elsewhere but: At the beginning of Transmetropolitan is Spider based on Mr. Moore?

3) Ever considered working with The Question?

Thank you for your time.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

PyD — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:59:52 -0700

Just gave the biggest Lost fan friend I have here in Ed Slaughterhouse 5

I await her squeals of delight.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

stsparky — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:46:11 -0700

Warren:
Were the Shea Books of any use? Please consider them yours.
What did you read as a kid?
Should we gather you are a fan of the first Professionals series?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:58:49 -0700

Were the Shea Books of any use? Please consider them yours.

I don't understand this, sorry.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

stsparky — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:01:44 -0700

Ages ago I gave you two Robert Shea books.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:06:11 -0700

Okay. The fact that I don't have any Robert Shea books suggests that they were in one of the boxes that never made it across the ocean... damnit.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Hudson — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:02:14 -0700

Warren,

Would you ever consider writing Punisher?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Egon — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:14:20 -0700

they were in one of the boxes that never made it across the ocean

...or somebody broke into the wrong house.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Pablo — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:52:44 -0700

I've got a project involving Mary Shelley in development.

Awesome.

Also, the size of Cyclops' nipples is fairly disturbing.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

MegaGoosey — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:33:26 -0700

If you could kill off any one major comic book character from any major universe, who would it be and why?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

puccio — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 03:32:05 -0700

Hello mr. Ellis,

Since you've been trying out different formats in the last years, have you ever thought of producing something in the tankobon format? Wouldn't it be challenging for you?

Thanks for the time and for all the beautiful works.

Leonardo

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:31:46 -0700

Since you've been trying out different formats in the last years, have you ever thought of producing something in the tankobon format? Wouldn't it be challenging for you?

More challenging to find a publisher prepared to do it.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

BradleySusumu — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:03:28 -0700

What program are you using to mix down the 4 AM MP3s to 128 then make it all one file?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:42:31 -0700

MakeItOne and then Polderbits Sound Editor.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Lee Matthews — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:36:29 -0700

In volume 1 of transmet, did you or Darick Robertson intend for a pre shave andhaircut Spider Jerusalem to look like Alan Moore?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

tedcroland — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:24:10 -0700

In volume 1 of transmet, did you or Darick Robertson intend for a pre shave andhaircut Spider Jerusalem to look like Alan Moore?

To be fair, I think anyone with long brown hair and a humongous beard looks like Alan Moore on some level.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

vrbtm — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:04:58 -0700

Love Swami,

Is Juan Jose Ryp the permanent artist for Sleepless as Robertson was for Transmetropolitan?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Chris M Ferguson — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:40:26 -0700

How do you approach a script for Simone Bianchi as English isn't his first language? Is there anything you do differently? Are you more cautious as far as your descriptions go?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

pi8you — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:06:17 -0700

If the future we were promised were to suddenly arrive, what would be the first thing you would do in/with it?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

groonk — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:56:20 -0700

that's funny. where InvincibleM saw huge Cyke nipples, i wondered where they got a round bed just their size. my priorities are skewed to hell, i guess.

have you ever considered starting your own publishing company?

just curious.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

roque — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 22:31:55 -0700

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 05:36:57 -0700

ah god, I feel like such a geek asking this. in Transmetropolitan, are Kristin (the political consultant/drug dealer) and her goons supposed to evoke the Pixies, or is it just coincidental resemblance?

Entirely coincidental.

have you ever considered starting your own publishing company?

Yes. I once sat down and did some working-out on that score. It turned out that if I started my own publishing company, I'd have to stop being a writer. So I said Fuck That.

How do you approach a script for Simone Bianchi as English isn't his first language?

Same as I do anyone else, and trust to a good translator.

In volume 1 of transmet, did you or Darick Robertson intend for a pre shave andhaircut Spider Jerusalem to look like Alan Moore?

No, not at all. I put this common misperception down to fanboys who don't leave the house much.

Would you ever consider writing Punisher?

Follow Garth, you mean? No chance.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 05:39:03 -0700

Ever watch Lost? That show is a continual nod to all kinds of fanboy literature.

A few episodes here and there. Don't really have time to follow a network show that intensively.

1) Do you think that an anthology title like 2000AD or Judge Dredd would go over well here in the states (Think Wildstorm or Vertigo titles)?

It's already in the States. If a US publisher could get a weekly anthology out of sufficient quality, yeah, I think it'd do fine.

3) Ever considered working with The Question?

I understand that character's dead now.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

reasonableman — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 05:53:33 -0700

Has John Siuntres ever asked you to do a Word Balloon interview?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Oddcult — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:14:17 -0700

Do you think Anonymous stepping off the net in such a big way is going to affect the way writers approach social sf?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:14:33 -0700

Has John Siuntres ever asked you to do a Word Balloon interview?

Possibly. Don't recall. Doing podcast interviews is just a huge pain in the arse, so I don't bother.

Do you think Anonymous stepping off the net in such a big way is going to affect the way writers approach social sf?

Hugely. I've already been tinkering with DOKTOR SLEEPLESS because of it.

I mean, a lot depends on how it pans out, but right now, it feels like mobile phones -- that thing that no-one in sf really saw coming.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:18:15 -0700

What are you currently growing in your garden?

The weather's making it appallingly difficult. I'm still on the first round of germination at present: cauliflower, sorrel, carrots, tomatoes, cucumber, a couple other things. If the weather settles down by the end of the week, I can get those into the mini-greenhouse and start off the salad leaves. Last year's strawberry plants are under cover.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

helloMuller — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:42:50 -0700

You sometimes jokingly mentioned here and there that what you earn from your comics can buy you a cheeseburger back here in the UK...

