Aris Asks Jefferson l.o.b. Sergeant

Jefferson is a fan of comics particularly the Legion of Super-heroes and Captain Marvel (Shazam) and minister of what is fair and cannon on all things comics.



1. Where are you from and what do you do?

I'm from Brooklyn NY and I am a teacher as well as a noted authority on comicbook canon.


2. Earliest comic book memories?

My earliest memory would be driving with my Father to Sheepshead Bay from Flatbush to Silver Star Collectibles to have my first LCS experience at about 6. It was incredible being surrounded by so many comics and it was the early 80's so comics from the Silver and Golden Age were relatively cheap and I was lucky enough to get several of them.

3. What were the books or characters that initially got you into comics?

Batman, Captain Marvel and Superman. This is the true Trinity for me as you have human perfection in the form of Batman, the ultimate wish fulfillment character in Captain Marvel and the archetype for all Superheroes in Superman.

4. In those early days what were some of the other things that may have been shaping your love of comics(cartoons?, movies? books?)?

Nostalgia gets the better of us all but the eighties were truly the golden age for Geekdom.There was Kung-Fu theater every Saturday and those Shaw Bros. movies inspired my interest into Shang-Chi and Iron Fist. Robotech, Voltron and Battle Of The Planets were my gateway drug into anime and you had all of the great sci-fi epics coming out in film.

Yeah, if you are not a child of the eighties you are truly a victim.

5. What were your favorite comics growing up?

There were so many.

Avengers, Thor, Teen Titans, Captain America, JLA, I will make this easier.Basically you can take the Marvel and DC Checklist from the 80's and drop Dazzler from the roster and I pretty much enjoyed all of it.

The creativity and diversity of the period with Moore, Miller, Simonson, Wolfman, Stern, Starlin etc. all putting out masterpieces month after month was an absolute dream.

6. Do any creators stand out during the early days of reading comics that you think cemented your love for the genre?

While it becomes increasingly hard to appreciate his greatness given the Bad Byrne stories, John Byrne cemented my love for comics.

Byrne is the consummate professional, you go back and look at his work on UNCANNY, AVENGERS, FANTASTIC FOUR, SUPERMAN etc. and he never dropped an inch in quality month after month. As a fan you felt assured that you would go to the LCS or newstand and Byrne's work would be there.

When I think of the quality of work being put out by people like Simonson, Starlin, Layton, Chaykin, Miller and Moore during that period and compare it to guys today who can't even get a mini-series out on a time, I have a whole new appreciation of their talents.

7. When did you fall in love with Legion of Super-heroes?

I bought a digest sized best of the LSH stories in 84 I think and that was it. The great thing about the LSH is the canon. When I read the digest I immediately started going backwards and there was just great stories everywhere from Shooter who was a kid himself writing those clasics and of course Levitz and Giffen who put their stamp on the title.


8. What do you think is the best LoSH story ever?

That is tough. So in the spirit of certain members of the SFL I will CHEAT!!!!

Death of Karate Kid- This is a perfect comic. Ther artwork was striking, the storytelling was visceral and it holds up every time I read it. It is one of the best deaths in comics ever.

Great Darkness Saga- The Time Trapper is the arch-nemesis of the LSH but Darkseid pushed them into a whole different zone. This is where we get the creators at their best as they have the characters down cold and everything feels right.

Legion of Three Worlds- Johns+Perez+LSH = classic. While I like the complexity of people like Morrison, John's take on the LSH is the straight action blockbuster that works.

9. Are you enjoying Legion of 3 Worlds?

I am enjoying it immensely! Its the book that the new LSH series should be modeled after.


10. What is it with you and Thunder?

Thunder is a Marvel and because of that she is part of the family.

11. You also love DC's Captain Marvel, why?

Its magic, myth and wish fulfillment all in one. With one magic word a boy becomes one of the most powerful beings in the universe. The origin is one of the best in fiction and with Black Adam you have the wizard trying to gain redemption before his death in the form of Billy.

The Captain Marvel franchise should still be one of the biggest things in comics. I hope the movie and Gaiman can finally elevate the Captain of The Thunder and lightning into a top ten mainstay.

12. Can Captain Marvel beat Superman?

OF COURSE HE CAN!!!!!
I am starting to doubt if you have the most comics in Florida after a question like that!

13. What do you think of the current state of the Marvels?

I think it is a glaring failure on the part of DC to allow a goldmine to languish at the helm of incompetence and indifference.

There is no way something like BEN 10 can be a runaway hit and the Marvels can't maintain a monthly.

I'll give Didio this for free.

Go to the DC archives and pull out WORLD'S FINEST with Bridwell and Newton's Captain Marvel. Copy those stories and you will have a hit.

14. Your thoughts on Final Crisis?

Final Crisis was a masterpiece.

Morrison took all the cynicism, angst and crass-commercialism that characterized so many of the other DC event books and replaced it with hope, optimism, meta-physics and the power of Kirby.

When people dismiss Superhero comics as people in "Gimp suits" or spandex clad idiocy they should pick up FINAL CRISIS. It shows the potential that only the superhero genre can achieve in this medium.

Can SCOTT PILGRIM outrace a god-killing bullet? HELL NO HE CAN'T!!!!! +1 FINAL CRISIS

15. What books are you currently reading that stand out above the rest?

Thor- This verges on blasphemy but JMS is entering Simonson territory with his THOR stories.

L03W- Johns and Perez just have the mythos locked down and the exploration of the moral code guiding the LSH is a great foundation for the story.

16. You seem to follow certain creators forums, who are some of your favorites?

Hudlin Entertainment Forum- Reginald Hudlin's forum is a great place for diverse conversation and Reggie is always there to talk about the storylines.

Comicbloc- While its a bit stiff, I enjoy the interaction with the fellow fans and Johns enthusiasm is readily apparent in everything he writes.

17. Who wins Steve Rogers Cap or Black Panther?

Black Panther is stronger, faster and smarter.

T'Challa wins 7 out of 10. YEAH I SAID IT!!!!!

18. What the heck is L.O.B.?

NEXT QUESTION!!!!!


19. Your a pretty vocal team owner in the Millar World Super-hero Fantasy League(Kinda like a Foot ball fantasy league only with SUPERHEROES!!!), do you think the voting is fair?

FAIR, DID YOU SAY FAIR ?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Let me say this first, Nathan has created a great game that I enjoy immensely.
The SFL works best when its kind of a free for all where biased can be called out and MOCKED viciously but alays in LOVE. The votes are not fair but thats part of the fun, at least when you can call the voters out.The greatness of the game is the strategy used by the players and the twists Nathan adds. Only in the SFL can you have the Magus taking on the Mighty Bruce. You can't beat that.

20. What is "Black-Thought-Police"?

Black-Thought-Police is a blog where I write about politics and current events. I have been slacking but given the antics of Steele, the RNC and Limbaugh I will be back with a king-size edition very soon.

21. Do you think $3.99 comics will hasten the demise of the floppy and local comic shop(LCS)?

I think tradwaiters, and I am not saying any names here COUGH MO, will hasten the demise of the LCS faster than the 3.99 pricepoint.

If the product is improved people will pay 3.99 the issue now is that the material hasn't improved and there seems to be a blatant disregard for the loyal fanbase by raising prices in this manner.

What I would like to see is for fans to boycott these titles and pick up at least 2 books that need the support instead.

22. Will you follow comics digitally if you have to?

I love comics so if it comes down to that I will. Although, I don't want digital comics as the sole means of getting my fix. I think the LCS ritual is important and can be used as a means of expanding the fanbase.

23. Do you read much creator owned stuff?

Not really.

I find myself getting into people like Morrison who essentially tear everything down and essentially make WFH their creator owned work.

24. Who plays Black Adam in a Captain Marvel movie?

Batista is my first choice and then The Rock.


25. All time favorite comic issue or story line?

WATCHMEN.

No one has come even close.

26. Do you think you can take Jim O'hara in a fight?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA.Please,

O'Hara has a better chance winning against sunlight than he does against me!

