For those of you who habitually read my blog, you’ll recognize the name William Wilson, the guru behind Arch Enemy Entertainment. As usual, of course, behind every great general are the grunts in the trenches shoring up the battle lines. I had the chance to sit with two admitted grunts and get their take on comics, movies, and life on the front line.

Neil Thompson is one of our stable of writers in Arch Enemy, with projects Karma, The Diplomat, and Born & Bred currently in development. In addition to comics, he also recently directed a short film called Thorns, written by his novelist brother Eldon Thompson. Eldon is the author of the medieval fantasy series The Legend of Asahiel. In addition, his script adaptation of the bestselling Terry Brooks’ novel The Elfstones of Shannara is currently under option at Warner Bros. Check out my interview with the brothers Thompson...

Percy Carey: All right, we’ll get to the comics and the movies and all that, but first things first: you guys look like a couple of WWE wrestlers. Just how heavy are the pencils you guys use to write with?

Neil: Yeah, we get that a lot.

Eldon: We’re obviously compensating for small… vocabularies.

Neil: Mine’s huge.

Percy Carey: You mean the vocab. Gotcha. We’ll leave it at that. So how did you first get associated with Arch Enemy?

Eldon: I thought I was trying out for the metal band of the same name. I should’ve read the fine print.

Neil: Like most of Arch Enemy, I think, I got drafted by Will. The Diplomat was originally a screenplay, but Will thought it had strong comic book potential as well, so he lassoed me in to write the comic script. I had worked with him before on our entry into the Sasquatch Anthology, which was all about the imbecility of pitching in Hollywood. I figured having a nice visual representation of the film would be one more tool in getting a film exec to take a closer look.

Percy Carey: So it was actually film that led you to comics, not vice versa?

Neil: Definitely. Insanity led me to films, films led me to comics. But ultimately, it’s all about synergy.

Eldon: Seems these days, the lines between media are becoming ever less distinct.

Percy Carey: Speaking of other media, your most recent project was the short film Thorns. How did that come about?

Neil: Wow. Well, Thorns is the product of my insanity and Eldon’s drunken stupor.

Eldon: What can I say? Those Italians know their wine. Actually, what happened is Neil wrote a feature that drew interest from a Hollywood producer. To pitch him as the director, this producer asked Neil to provide a sample of his work. For that, he really only had his reel of student films from his time at USC. Though they drew rave reviews and “A” grades, these films weren’t exactly what Neil wanted studio execs to judge him on. So he decided to make a short film that would better represent his abilities. When they came looking for potential material, the best I had to offer was a short story I’d cooked up years ago while on a writers retreat in Rome. Somehow, that story became the one everyone latched onto. An extremely ambitious project, for an independent short, but that was part of the attraction. The “insanity” Neil refers to is his need to tackle seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The bigger the challenge, the greater his desire to see it overcome.

Neil: It’s a sickness. But I think it’s one we both share. I don’t think there’s a comic book fan out there who wouldn’t want to see their favorite book done really well on the big screen, like what Chris Nolan did for Batman. Same with The Diplomat and Tyrese Gibson’s Mayhem that you and Will had a hand in, and Eldon’s books for sure. They’re all these big, fantastic worlds that, if done right, would just make awesome films. And that’s what we want to do, what we want to bring to and draw from the comic book world, and any media for that matter. We want to tell great stories in a big way, and we just weren’t going to show anyone we could do that by filming a short about two angry brothers crying over their dying grandmother. We needed something bigger, more accessible than melodrama, but… turns out that’s easier said than done. Who knew?

Percy Carey: So what, were you blowing shit up?

Neil: Well, that’s what I wanted to do. Light a firecracker in Eldon’s sphincter and see what happened.

Eldon: I couldn’t squeeze that into the story.

Neil: Not with that attitude, he couldn’t. But Thorns actually isn’t “big”, it was just audacious. It was a period piece set in ancient Rome on a low budget, you know. Who knew togas would cost so goddamn much?

Eldon: Turns out, they don’t really build homes with Roman-style courtyards anymore—or “inner peristyles” as I guess they’re called. So we had to build one ourselves. And though the film is only 18 minutes long, it contains a full-blown, three-act story… something that most short films lack. Oh, and in Hollywood, you’re constantly being questioned. For instance, we had an iron fence on our set, and everyone wanted to know if iron was used during the Roman Empire. (For the record, yes, we did our research, and the Iron Age began centuries prior to Rome’s rise.) Point is, we needed much more than a handheld digicam and a dirty dorm room to pull this off, so everyone kept telling us it couldn’t be done. For what it’s worth, we proved them wrong.

Percy Carey: But you do mean to blow shit up in the next one, right?