But in all seriousness, is the exchange rate and the fears of an economic meltdown stateside something you worry about in that you have to ramp up productivity dramatically to -in lack of a better word- survive?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:54:48 -0700

But in all seriousness, is the exchange rate and the fears of an economic meltdown stateside something you worry about in that you have to ramp up productivity dramatically to -in lack of a better word- survive?

Yes. Right now, I have to weigh a day off against my monthly bottom line due to the increasing worthlessness of the dollar. Three years ago, it'd sunk enough that I was running to stand still. Today, I'm trying to keep my head above water.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

norton — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:42:45 -0700

Have you considered doing any work for 2000ad?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Spiraltwist — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:50:47 -0700

I've already been tinkering with DOKTOR SLEEPLESS because of it.

- lifts eyebrow -

Interesting.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

dónde — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:12:20 -0700

Warren, you mentioned earlier about the value of the dollar and how it's hurting you. My question is whether you have ever considered getting paid in the future in Euros and/or Pounds? Is that even possible for you, and do you think this action would have any detrimental effects towards your career?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:22:34 -0700

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:24:35 -0700

Have you considered doing any work for 2000ad?

Sure. The moment they offer me a creator-ownership contract.

That said, I've had no contact at all from 2000AD in six or seven years, so I don't think they're actively looking to hire me or anything.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

TF — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:07:29 -0700

Another curiosity if you'll indulge me....

You've said you've no interest in writing for mainstream American TV because you're not a fan of the committee process (edit: I'm heavily paraphrasing)

but have you ever considered writing for the BBC where it can be a one man show of six episodes a series?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:12:30 -0700

but have you ever considered writing for the BBC where it can be a one man show of six episodes a series?

Would you like to clean an entire city using only a toothbrush and then get paid exactly twenty-three roubles?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

TF — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:17:30 -0700

HaHaHaHa :-)

I see.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

agentarsenic — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:43:35 -0700

How rich have comics made you?
1)I can buy a horse
2)I can buy a stable full of horses
3)I can kick people with horse teeth in the mouth and avoid lawsuits

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

BradleySusumu — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:01:59 -0700

Is it all right if I repeat my questions to Ed Brubaker to you?

What do you feel is you greatest strength as a writer? What's an story crafting area you'd like to improve in? And is there any part of your craft that you obsess over more than anything else?

Any opinions on the purpose of art? And do you separate artistic work and entertainment work?

Favourite aspects of comics as a medium?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:45:31 -0700

How rich have comics made you?
1)I can buy a horse
2)I can buy a stable full of horses
3)I can kick people with horse teeth in the mouth and avoid lawsuits

Um...

1) can sometimes buy a sandwich
2) can look at a shop full of sandwiches
3) on a good day, can mug an old lady and steal her sandwich

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

InvincibleM — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:41:58 -0700

Do you want a sandwich?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:46:29 -0700

Yes. Yes I do.

sob

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Jay Kay — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:50:43 -0700

I understand that character's dead now.

They have someone else in the mask now--Greg Rucka did a mini-series based on her a little while back.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

D.J. — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:27:49 -0700

Alright, I got a couple questions to shoot at you.

1) Do you have a particular character/series you've always wanted to write for but have never gotten the chance?

2) I'm very interested in becoming a comic book writer myself. Advice?

I'd also like to thank you for taking time out of your day to answer all our silly little questions. It's appreciated.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

ChrisHeeney — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:35:37 -0700

What helps you get up in the morning? (I imagine drugs but I'd like to be wrong).
Is it your daughter or your work, a partner, friends?
What I'm trying to get at, is what makes you tick?
What keeps you going in this shitty world you portray in extremes?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Spiraltwist — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 05:25:24 -0700

@warrenellis

Did you get your sandwich?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Andre — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 05:34:04 -0700

Have you ever watched "The Call of Cthulhu" silent (music overlay) black and white film made in 2005. It obviouslly had a shoestring budget,but it was quite faithful and very eerie at times. I know your a busy dude so i'd imagine not but I just saw it last night and was quite impressed, lot of good reviews as well. Knowing your a squid-head...or whatever term is reserved for Lovecraft fans I thought you might be interested.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Call_of_Cthulhu_%28film%29

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

threemonkeys — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 05:40:37 -0700

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:57:28 -0700

1) Do you have a particular character/series you've always wanted to write for but have never gotten the chance?

2) I'm very interested in becoming a comic book writer myself. Advice?

1. No. That's not the way I think.

2. Use Google.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

ColMortimer — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:04:38 -0700

Mr. Ellis,

1.) As a fledgling writer, I'm finding it difficult to focus on one idea while I'm at the keyboard. I'll start writing something and someone else from another idea will start talking or I'll get broadsided by another new idea. Do you ever have instances where multiple ideas and/or characters fight for your attention when you sit down to write and how do you make the ones you're not working on 'play nice' until you're done with the task at hand?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Andre Navarro — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:18:20 -0700

What are your influences? Who are the people who inspired you to be the man you are today, people you were and are a fan of?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Egon — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:06:35 -0700

How much net force is required to accelerate a 1000 kg car at 5.00 m/s2?

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

Pete Martin — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:14:15 -0700

A reminder to all: Warren Ellis Can Have You Killed.

The Warren Ellis Interrogation 2008

warrenellis — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:31:41 -0700

And I think we're done for now.

-- W