Jefferson has a blog, check it out. http://www.black-thoughtpolice.blogspot.com/.

Aris Asks Brian Knippenberg

Brian Knippenberg is a long time comic reader and regular poster on comic book message boards and on Facebook.

1. Your last name is about as difficult as mine, any good stories about teachers or people trying to pronounce or spell it right?

My fourth-grade teacher would call me "Kniffenberg" for the entire year. He also always wrote it down that way too. Needless to say I would get into it with him over it countless times which would always lead me down to the principal’s office. Personally, I think the man was just trying to drive me crazy. Then again, there were only three male teachers in my elementary school and they were all a bit off their rockers. Over the years I’ve heard and seen some crazy iterations (Nipplebert was a fun one), but for the curious the ‘K’ is silent and it sounds out like Nip-En-Berg. It’s a name of German descent.
Lately I’ve been thinking of changing it to En Sabah Nur because it has a rather nice ring to it.

2. Can you tell us your earliest comic book memories?

Back in 1978 (I was three years old) my parents would shuffle us from Long Island into Queens often to visit my grandparents and uncle at the 2-story apartment building they owned. My uncle was always a guy who liked to be ahead of the times and bought one of the first VCR’s (not Beta, thankfully) and, later on, a consumer video camera (which fostered my love for filmmaking). Anyway, this VCR was HUGE. It looked like a giant tape recorder that could be sitting on a rooftop in a 50’s Batman comic! My uncle had surprised my brother and I with recorded episodes of the Adam West Batman series, which was the first I had ever seen of such a character. We loved them so much we watched them twice in a row! Our father picked up on our interest and went out and brought back a giant Batman coloring book. What was cool about this coloring book was that it was done in a comic book format. I still have that book today! We were so into the show and the book that my dad took it to the next level and one evening surprised us with a Spider-Man comic book (which I can’t remember) and Detective Comics #477 which featured a reprint of an earlier ‘Tec story, "The House That Haunted Batman".
The cover showed a battle worn Caped Crusader at an open doorway, bats flying right at him from the darkness, and a green-gloved hand
(Robin’s) pointing a loaded gun towards him. From that point on, I was hooked! I would get comics every week from wherever I could find them…spinner racks at newsstands, my first direct market store "Heroes World", then moving onto many other stores and more for 30+ years now.

3. What else where you into as a kid in Queens?

I mainly lived in Hicksville, Long Island but since I visited my grandparents in Queens so often as a child and then went every weekend after my parents divorced and my dad took over the building with my uncle, I had the best of both worlds…two homes. I was always playing stickball in the streets and street hockey and involved in other sports and then drawing for endless hours on an untold number of drawing tablets or yellow legal pads. And once my uncle had that video camera up and running in mid eighties, it was all about making movies! That was a passion I developed ever since seeing the makings of Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Superman at a very young age.

4. What were your favorite comics growing up that really cemented collecting for you?

At a really young age (late 70’s/early 80’s), the standards were Superman, Action Comics, Batman, Detective Comics, Justice League of America, Adventure Comics, Flash, Green Lantern, The New Teen Titans (which blew my little mind away), Amazing Spider-Man, Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man, Captain America, Incredible Hulk, Fantastic Four, Avengers, ROM: Spaceknight, and Micronauts. I was also a huge fan of the team-up titles…DC Comics Presents, Brave & the Bold, Marvel Team-Up and Marvel Two-In-One. Of course, a bit later were greats like G.I. Joe and Transformers (to a degree).

5. What creators from those days to you remember really being impressed or excited by?

I do remember certain writers’ names and knew that those particular guys (Marv Wolfman, Len Wein, Bill Mantlo, etc.) wrote great stories then but I was always drawn to the art. The first artist whose style I recognized was George Perez. Even back then he was amazing with every page drawn. Then there was Jose Luis Garcia Lopez, John Byrne, Bernie Wrightson, Neal Adams, John Romita, and Jim Aparo. I was always drawn to them. Other greats like Jack Kirby, Curt Swan, Dick Dillon, Gil Kane, John and Sal Buscema, I wouldn’t appreciate until a little bit later.

6. I know you are into cartoons, what was better back in the day Super Friends or the re-runs on WPIX of the Marvel Superheroes (the ones with cut out comic animation)?

As much as I loved the old Marvel toons, I’d have to go with Super Friends, which were more vibrant by comparison. However, today I still enjoy the old Captain America episodes as they hold up better somehow for me when compared to the other Marvel toons.

7. Did you like any of the Hannah/Barbera super hero stuff(Space Ghost, Bird Man, Herculoids, Galaxy Trio, etc..)?

Absolutely! All of those old 60’s-70’s Hanna/Barbera toons were just fantastic stuff! Corny by today’s standards, but still fun! Those guys were and are the ultimate cartoon pimps and I was suckling at their proverbial animated teat for most of my childhood and was it sweet, sweet milk!

8. Star Wars or Star Trek?

May The Force Be With You…so long as there are no midi-chlorians to speak of!

9. Are you annoyed yet by the constant fawning over the new Trek movie?

Not really. I have yet to see the new movie, but I did enjoy the original series growing up and "Wrath of Khan" because who didn’t want to run around bare-chested like Ricardo Montalban! It’s kind of cool to see something like that "connect" with so many people on a large-scale, even those who were never fans before, and I’m sure it is especially a great feeling for the fans who were told that their beloved franchise was D.O.A. So, I can dig it!

10. Who are your all time favorite comic characters?

Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, Dick Grayson (Robin/Nightwing), Barry Allen (Flash), Hal Jordan (Green Lantern), Thing, Captain America, Ultra Boy, Timber Wolf and Jack Knight (Starman). Oh, and Vibe! He gave me the confidence to rock it B-Boy style!!!

11. Marvel or DC?

I have always been a lifelong fan of both. However in recent years, depending on the output and my interest, I might tend to favor one company over the other. A year ago I would have definitely said Marvel, but I think I’m back to being about equal with favoring the Big Two.

12. Do you read any thing from Image, Dark Horse, or any other independent publishers?

I used to grab just about a little of everything back in my free-wheelin’ comics spending days, because I love all types of comics, but sadly I’ve had to reduce my comics’ spending. That said, I still trade-wait on books like Invincible, Hellboy, Walking Dead and Phonogram.

13. What are you favorite books right now?

From DC….Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps, The Bat-Books and Superman-Books (which have really strengthened of late), Secret Six, R.E.B.E.L.S., Flash: Rebirth and Jonah Hex. From Marvel…Amazing Spider-Man, Captain America, Hulk, Incredible Hercules, Invincible Iron Man, Wolverine: Weapon X & Origins, FF, Daredevil, Secret Warriors, Ghost Rider and Captain Britain and MI-13 (which has sadly just been cancelled). For the independents, it’s currently just the aforementioned titles, plus Incognito & Kick-Ass (since they’re from Marvel’s Icon).

14. Do you follow artists or writers?

I tend to follow writers across their various projects. Back in my art-days it was a little bit more of the opposite.

15. What did you think of Final Crisis?

I loved it in all of it’s Silver-Age acid trip, channel-zapping glory.

16. What does the term "event fatigue" mean to you?

Once upon a time it meant that I was going to rip my hair out over collecting all of the tie-ins for said event, but now the term "event fatigue" means to me that the constant status quo changing events that pop up tend to take away from the natural course of evolution and story growth within the titles themselves. I sometimes feel like I can’t fully enjoy a book because I know that the next "event" will most likely change and dictate the terms of what I’m reading anyway.

17. You are a big Legion of Super-heroes fan, what do you think of Legion of 3 Worlds?

I’m really enjoying the series. Granted, the Legion have been getting a little bit overshadowed by the two big "returns" they’ve had in the last two issues, but overall I really appreciate that Geoff Johns can weave story of this magnitude while still honoring, not one, but three Legions from DC’s long history. And I’ve never seen the Legion look so good in such a long time with George Perez’s pencils. I can’t wait to see where they go next with the team within the pages of Adventure Comics. Overall, it’s been really great seeing the original Pre-Crisis in action again! Since their return I’ve been able to stop drinking in the dark while wearing my Matter-Eater Lad costume.