Eldon: Quite possibly. Depends on the project, I suppose. I know that Eternal Boyd, a psychological thriller, opens with a plane wreck. A pretty nasty one, I might add.

Neil: Or better yet, if you’ve read Eldon’s books—well, first of all, if you haven’t, you should—you know we’ve got medieval cities being ripped apart and torched by a massive freakin’ dragon. That’s the shit I want to blow the hell up! Awesome.

Eldon: Well, there’s that. Although that might take a slightly bigger budget than anyone’s offered us just yet… Anyone? Anyone?

Neil: Hey, you got yours from HarperCollins already.

Eldon: Yeah, I suppose we might at least get the caterer for that.

Neil: No way. We’re not skimping on the catering.

Percy Carey: How about comic book adaptations of your novels? Any plans?

Eldon: I don’t know. You’ll have to check with Will on that one.

Neil: So much to do, so little time.

Percy Carey: So what’s next on the horizon?

Eldon: The official release of Thorns was what, April? Since then, we’ve been focused on getting copies to agents and producers who want to have a look. We screened it in the Short Film Corner at the Cannes Film Festival a few weeks ago. And though we’re still fighting jetlag from that one, we’ve got a couple other film festivals already lined up. Turns out that making a film—as with comics, music, or any other art form—is only half the battle. Promotion is a whole ’nother ball of wax. I think I can speak for both of us when I say we’d much rather be in pre-production already on the next project. But we’re still taking bids on a number of different story proposals… in various mediums. To some extent, priority is driven by investor interest.

Neil: That’s why I like comics. Or at least one reason. Just like Thorns, they’re often small enough that I can be my own investor. We’ve got Claudio Sepulveda’s finished artwork on The Diplomat, which is just fantastic work I’m hoping we can get on the shelves soon; I’ve got another two issues of Karma to plow through; and whatever other projects I’m lucky enough to work with Arch Enemy on. We’re just, you know, shoulders lowered and keep on pushing.

Percy Carey: Thanks for hanging out today. You guys are both gonna be at Comic-Con this year, right?

Eldon: Between my new book release and all the people I know who are scheduled to attend, I don’t think I could escape it if I wanted to. But seriously, I always enjoy Comic-Con. Wouldn’t miss it.

Neil: Yeah, it’s the only place he can put on his Wonder Woman tights without getting mocked. It’s very sad to see him cry, but his tears make me happy. Go ahead, punch him in the jimmy, try it out. You’ll feel better, seriously.

Percy Carey: I’ll take your word for that one. Thanks, guys.

Neil: Indeed. Thanks, man.

Eldon: [Sniffles] I think I have something in my eye.

BONUS: TYRESE TALKS ‘MAYHEM!’ ON RUSSIAN TV!

Bayou Volume One collects the first four chapters of the critically-acclaimed webcomic by Jeremy Love. Bayou is the first title to come out of ZudaComics.com, the online imprint of DC Comics. Blending elements of Fantasy and southern folklore, Bayou is a supernatural fairytale that sets Alice in Wonderland within a historical representation of poverty and racism in 1930s South. Click Here to read it online, or check out a few pages below…

Nine-year-old Lee Wagstaff knew better than to go down to the bayou. The last time she’d gone into the murky waters was to help her father fish out the body of a boy who’d been lynched for whistling at a white woman. As she tied the rope around the boy’s foot, she saw something – or was it someone? – move in the darkness of the swamp.

Something’s down in that water. Lee knows it. And she knows she ain’t going back.

When her white playmate ignores her warnings, she’s swallowed up into the bayou. Lee watches as her father’s dragged off by a mob after he’s accused of harming the white girl. Determined to find her friend and save her father’s life, Lee embarks on a haunting journey to unlock the dark mysteries of the bayou’s cloudy depths.

Blending elements of fantasy and Southern folklore, Bayou is a supernatural fairy tale that sets Alice in Wonderland within a historical representation of poverty and racism in the 1930’s South.

On sale this June, BAYOU Volume One collects the first four chapters of the critically-acclaimed webcomic by Jeremy Love.

BONUS! Watch Percy Carey’s interview on “A Comic Book Orange”…

CLICK NEXT TO SEE PERCY’S NEW RELEASE PICKS OF THE WEEK!

Man it’s been a crazy week hanging out with Tyrese Gibson and Team MAYHEM! We got to hang out with Oscar-winning director Guillermo Del Toro and discussed things like…(oops I can’t say), but don’t worry, you’ll find out soon enough. Tyrese and Guillermo really hit it off and Guillermo is a stong supporter of MAYHEM!…

As for Guillermo’s midnight book signing at Meltdown comics…the man caused a 4-hour line outside that went on forever! I’ve never seen anything like that in my life (he’s like the Beatles or Jackson 5). Guillermo signed every book and spoke with every person, and is one of the kindest people you will ever meet.