18. I just checked the Marvel Month to Month Sales. Not a book over 100k, what do you think is the main reason comics aren't really enjoying the kind of sales they have in previous decades?

I think it could be due to a variety of reasons. As comic readers, who have been sticking with it for awhile, get older they may become more selective with what they purchase. The economy and rise in cover prices I’m sure has an effect. Also I think that a lot of the younger generation, potential new readers, are not getting into comics because they don’t have access to comics as say you or I did back in the day (plus competing forms of entertainment) and not a lot of parents even think to go to a comic shop or take the time to determine what’s appropriate for their age.

19. Are you looking forward to digital comics?

I think that comic book evolution should always occur and I hope to see it reach a level in format that transcends it’s current digital beginnings, but I prefer being able to hold a comic in my hand and not read off of a screen. I’d also rather own my collection and not rent one each year. Having said that, I did enjoy the Marvel DVD-ROM collections that GIT, Inc. had put out before Marvel launched their digital initiative. They’ve also released some Archie sets which are quite nice.

20. Did the increase of some books by Marvel to $3.99 cause you to drop any titles?

Before that I had dropped down severely in my collecting due to lifestyle changes, but the $3.99 cover charge is a blow I can’t take these days. Pretty much anything that’s $3.99 will have to be trade-waited. I’m picking up a couple of more Hulk issues and Weapon X, but they too will most likely be trade-waited.

21. What do you think the companies should do to increase sales?

As much as I love FCBD, is it smart to mainly hold them in comic shops and advertise on comic-based websites when the people who don’t read or collect them are unaware? What about supermarkets, malls, or movie theaters? I think there needs to be more accessibility and advertising of comics to the general public again. Marvel ran their "Embrace Change" Secret Invasion ad on TV, but it was on ESPN 2 during a Minor League Baseball game! What about creating brief commercials (which they had for their G.I. Joe comics in the 80's) that could be played during their own Marvel cartoons?

22. Does continuity matter?

Once upon a time I thought it did, and it does to a degree, but as these decades old characters continue to be published it can become harder to keep track of it all and applying it at all times I feel restricts future story potential and character growth for these characters. I view it on a case by case basis, but overall a comic that shows a kind of neglect in paying attention to continuity details from time-to-time doesn’t affect me all that much.

23. Do you have any aspirations to write or draw comics?

Absolutely! When I was younger I wanted to enter into the art-side of things, but that fell through the wayside after the death of my father.
I’ve been writing various things for years now, nothing you’ve seen or read, mostly stories and screenplays for filmmaker friends. I would very much like to be writing my own comic as well as for the Big Two.
Right now, I’d like to pair up with the right kind of artist online and see if we can get something accomplished. Seeing that’s how it’s the best way to be viewed as a writer by the comic publishing companies.
Artists, writers…use the internet to your advantage! There are so many ways to research and utilize resources to increase your chances for making the comics that you want to make and/or break into something bigger. Don’t be afraid to take a chance!

24. All time favorite single issue?

If I have to pick one (and that’s very hard) but I’d have to go with New Teen Tiatns #38, "Who Is Donna Troy?" Marv Wolfman & George Perez brilliantly tell a tale that doesn’t involve costumed characters and epic battles, but a smaller story about the lengths one person would go to to help give back his closest friend’s past and identity. A very heartfelt and touching story which taught me at a young age that comics are one of the greatest forms of storytelling because you can do so much in these little panels to make people feel, make them care.

25. When some on asks "Brian why do you read comics?" you answer?

Where else can you go to that married the written word to dynamic visuals in such a way that unleashes your imagination? There are so many wonderful comics, in so many wonderful genres, and it’s just as valid as anything else consumed by a society that craves storytelling.

Kieran Asks Aris!

Aris Asks will now do a special guest interview with the creator of the blog that is the hottest property in the world of comics right now. Aristides Iliopolous. (thanks but I am not sure anyone knows this blog exists!)
Special guest interview by Kieran Beech

1. Aris lets start with the all important questions, Where did the idea for this blog come from? Also can you give the new readers and the current fans an insight to what they can expect this blog to bring in the coming months?

I was thinking about the whole 20 question meme on Facebook and thought fans like me might be interested in seeing creators answer questions about comics, art, and other stuff in the format.

More interviews, more reviews, hopefully more content if I can sucker a few people to do some columns.

2. Right, when did you first pick up a comic?

Mid 70's. I remember riding around with my mom in Queens in her Lincoln mark V with the whitewalls and stopping in shops and just picking up comics off a spinning rack. It was awesome back then, they had the huge treasury sized stuff, comic records and of course the great Famous Monsters magazine. I used to eat the stuff up. I was lucky to have a mom who indulged me so much.

3. What is your favourite comic?

Of all time? Probably Micronauts...or ROM(Marvel get to stepping on that relaunch!). But if you are asking specific issues....it's either the anniversary Justice League of America #200, the best Superheroes ever, it has it all or Silver Surfer #4..Thor vs Silver Surfer.

4. What comics are you currently reading?

I am really enjoying a lot of books right now. Captain Britain, Secret Six, GLC, Hercules and the Superman books are really exciting. Any one not buying these books are missing some great comic fun.

5. Name three comics you would recommend to new readers of comics?

Captain Britain and MI:13, Dynamo 5 and Hercules.

6. Who are your current top 5 writers?

Millar is doing amazing work on FF and Old Man Logan may be the best Wolverine story in the last 10 years. Paul Cornell is just perfect. Christos Gage gets it(he is a name every one needs to get familiar with). Why these two guys aren't saving the X-franchise I have no idea(wake up Marvel). Tomasi, is really kicking a$$ on GLC, and finally Bendis who does the best dialogue ever. I really Like Johns, Busiek and Van Lente as well.

And Layman. You all need to get CHEW when it comes out.

7. Now artists?

Doug Mahnke is for me the top dog right now. He is just stylistically dynamic and powerful. Any thing he does I will buy, you should too. Plus he could probably pick me up and throw me like a ragdoll. The guy power lifts! Cully Hamner. Guy is so smooth and slick. And really, if you read Mosiac it's hard to believe it;s the same artist. But he is amazing. Coipel. Just beautiful, guy is energetic. Ed McGuinness, thick and bold. He is a modern stylistic master, effortless blending anime and comics into a powerful superdeform fun fest. Patrick Gleason. The guys is amazing. He never ceases to amaze me how handles violence and action.

8. Out in the comic book world now, which up and comer, current professional, or legend would you most like to collaborate with?

Up and comer..probably 2 people you haven't heard of. Keith Conroy. He is probably the BEST artist no one has ever heard of. Works in animation. He is my THAT GIRL artist. Eventually we will get to it. And if you haven't his art your really missing out. We have been friends since college. Christopher Copeland. I discovered this guys blog and I have never seen another artist meld comics, anime and graf. It's beautiful to behold. If I could get him to draw Jurassic it would sell gangbusters. Seek these guys out. They are both amazing.

I'll add Adrian Barrios. Another animator. The guy is amazing.

Pro...Doug Mahnke or Cully Hamner. Inks by Mark Morales and colors by Kanilla Tripp.

9. You have previously asked about Colourists and inkers, do you have any favourites?

Inker..right now...Mark Morales. Another guy I knew in college..he was born to ink. he slick lines he uses are second to none. Back in the day Karl Kesel and Joe Rubenstein.

Colorists. Kanilla Tripp and Crabtree. Both are so amazing with nice clean shades and pure perfect selections. I hate guys that are too digital and look like they went bananas with the burn tool.

11. Now I know you have a particular thing for Rom, but which other characters do you like the most?

I am a big fan of Hercules. And his book is awesome. I also love Namor, who is underrated and rarely put to good use. At DC it's all about Black Adam and Aquaman.

12. For those of the readers who don't know what the SFL is explain to them why Guy Gardner would beat the living daylights out of the Hulk?

He's Guy Gardner. What's the Hulk, a big strong guy in dirty purple pants?

13. Moving along... I myself have talked to you, about my own love for the penciled page of sequential art from THAT GIRL, that was posted on http://www.blogger.com/www.arisverse.blogspot.com, can you tell everyone else whats happening with this project?

Not much. Keith Conroy my partner is busy at work in animation. I am sure when his time frees up he will get to the pages. I tried to find an artist before, but it was a bad idea. This is Keith's book.

14. Are there any other projects you are willing to discuss that are in development?

I wish I had more to say. Jurassic, That Girl and Trio are on hiatus until I can get some one to handle art duties.

15. Which company out of these for would you most like to work with or for, Wildstorm, Image, DC or Marvel?

DC or Marvel. One of the big teams. JLA or Avengers. Big stories, the universe hanging in the balance every time, with a lot of character and relationship building along the way.

I have a Super-adaptoid/Cosmic Cube story I have been dying to do with the Avengers. And for the JLA I have always wanted to do a story with Despero really unleashing him and making him a force of nature rather then a intergalactic megalomaniac which is mostly what he is now.

Of course those that know me and see my rantings know I am dying to do Aquaman and do a mini staring Argonaut, that character has untapped potential to be everything a Mythic Superman should be. Picture Herc mixxed with Supes battling giant monsters and mystical creatures on behalf of the gods and your close.

16. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Pining away on my blog and ranting about comics on the internets. But you never know I may surprise you. :)

17. Do the kids like comics as much as there dad?

Not a chance. My kids are too busy with High School Musical and video games. No time for comics. Believe me I try. I don't know who is gonna end up with my collection? Have any space in your attic?

18. Apart from internet ranting, working, writing, drawing and spending time with the kids, what else do you like to do?

I have 5 kids...it's hard to find time for anything else. :)

Cook and eat. Mostly eat. A lot. :) I exercise but not like I used to, but do some push-ups and sit-ups every day.

19. Which comics are hot on your demand list?

Thor, Cap, Superman books, Herc, Gl titles, JSA, New Avengers, Invincible.

20. Whats your favourite film?

If it's one. it's the Original Star Wars(a New Hope). Then Halloween. Then Meatballs. Then the Godfather. :) And from there Conan the Barbarian, Superman 1 and 2, and Bachelor Party.

21. Whats your favourite game of now, and your favourite classic game?

Pitfall. Endless side-scrolling fun and mindless game chirps. Watch out for the alligators!!!

22. You asked Sarah Horrocks whether she was a geek, she answered that she that's she is more a not so overtly nerd. What about you Geek or Nerd?

Geek. I am not smart enough to be a Nerd.

23. Anything else you would like to say to the readers?

Come to the blog. Be nice to people. Eat your veggies. :...oh...BUY MORE COMICS!!!

Please come back and check http://www.arisasks.blogspot.com/ for more interviews, reviews and updates. Tell a friend!!!

And a special thatnks to Kieran for doing the interview!!!

Aris Asks Todd Gross

Todd Gross is a regular at the Millaworld forums, and all around nice guy. He is known for finding pictures of comic fans on the internet and using them to great comic effect...and he is also an all around good guy.






1. When did you start reading comics?

I think my parents bought me comics when I was maybe around 4 (1972). Growing up, I read Amazing Spider-Man, Avengers, Captain America and Thor. I had a few DC comics but one of my favorite books was Batman: 30s – 70s. I think I wore that book out. Another was Jules Pfeiffer's The Great Comic Book Heroes.

2. Who are your favorite characters?

My favorite character is the Punisher. I own almost every comic book appearance he has ever made. Spider-Man is also a favorite. I have a special place in my heart for Batman.


3. are you a DC guy or Marvel Zombie?

Make Mine Marvel! :D

Seriously, I prefer Marvel because that is what I grew up with but I will read books from any company if project interests me.



4. any aspirations about being a comic creator?

Nah. I prefer reading comics

5. And who are your favorite creators?

My all-time favorite artist is John Romita, Sr. I also like Skottie Young, Sean Phillips, Esad Ribic and Steve McNiven. Carmine Di Giandomenico did some absolutlely brilliant work on Daredevil: Battlin’ Jack Murdock and Magneto: Testament. A very underrated artist.


When it comes to writers, I like Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Millar, Jason Aaron, Jonathan Hickman and Greg Pak. And of course, John Steele Layman.

6. Are the $3.99 comics signaling the end of the floppy?

It is signaling the end of me buying the floppy. I have been cutting back on books because of the higher price and only purchasing select $3.99 titles. As to the future, I think we are reaching a ceiling of what the majority of comic buyers will pay for 32 pages per month.


Given the current economic times and the near future, I can see people dropping floppies due to the high price. Now is the time for the companies to begin transitioning readers to a digital format.

7. Do you think it's inevitable that digital comics replace the floppy?

I think at some point in the not so distant future that digital comics will be the standard form. I think floppies will be used as promotional pieces, marketing giveaways and special prestige projects. Companies can still collect their online issues into trades. That said, I think digital comics still have to get some kinks out before they truly take over.


I think comics will evolve when they go online. Hyperlinks to back issues and character/plot information and animation. In 10+ years, digital comics will be very different beasts from their print ancestors.

8. What are the best comics your reading now?

Scalped, Criminal, Air, Incognito, Northlanders, Glamourpuss and a bunch of Marvel books

9. what do you think about the term "event fatigue"?

I’m tired of it! ;)

I understand why the Big 2 do events regularly but I would like to see a two year gap from the last issue of one event to the first issue of the next. I think it would give books plenty of time to explore changes and lay groundwork for the next one that doesn’t feel rushed.

10. Who would win in a fight John Layman or Archonis?

The viewing public.

11. Your predictions about Chew?

It will be discovered to be the cause of the swine flu outbreak and make cannibalism fashionable again. Everything balances out.


12. You pretty much start off all the new comic threads with a theme or gimmick at Millarworld, always very funny, how do you come up with those?

Sometimes I will see a picture that sets that just screams a particular idea. Other times, a last minute inspiration hits me. It gets harder and harder each week though some weeks, it all comes together in my head days before I post it.


13. Your votes in the MW-SFL (Super hero fantasy league) are horrible and obviously biased against DC characters why is that?

I go with who I think would win the fight. I look at each fight on its own merits. Some are very close and it doesn’t always go the Marvel way. Besides, all the other teams are better than yours! :P

14. Do you think at this point you can justify me ever sharing my home made Eggrolls with you?

I have been horribly abused by Layman. Pity me!


15. Do you frequent other comicbook related forums?

I have accounts at some other boards but I rarely go to them. I like Millarworld because it is not limited to just comics. There are times I think I post more in Current Affairs and the Pub than the Comic forum.

16. Do you use any comic related news sites like Comic Book Resources or Newsarama?

I used to go to Newsarama daily but when they changed their site, it put me off though I still visit it occasionally. I go Comic Book Resources daily.

17. Are you on Facebook just to find compromising pictures of comic fans to use for your comedic pleasure?

No, but I do take advantage of that. At Millarworld, we used to have threads of pictures where we would post pictures of ourselves and I mined the hell out of them. As I friended more Millarworlders on Facebook, the riper the fields became. And for the record, I have only a literal handful of pictures saved of Millarworlders. I get 99% of them from Facebook and Millarworld itself.


18. Barry is back as the Flash(one of many) what are your thoughts on that?

Barry was the Flash I knew growing up. When I got back into comics in the late 80s, Wally was the Flash. While I did pick up some stories with Wally and enjoyed them, he never really clicked with me. He wasn’t my Flash.

That said, I am still not convinced bringing back was the best idea though with Geof Johns behind it, I think it will turn out pretty good.

19. Do you care that the last part of Old Man Logan by Millar and McNiven are coming out after the issue of Wolverine it is supposed to be in front of number wise?

While a bit silly on Marvel’s part, it really doesn’t matter that much to me.