If you’re wondering what we are all drinking in the gold cans, it’s called Tibetan tea and it’s the greatest drink on the planet (and it’s ALL NATURAL!) I would like to say thank you to Tina Zee from Tibetan Tea, you changed my life by introducing me to my favorite drink in the whole wide world.

We also hit up the video game convention E3, which was exhausting. And a Twitter party at a place called “MY HOUSE” (that’s the real name of the club), which was so off the chain they had to calm it down because it was too many people (I thought I saw PRINCE but I was too far away).

Check out the video at Meltdown and don’t forget to pre-order Tyrese Gibson’s MAYHEM! But please try to do it today so you can be part of comic book history in the making.

Comic Con is coming up, any Jack Kirby fans in the house? Well every week until comic con I’m going to give you a little piece of history about Jack Kirby. I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Kirby but he’s been very influencial over my career and one of my all time favorite people in the comic book industry.

I’ll talk to you guys next week….until then..peace.

CLICK NEXT TO SEE PERCY’S NEW RELEASE PICKS OF THE WEEK!

Tyrese Gibson’s MAYHEM! supporters you can now be the first to download 4 free pages of MAYHEM! in jpg format then bring them them to your local comic book store; ask to speak with the store buyer, then show the store buyer your 4 free pages of MAYHEM! and then ask them order MAYHEM! for their store. You’re not just witnessing history, you are actually part of MAKING history!. MAYHEM! is on the rare path to break records in the comic industry, and with your support, together. we can change the way comics books are viewed. Together we can prove the skeptics wrong. It is well known that there is strength in unity, so I’m asking all MAYHEM! supporters to show the stores we are united if so then together we will break records. Our time is now, Let’s seize the moment. Check out the preview (along with an exclusive look at the cover of Issue #2) below…

[Click on the image to see full size, or view the pages below...]

**BONUS EXCLUSIVE** Check out the cover of MAYHEM! Issue #2:

CLICK NEXT TO SEE PERCY’S NEW RELEASE PICKS OF THE WEEK!

The comic reads like a high concept movie. When a scientist succeeds in creating artificial intelligence, he discovers to his horror that the government plans on making it a weapon. On the run, he hides the program inside a mechanical toy bear named MR. STUFFINS. An unsuspecting father buys the toy bear for his son Zach. Zach soon discovers that his new best friend will change his life forever. The artwork is by comic book artist Axel Medellin, and is solid and pops in the right places as Cosby and Stokes deliver great moments and great characters. Boom Studios also has a variant cover By MOUSE GUARD’s David Petersen, showing that they are bringing in the best for the launch of this mega-title. Hit the jump for a preview of Mr. Stuffins…

What’s up Complex readers? Today I have the honor of introducing extended family named The Madtwiinz. The Madtwiinz are incredible animators who have mastered the ability to combine hip-hop music and animation and bring it to life the way it should be.

To me, they’re Disney, Pixar, Dreamworks for the hip-hop generation and deserve the respect and support of the Complex readers. The comic book and animation world who knows about them will tell you it’s only a matter of time before the Madtwiinz take over the industry. Well, the time is now. Enjoy the interview…

Percy Carey: Please tell the readers your names, where you’re from, and when you knew you wanted to be in both comics and animation.

Mike: Mark Davis and Mike Davis or Madtwiinz. We are from Boston area—Cambridge. The “port,” to be specific. We lived out in ATL for five and six years respectively and moved out to L.A. around 2000.

Mark: Our career just naturally evolved into for us. We were always bouncing stories and characters back and forth to each other, since we were both in the womb.

Mike: It was never really like, “Yo, i want to do comics and animation.” I just knew that I liked the idea of being able to create stories and images that people could relate to. Stories and characters that me and dudes around my way could look at and be like “I feel that,” that was the most important part. To capture the detail and nuances from the culture we was raised in.

Percy Carey: Are you both illustrators?

Mike: Yea we are both illustrators. Mark is the creator of the Blokhedz style though. For the comic, he illustrated most of the panels and I was responsible for the color and all the other aspects like the slang glossary and the look of the inspiration pages.

Percy Carey: Name four of your favorite animations that Complex.com readers should watch?

Mark:
1.    Ninja Scroll (of course)
2.    Akira
3.    Toppa Tengen Gurren Lagan
4.    Samurai champloo

Mike: Thats a tough question, always difficult to narrow favorites down. The joints that i think are timeless are, and in no specific order:

1. Ninja Scroll
2. Princess Mononoke
3. Akira
4. Spirited Away

Percy Carey: Favorite animated televison show?