20. Do you think John Voulieris really gets all those girls?

I think when Johnny Vee to the modern Fonzie. All he has to do is walk into a room and the hot ladies run to him to inhale his musk.

21. Do you think Continuity matters any more, or are self contained Start, middle, finish comics are better?

I am not as obsessed about continuity as I used to unless it is something glaringly done with no explanation. As long as the story is good, that is all that should matter.

22. Do you think that American comics could survive mimicking the Manga model?

If Marvel were to make a paradigm shift with their entire line, it might be successful. To me though, it would delay the inevitable move to digital.

23. DC is trying something called Wednesday Comics, kind of like a Sunday comics format, have you heard of it? are you willing to give it a try?

I have heard about it but it doesn’t grab me. I will say I really admire DC for trying this and hope it is successful. I think the companies need to experiment with formats because they could open up great new avenues of storytelling. That is something that may help them to survive in print form as prestige projects once digital comics become the norm.

24. Who do you think has a better chance of becoming a mod at Millarworld forums, you or me?

Me, of course! I’m the better speller.


Todd is all over Facebook and chances are he is pilfering your photos to use when you least expect it.

Aris Asks Oliver Selby

Oliver Selby is a rabid fan of the legendary Walt Simonson and all things Thor. And is actually living his dream running the Walt Simonson Appreciation Society on Facebook.

1. Let's get it out of the way...What is it about Walt Simonson you love so much?

1983, walk into Comic Showcase with my brother, see Thor #337, hair stands on end, read entire run over the next 45 issues, decide Walt is God.

2. At this rate do you think Walt, or his wife might think your a little bit....fanatical?

I only got back into comics as I was banned from riding (and crashing) motobikes, had retired from Kung Fu competitions and was spending all my time looking after my daughter. So far the great Walt and Weezie have yet to tell me to bugger off, so I'm happy.

3. How has been interacting with you favorite creator and have you ever met him?

Met the pair of them in Bristol in May 2008. I decided to go the con the night before after a few beers, and wrote up one of my favourite peices of dialogue, the last 2 pages of Thor #379. Printed it out and got Walt to sign it and have a photo done. Went home a very happy chap.

4. Whats with the picture with the Thor Helmet and Mjolnir?

My brother bought me the helmet (bloody awful re-design job that it is) and a year later I picked up a ridiculously expensive Mjolnir replica. Before my better half could laugh at me, I plonked the hat on, hefted the hammer in one hand and the camera in the other and got a shot. Later I realised I was in front of my daughters pink bedroom, which makes me look like the Norse God of Interior Decorating

5. Is Thor your favorite character?

Have Charlton just been relegated?*

*yes

6. When did you start reading comics?

About 9 or ten. Either Asterix or The Beano



7. What books are you reading now?

Crikey, monthly only Thor since the Crunch, but Incredible Hercules in trade, Yotsuba, The Boys.


8. What creators work do you really enjoy?

Matt Fraction deserves a knighthood for his initial Thor trilogy, such was it's utter fun, pomp and headbanging sillyness. Fred Van Lente for both Action Philosophers and Incredible Hercules, Simone Lia for Fluffy (one of the greatest books in history) Millar and Hitch in every thing they do, Garth Ennis, Bendis, Ellis, Joe Sacco, Gaiman and the mad mage of Northampton


9. How did you get involved with the Walt Simonson Appreciation Society?


After I met Walt, I created a Facebook group and a few stalwarts (Youri, Gar Jones, the Peytons, Mr Dodsworth) joined. Less than a year later we have nearly 500 members, including Mr Simonson himself, Fred Van Lente, Dougie Braithwaite, Dan Brereton and so many other creators its like Disneyland for geeks.



10. How much time to you take gathering information and administering that corner of fandom on Facebook?

20 minutes each workday. It's not a big job.


11. Obviously you love Thor. What are some of your favorite Thor stories?

1) Volstagg and Agnar of Vanaheim have a chat (around issue 340) 2) Thor gets the living crap kicked out of him by everybody after Hela curses him with the bones of an old lady (373-378) 3) Thor gives his Henry V type speech, end of #379. IT IS THE SINGLE GREATEST "F&$K YEAH!" MOMENT IN HISTORY 4) Issue 380. Best. Comic. Ever.


12. Have you read any Thor prior to Walt's legendary debut on issue #337?

Yep, and man it was disappointing.


13. JMS and Coipel are having explosive and signature run on Thor, how do you think that stacks up against Walt's incarnation of the character?

I truly love it. Coipel is a giant now after this. And JMS can have a beer any time he wants after the way he humbled Iron Man in issue 3 :)


14. Do you think social networking sites like Facebook , message boards and Myspace has been good for fans, and interacting with creators?

Good grief, of course. In 1984, Art Adams sent a letter to Marvel complaining that Walt drew a skateboarder at a ridiculous angle in issue 337. Now I can read what he does day to day. I am conversing with Gods of the industry and life is good.


15. Do you think the price of comics matters, won't the remaining fans collecting monthly pick the comics anyway?

$3.99 spelt the end of 90% of my pull list. Sorry Marvel.


16. Do you think monthly comics will survive going digital?

I still find it hard to enjoy digital comics. I've got the entire runs of FF, Iron Man, Daredevil, X-Men and Thor on my hard drive but almost never look at them, whereas printed matter is always to hand.


17. Out side of Thor, who is your favorite supporting character from Thor comics?

Thanos, Spider-Man and Piotr Rasputin


18. How do you feel about female Loki?

A bit like watching Laurel and Hardy doing a porn film. It’s wrong but I can’t help watching anyway.

19. Do you own Star Slammers?

No – to my eternal regret and shame.

20. Do you have any aspirations to write or draw comics?

Good lord man, I can barely draw stick figures. In fact, my 5 year old is better than me.Nope, I’m a fan. As John Cleese said, I may not know much about art, but I know what I like.

21. This has been a Thor-centric interview, but lets talk THOR: the Motion Picture anyway....what will it have to be about for people to get it?

Answer from brain:Lord of the Rings duplicate with tender moments between Thor and Sif.

Answer from heart:I don’t care about anybody else. I want to see Thor and Balder fleeing Hel, Skurge knocking out the blonde bombshell with a right hander, nicking 2 M-16’s, telling the lads to have a beer for him later and holding the bridge at Gjallerbru. At that point I will have exploded with joy so will not care a jot about whether Branagh chose the right key grip or whatever.

22. Who would win in a fight Thor or Superman?

Superman would win. The world would stop turning if he didn’t. I am only saying this in case Sarah Horrocks reads this as she knows DC inside out. If I chose Thor she’d crucify me.


23. What games are you playing on the Wii(and you better not be exercising using the Wii fit)?

Wii Sports, Kung Fu Panda and Excite Truck


24. Take a moment to tell us about your blog(http://olavthehairy.blogspot.com/ (actually a great fun blog))?

Don’t read it, it’s at least 6 months out of date. Give me a few weeks and I’ll get it shipshape.


25. It's been a joy the last few years getting to know you, but I have to break this to you any way, Hercules can kick Thor's a$$. ;)

Hey, if you read Thor: Blood Oath, the Nordic one himself agrees that Hercules would win in a fist fight. “After all, he IS Hercules”. I love Herc and his new series is a perfect blend of Greek mythology and Marvel mythology.



Check out Olver's Blog

http://olavthehairy.blogspot.com/

And if you roam Facebook check out the Walt Simonson Appreciation Society it's a great fun place full of information and oliver's own Thorific sense of humor.

Aris Asks Miguel Tegler

Miguel is administrator of the Millarworld.tv(Mark Millar's lil' corner of the internets) Forum.






1. When did you start reading comics?

Probably around age 5 or 6, those 60s cartoons that Marvel put out were played in the early morning before school along with Adam West's Batman. That's what got me interested in the characters. I was amazed to find them in printed format at the 7-11 near the church we went too. Graciously my parents bought me 3 books. Fantastic Four, Marvel Team-up and The Avengers. I don't remember the exact issues. I do remember that they didn't make much sense to me. Reading comics wasn't really a habit until I was 12.

2. Do you think comics are as good now as they were then?

I might not have said yes 10 years ago, but the quality is up on modern comics with regards to art, writing and production to a degree that can't be argued. However the books from my childhood were a lot more innovative then they appeared at the time. Think about Starlin's Warlock series, there's half an issue where the main character is contemplating his mortality. That's not something we usually remember when we're kids. Mostly remember the first time the Juggernaut appeared in Amazing Spider-man. Sure Spider-man vs the Juggernaut is cool, but the Warlock book was a lot more thoughtful then I remembered comics being.


3. What comics are your reading now?

All of Mark's books obviously, Kick-Ass, Fantastic Four, Wolverine, and War Heroes. Looking forward to Ultimate Avengers. Besides that Thunderbolts, Guardians of the Galaxy, Nova, Captain America, and Captain Britain.

4. who are your favorite characters?

Hawkeye, no powers, unlucky with love, his first death was an utter embarrassment (NOT LIKE THIS!!!) and still he pushes on. Gotta admire that. The Thing for his gruff demeanor and tortured soul, Marvel's own Cyrano. Thor, because of his speech, I know some readers and writers hate it, but it's great fun. Doctor Doom, every great villain should have an over-inflated sense of self-importance. I've always seen Doom as a member of the Fantastic Four family. Think of him as a crazy uncle.


5. Who are your favorite creators?

No one beats Alan Moore. It's not even close. I may not like everything Moore does, but I would always say it's brilliant. Next would be Alan Davis who is always fantastic. Roy Thomas, Mark Millar (obviously), Mike Mignola, Steve Rude, Kurt Busiek, Frank Miller.
Probably a many more I'm not thinking of.


6. Do you believe that comics will eventually go digital?

Absolutely, it's inevitable. Printing costs. Paper costs will continue to rise. eBook readers like Amazon's Kindle, will continue to get better and better with quality and faster then anyone expects.
Someone did a study last year and discovered the NYTimes could save millions of dollars, if they sent a Kindle to everyone who subscribed rather then actually print the paper daily. The real challenge here is the political/social issue not technological one as someone might expect. Both of Chicago's major newspapers have filed for bankruptcy, the Christian Science Monitor and a few other major newspapers have gone "web-only", this isn't a bump in the road for print media, it's a very clear trend.
I understand the nostalgia and loyalties, anyone who reads comics does, but we all need to get over this.


7. How did you get involved with the Millarworld forum?

I joined up when it was on Xfan originally. Made friends with Jen Hook, who set the site up originally. I became the tech guy for the site after the original guy went AWOL. Jen moved on about a year later and turned over the reigns to me.


8. I been a regular there for a few years, haven't seen many flame wars, why do you think that is?

We try to shut down cliques or anyone that feels a sense of entitlement. Everyone is welcome as long as they welcome everyone.
That or the state-of-the-art sprinkler system.


9. Millar started the site I guess to promote his work, but the content is generally in the comics area isn't always Millar-centric, is that ever an issue?

No. Worse thing we get are people who simply come on the forum to plug whatever thing they're working on and not participate with the rest of the discussions. Even that is pretty infrequent. As far as I know this is always the way Mark wanted the site to evolve, with a few exceptions


10. How do you choose mods?

The process has changed over the years. It used to be very democratic, but we've just picked people in recent years, for a variety of reasons. I'm very happy with the group we have.
Sounds like horse$h!t doesn't it? Real answer, I ask myself: Who would Rip Torn choose? And the rest is easy.


11. What are some of the perks of being the Admin on Millar's message boards(I know you get previews!)?

Previews are the only tangible perks. Or at least the only ones I'm willing talk about. Actually the previews might be a bluff on Millar's part. We might only say we get them in order to rile up the proletariat.


12. What is "Area-51"?

I think you're referring to Xanadu. It's everything Kublai Khan and Olivia Newton John say it is.



13. Seriously, what's the difference between a Mod and an Admin?

Admins have all our own hair. The mods are members of the Hair Club for Men. You forgot the Moderators Supreme, which is okay because no one knows what their deal is.


14. Is there a VIP area for creators on the site?

Just rumors of one. Rumors are easier to clean and maintain.


15. Back to comics. Do you have any aspirations to be a comic creator?

Not anytime soon. If I do it will probably be something along the lines of what Jay Stephens did in the 90s. I love those books.


16. Do you think comic sales even matter any more?

I'm not sure what that means. Like the number of books or the sales are irrelevant compared to the amount of cash comic companies make from other media, like movies and video games? The personal answer is:
They don't matter to me. I expect most books I like will get canceled, just like most TV shows I like get canceled. I'm a walking niche market.


17. Is continuity in a comics universe a bad or good thing?

A shared universe of continuity for characters? Well for the more dedicated reader it seems to be a must. If you didn't like that sort of thing, you wouldn't read Marvel or DC books.


18. What do you think of late comics?

They don't bug me much. I'd rather wait for a great product, then a sub-standard fill in. Goes back to your continuity question. having a different artist and/or writer, ruins the flow of the story. I imagine though, for retailers, it results in a lot of hair pulling.

19. Have you ever met Mark Millar?

I have. Very nice person and much easier to understand in the flesh.

20. Has Millar changed since he's gone all Hollywood now?

Not really, we might lose him to the NY crowd when musical version of the Ultimates comes out. You should see the lyrics for the "DO YOU THINK THIS LETTER ON MY FOREHEAD STANDS FOR FRANCE?!?" song.

21. Chances of Millar doing one of these interviews?

I will ask.

22. Back to the forum, How much actual admin work does into the site?

Backups, upgrades, database optimization, new account approval. Rinse.
Repeat. The other big task is conflict resolution. Usually sorted by setting someone on fire. Which takes us back to the sprinkler system.
Have I mentioned it's state-of-the-art?


23. Are there many complaints of members and subscribers PMing(Private Messaging) creators?

Nope. Let's hope it remains that way.

24. Why do you think people sign on to the forum "anonymously"?

You mean stealth mode members or lurkers? In any case: Fear. Probably the bloodcurdling type.


25. Aside from the volunteers and personal investment, are there any costs associated with running the forum?

It's a Toyota Corolla-type of site. The server, the forum software, the domain registrations, add up to be a bit expensive, but not over top.

26. Do you and the mod/admin staff at Millarword forums ever kick yourselves in the a$$ for not making Aris a mod?

I don't think Rip Torn knows you well enough. You're number may still come up. Keep those fingers crossed.

27. any final words or plugs?

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful and stop using the word "webinar".





Make sure to visit the Millarworld forums @ http://forums.millarworld.tv/ , it's great community, lots of fun.

Aris Asks Sarah Horrocks

The first fan interview. Sarah is a blogger and comics fashionista.

1. So, tell me…how do witches taste?

Like goldfish.

2. Are you into magic?

I am. It intermingles with pretty much everything else that I'm into, and definitely influences the perspective I have on most things. Which probably sounds completely creepy or mad, but it's more just incredibly useful. I should probably start keeping it more to myself though, because most of my friends and family give me strange looks when I bring it up

3. What other things besides comics are you into?

I'm very much into fashion, music, and film. I also love history and literature and some sports(really only professional basketball, and soccer(football before any of my European friends start sending me hate mail). I'm really into everything. I'm intensely curious, and tend to obsess over things when I find them. So because of that, I end up with a lot of disperate interests. But it's good, because it gives me a lot to pull from, and it makes it easier to relate to a wider swath of people.

4. How did you get into comics?

Initially probably those old Superfriends cartoons. I used to watch all of those growing up. I thought Superheroes were intensely fascinating. I liked the idea that you could be a person of great power and ability, but that those abilities could be unseen from most. I think like most kids of that era, we used comics, particularly superhero comics, as a kind of coping mechanism for a variety of alienating feelings. What sealed the deal for me was when my mom finally bought me a comic, it was some really violent Flash comic, where the Flash fights Zoom, and I think kills him. It was very graphic. Well I was visiting my dad at my step-grandmas, and he found the comic, and forbid me from reading it, and threw it away. But he threw it away in the bathroom trash can, so I would constantly be going into the bathroom to pull the comic out of the trash and read it, until finally someone took out the bathroom trash. It was both really gross, and really what being a comic fan is all about. And then spinning out of that, I got very into Calvin and Hobbes, and that's probably the book most to blame for my knowledge base. I used to look up all of the references Watterson made in those books, in the school encyclopedias, in like kindergarten and first grade. Which that process got me addicted to research, and knowing things.

5. What comics are you really enjoying right now?

Well I'm a big DC fan girl, so right now is kind of a dull period over there, because they're still recovering from Final Crisis and Batman RIP. But Gail Simone's Secret Six is the best superhero comic out there. I also am enjoying any book that contains both the words Avatar and Ellis on the cover. I love everything that he's doing over there. Doktor Sleepless being my favorite. The first trade of Doktor Sleepless is what pulled me through the rabbit hole on magic, from reading a lot about magic, to actually DOING a lot of magic. Phonogram the Singles Club when it comes out. I really wish people would read this. The talent on that book blows my mind. And Jamie McKelvie is one of my very favorite artists. He and David Lafuente are both outrageously good at drawing very fashionable comics with characters who are so cool you just want to be them. And Kierron is completely brilliant. Those are the books coming out currently that I probably look forward to the most each month. I also enjoy what Geoff Johns does. I read all of his books, but I'm sad he's leaving JSA. I'm excited about Barry Allen being back in the DCU. At DC I'm most excited about the Rucka-JHWilliams III Batwoman book. I'm a big fan of Batwoam, which I know a lot of people hate her, but we've not really had a huge story dedicated to just her, and to have it done by Rucka and JH Williams III(who is one of my favorite artists too) is completely mad. I can't wait. At Marvel I'm waiting for the next thing Lafuente is going to draw. I'm sad Hellcat is over. I'm going to follow that team over to Runaways and Ultimate Spider-man though, so it's all fun.

6. You may not think you are obsessed with Morrison, but reading your defense of Final Crisis it would seem other wise, now that it’s behind us what do you think of Final Crisis?

Hahahahaha, I am not obsessed with Morrison! But so many people were attacking Final Crisis, and still do--when it was a complete masterwork--that I think it sort of made me into a de facto Morrisonite. I just love how chaotic Final Crisis was. It's exploding everywhere with great ideas and conception all of these characters that I love in my favorite Superhero Universe--it's just unrelenting in its amazingness. When Tawny the Tiger took out Kalibak--how are you ever going to get better than that? And then just the overarching narrative about the power and importance of stories--it's such an uplifting story really, and my favorite comics are the ones that are completely weird, and aren't overly dark. I also liked the channel zapping style of the book, it's kind of how I live day to day, so it was nice to read a comic that was written for my pace as a reader. I can't wait to read it all in trade with Superman Beyond and all of that.

7. Who are your favorite characters?

Huntress is my favorite character. God bless Gail Simone for loving her too. Everyone else kind of shuffles depending on what's going on in their books. But currently I love Madame Xanadu, Black Canary, Zantanna, Batman,Rogue, Hellcat--I like pretty much all of the DC/Vertigo magic users. I also like Deadpool and Moon Knight at Marvel. Scott Pilgrim. Scott Pilgrim is god. I still have to read the newest book though, which is terrible. It eats me up with guilt every day.

8. Given the chance to write one of them, which one?, and tell us who you would want on art chores?

I'd be almost too intimidated to write a Huntress book by this point. I thought Ivory Madison did a really great job with her in the Year One story. Still, that's my most beloved character, and I'd love to take a crack at writing her. I'd do it in a completely bonkers way. I'd also play up that she's a teacher more. It's something she kind of had to give up to work with the Birds of Prey, but it was something I liked about her. I like how much she cares about education and spirituality. Her sense of community, I've always felt was much greater than Batman's. And I also think Madison was right in how she wrote Catwoman as an influence in Helena's life. I feel like there's a really great feminist comic book to do with Helena. At any rate, I'd want McKelvie to draw it. When I think of my ideal Huntress book and how it looks, she looks a lot like the girls in Phonogram and Suburban Glamour. I'd also like to do a Zantanna book with Lafuente, just because he could draw so many rabbits every issue, the goal would be to top the Hellcat rabbit total.9. Can you think of a better artist for Hellcat than David Lafuente?

I can't think of a better artist for a lot of books than David Lafuente .He's going to take over Marvel after Ultimate Spider-man. What I love about his art is that his characters are so vital. They seem alive on the page,and the way that they bounce around, it's almost Manga-ish--but it still has kind of European sophistication to it that makes it very hip. I also think he puts a lot of stuff into his art that is sort of extra. There are a lot of Easter eggs sort of floating around in his stuff, which I don't know if people have started to see him in that kind of way yet. But I definately think he's well on his way to being one of the most important Marvel artists going But where do you go from Spider-man and Hellcat? Or Runaways? you go over to DC is what you do. Can you imagine a Lafuente Legion or Teen Titans? Or a Birds of Prey book drawn by him? Yeah but no, he's incredible. And Kathryn Immomen is also going to be important. Marvel has so many talented writers, that I hope they don't forget about her. You look at Hellcat, and there's this wonderful comic timing to that book, and it's coupled with this chaotic magic mysticism pulling through the book- it's really remarkable. Even though I don't like the Avengers, I think she could write a really great Avengers. I hope she does one of the core x-books at some point too. She's kind of a no-brainer for writing Deadpool too.Which, it's strange she's not, given that there's like a billion Deadpool books right now.

10. What do you have against Powergirl?

Her boob window. It bugs me that so many talented writers spend so much time on her. I'd prefer Supergirl get that attention. So it's a combo of not liking her, and being jealous as a Supergirl fan. Did I mention Supergirl is one of my favorite characters? Well there you go. Which, it's funny, like 8 or 9 months ago I remember messaging Geoff Johns pleading with him to save Supergirl, and he was like "just you wait". And sure enough, he and Sterling Gates, have completely turned her around, which is great, and just shows how much Geoff cares about the DCU. Some people think he cares too much. I think not!

11. Top three artists?

JH Williams III, Dave McKean, David Lafuente. Let's pretend you said Top5 artists, and I also said Jamie McKelvie, and Fabio Moon

12. Writers?

Alan Moore, Gertrude Stein, William S. Burroughs, Hunter S. Thompson,Aimee Bender, Emily Bronte, Warren Ellis, Bernard Dolan.

13. Do you ever notice the coloring and inking in comics?

Not really as much as I should. I notice good coloring, but not bad. Like I think John Rauch is good. Though I will say that on the whole, I think Marvel does a much better job than DC at coloring. DC kind of wants all of their core books to sort of look the same, which kind of boring. I like color that makes a book look different and special. I think I also tend to favor lighter colors. But it's not a make or break thing for me.

14. Are you the only woman you know who reads comics?

No way. I know lots of women that read comics. Both on the internet and personally. One of my friends actually reads comics to her five year old as bedtime time stories. I give her comics all the time to read to him. Right now he's a huge Batman fan. I think it's the coolest thing I've ever heard of.There's also a strong comic book following amongst lesbians, and queer folk in general I think. Which I think again has to do sort of with specifically superhero comics ability to help cope with alienation. But yeah, I know lots of women who read comic books. Go over to Warren Ellis or Gail Simone's message boards. It actually irritates me that people think women don't read comics. Women read a ton. And we will read everything from great literature to trashy romance novels, and somewhere in the middle there are comic books. And of course manga is a whole other beast when it comes to women.

I'd also add of the women I know who read superhero comics, they read petty much DC exclusively. Which makes sense when you look at how well written the female superheroes are over there. Especially in the cartoons.Most women I know that read marvel, pretty much stick to the X-books. For the same reasons they read so much DC.

15. What is Ophelia?

It's my web comic. I did both the art and the writing for it. It was kind of my first real comic project. I'd written scripts before, but for various reasons been unable to get them drawn. So I finally got fed up of hinging my dreams on the shoulders of others, and decided I would do everything on my own. It ended up being a really great experience, and I learned a lot,especially about the artistic side of things. It's funny, I deinately don't consider myself a great and talented artist, but now I have people coming up to me from that project that want to talk to me exclusively about the art. I've had some people discuss me doing album artwork for them in the near future, which blows my mind, but is really neat. But yeah, Ophelia was a weekly 6 page comic where each week is built around a tarot card reading, which continues the story, and gives it all of these weird twists and turns. You sort of follow this girl through this horrific surreal magical landscape, and if I explained too much more, I'd spoil a huge twist in the middle of the book. What's most interesting about it though, is watching me sort of learn comic art as I go. The opening chapters of the book, look so radically different from the later parts, which look pretty different from what I'm doing now. So you can really see me experimenting artistically and learning a lot of things in the process. It's also got a very raw DIY lo-fi look to it. Someone compared it to Dave McKean, but that's overly generous. You can get at that and all of the other comics projects I do through my workblog at: http://sarahhorrocks.wordpress.com/,and if you follow me on Twitter, I update that a lot too. Right now I'm doing a lot of writing, but at the end of this year, I should have about three really incredible books out. Two I'll publish somewhere, and then the third will be another web comic.

16. Why do you take pictures of dogs?

Because Maria and I were talking about dogs, and I wanted to show her the dogs I was talking about. A lot of my friends love animals, so it's fun to share. Plus I think pets can be indispensable friends. My dogs are better then people at knowing when I'm sad, and they always come over and hang outwith me until I feel better. I think it maybe comes from their pack mentality, and desire to look after everyone. They are also good security systems. At least my dogs are.
17. Do you really like Lil Wayne?

I do. His music always makes me happy. Sometimes I think over him, but then I hear his music again, and I always fall back in love. Plus he represents New Orleans for me. I lived in New Orleans for four years before Katrina hit, and listening to Lil Wayne rap, it always takes me back there.In my opinion, he is THE rock star of the moment. There is no one misically with more of the world in his palm than Lil Wayne. He's also beautiful on so many levels. My musical tastes are pretty varied. I also like the Stooges, Taylor Swift, Burial, Project Pat, Jim Croce, Bob Dylan, Joy Division, The Knife, Sage Francis, and B. Dolan. The last of which is one of my very favorite artists, and a good friend. He does sort of horrifyingly brilliant hip-hop/spoken word stuff. Go over tohttp://strangefamousrecords.com/ and check him out. The piece about Evel Knieval is one of my favorite things in the history of ever. It gives me chills every time I listen to it.

18. What do you think of $3.99 comics?

I think that I'm exceptionally poor. I used to spend upwards of like two hundred dollars a month on comics back when I was doing my comic book review blog. But now the only comics I buy are by artists I really believe in, or books that I feel are truly special. If I believe a lot in what someone is doing, I'll find a way to support them. I'd buy more comics if they were available digitally though. If only because it's easier to talk me out of my money on the internet than it is at a bookstore or comic book shop. I think DC's Wednesday comics is an intriguing notion that might actually justify the paper format though. We'll see how that goes, and how ex[ensive it is.

19. Do you think floppy monthly comics will ever completely be replaced by digital comics?

Yeah I do. I read a lot of comics that I buy on my computer. I prefer it to reading a floppy, just because I can do it, while I'm doing other things,and I can organize and database the books a lot easier, than say with a long box, which I find entirely too uncool to actually use. Can you imagine if DC made available its entire archives online through an iTunes like thing,to buy? That would be insane. That kind of thing is the future. Marvel sort of feinted in that direction, but I think they kind of missed the point of digital comics. It will all get sorted out eventually though. I think floppies should be online, and then trades should be sold offline. That way you can read the monthly stuff quickly on your computer, but if you want to sit down for a long read, you can get a big physical book for like ten bucks.

20. Do consider yourself a geek?

I always forget what the difference is between a geek and a nerd. I think I'm probably a nerd. But not like overtly.

21. What kinds of stuff do you blog about at Mercurialfuturist(http://mercurialfuturist.blogspot.com)?

Sort of everything. But primarily history, magic, futurism and fashion.I was using it to put my comic book stuff on there, but I've moved that overto my workblog: http://sarahhorrocks.wordpress.com/. So now it's more purely various topics that sort of spring to my mind to write about. It tends to change to whatever my obsessions are really.

22. What’s so great about the Vertigo Tarot Deck?

The Dave McKean art and linking magic with Superheroes. I know most ofthese characters pretty well, so when a superhero turns up on a card, it has an expanded meaning for the tarot card, to me. I think that makes the cards more powerful for me. The unfortunate thing is that the deck is prettylight on the superheroes. I think there's maybe 10-13 actual vertigo characters on the major arcana, and that's it. I would like to see someonedo a deck using the whole of the DCU in a thoughtful and intelligent way.Perhaps someone can put a call into Grant Morrison and JH Williams III. Or Kurt Busiek, who is apparently also very into the tarot, going by Trinity.

23. If some one asked you what you did for a living?, you would say?

Comic books and magic. I pay for those things by working at a hotelduring the graveyard shift and trying to avoid getting serial murdered bycreepy farmers. I've never been career oriented. All I've ever cared aboutis art and expanding my mind. So I'll probably die poor and crazy, buthopefully I leave a trail of destruction in my wake.

24. What would you rather be doing?

I'd rather JUST be doing the comics and magic. My goal is to eventuallyearn my food money with the comics, and then moonlight as a tarot card reader to keep things interesting. I'd also like to eventually live somewhere outside of the US for a time. I like to move around.

25. In 5 years will you be reading comics?

For sure. It's the best medium there is right now.

26. So what's next?

Like I said, this year I've got about three major things on my agenda. Right now I'm just doing the writing, and then from June until December,I'll be locking myself in somewhere and doing the art for said books. Oneof them is a book about Western-Bondage. Another is about Ghosts, Zombies,and a boy with a Lampshade on his head in the future. Both of those aregoing to be between 3-5 issues that I'll put out somewhere, some way. Sothey are quite long all things considered. I'm also doing another webcomicthis year which will be much shorter than Ophelia, the idea right now is todo it in a series of pods that are small and self-contained, but combine atthe beginning and end, like how Morrison did Seven Soldiers. But muchsmaller. Probably 30 pages total for the whole thing. And much moreconducive to being read in short bites on the web. Those are the things I'mdoing for sure. I also have some projects with other artists that couldtrickle out here or there, I'm not for sure. I do plan to get a comicI'vebeen sitting on for about a year now about James and Dolly Madison--I planto get that out there in some form. But yeah, it's going to be another busyyear.

27. Last minute plugs?

Of course! One of the places I actually donate money to, and spend timewith--that's actually beyond my general state of selfishness ishttp://knowmore.org/. This is a site run by my friend Bernard Dolan. Itis this amazing corporate watchdog site, where you can type in pretty muchany company you want to know about, and find out how they rate across humanrights, workers rights, environment--those type of things. So you can getinformation on the companies that you are putting money to. Money is thebiggest voting block in America right now, and you can't really beparticipating fully if you're not in possession of information. This sitegives you that. Plus, I'd ask anyone if they have the time or inclinationto see if they can help with some of the wikis for various companies. Ifyou're a research nerd and like looking things like this up--it's the sitefor you. Its good people, who work really hard, and an extremely importantproject from my vantage point. Check it out! Oh also. Buy Phonogram theSingles Club! I'm not really affiliated with Keiron or Jamie. I'm justsaying as a lover of comic books, support this book. I say it almostselfishly because I want them to continue to make these books and I wantJamie McKelvie to become fat and rich. Plus it's an extremely great book.And in a time when so many books aren't giving you value for your buck, thisbook does it in spades. There's no ads in it. It's just chockfull offantastic stories and talent. If floppies have a big future, it's becauseof books like this. Plus, the concept is super cool, and the extras are forthe floppies only.