Mark: Naruto is probably my favorite. The Japanese version though, I can’t stand the English dubbed voices.

Mike: Naruto season 1 (Japanese version only!) and Samurai Champloo. Back in the day it was Transformers, GI Joe, Thundercats, Robotech, Voltron, Fat Albert, Tom and Jerry, Galaxy Rangers, Dragon Warrior…I know you said “show,” but I can’t help it, my dude.

Percy Carey: What’s the name of your company?

Mark: Me and Mike are collectively known as the Madtwiinz. The company is Imajimation Studios.

Mike: And Street Legends Ink is the publishing branch.

Percy Carey: What are some of the past projects you have worked on?

Mark: We’ve freelanced for a few of the major studios out here [L.A.]. Sony, Fox, Disney. We’ve worked on The Boondocks on down to GI Joe.

Mike: The first job that got us in the game was a promotional piece/album cover we did for the Wu-Tang affiliated group called Killa Army. Did some work for music videos for Toni Braxton, and an R. Kelly animated short for his tour (before all the dramas) and things of that nature, but we always were more passionate about doing our own thing, nah’mean?

Percy Carey: Can you discuss any current projects?

Mike: Current projects as it stands now, we are mostly concentrating on Blokhedz animation, so y’all please check out www.missionG.com and help support the movement. We are talking to a few different companies about various projects and keeping busy.

Mark: Right, our main thing right now is the Blokhedz animated episodes that you shouted out in your interview with Tyrese…so big ups for that. We’re also working on a collab project with RZA that should be in stores soon, so stay tuned for that.

Percy Carey: Please tell the readers the name of your comic book and a little about the concept.

Mike: The name of the comic book is called BLOKHEDZ and it is basically about a young aspiring rapper who has the super power of turning his lyrics into reality. Also in this world are all sorts of characters and super natural being who are intertwined in a battle for the mythical Empire City.

Percy Carey: Are you self published?

Mike: We put out our first 4 comics independently and then we caught the eye of a German publisher who compiled the issues into our first graphic novel. That was love, ’cause they flew us out to Germany for their “Comic Salon” and they just had so much appreciation for what dudes was doing. Then after that, we were picked up by Simon and Schuster.

Mark: We’ve just finished up our contract with Simon and Schuster as of yesterday! So I guess we’re self-publishing again. Personally, I think independent is the way to go these days. There are so many outlets to get your work out there, and once you completed the work, then you charge a licensing fees to these publishing companies. [Laughs.]

Percy Carey: Are you focused on toys and collectibles? Video games? And sound track?

Mike: These are all things in the works. The animation is the priority as of now, being that we are a small team we need all hands on deck. But we are still designing toys, we just did a collab with Marka27 for his toy Killa Instinct which came out dope. Check for that at www.marka27.com, dude is talented beyond belief. Big up Marka!

Percy Carey: Are you involved with the marketing of your creations?

Mark: Yeah. We’re definitely hands on with the marketing. Being that our studio is so small, a lot of the times we have to wear several different hats.

Mike: Definitely! Being that we are independent, we have to get our hands dirty and just grind the marketing out. It’s so important and a tough job to spread the word! I’m sure you know what I mean, dealing with the independence of the music industry. But it’s like once we get it into people’s hands, the product speaks for itself. So we just hit everywhere we can, schools, barber shops, teen centers, libraries—all that…

Percy Carey: I’m aware you just returned from a trip to Korea. Can you tell us about your trip? And what’s your opinion about animation in Korea?

Mike: Aww man, yo, Korea was ill! I loved it out there, man. The animation industry out there is bubbling! There are a lot of really talented artists over there making Korea, Seoul specifically, a global animation hub. Mad shows come out of there. They showed us so much love! They made the impossible happen. We really didn’t have enough time in our schedule to pull it off, but eMation really stepped it up for us and held us down. So big up everyone over there at eMation!

Mark: I loved Korea, dude. I’m looking forward to going back. It was a total cultural shock, but they definitely get it poppin’ over there. Animation is a whole industry over there, they have specific schools dedicated just to animation.

Percy Carey: Do you see room for improvement in both the comic book and animation industry here in the United States?

Mark: I think we’re on point with our comic book game over here in the States. I would like to see more variety in the industry though. I would like to see stories from other perspectives. In animation, I would like to see more of it geared towards adults in the U.S.

Mike: I agree. In any art form there is always room for evolution. Things are always progressing day to day. I think it is an artist’s job to reflect what is going on in his/her environment and use the gift to improve upon the conditions we all share. I would like to see more diversity in entertainment also. Not the same old images we have been seeing ever since…

Percy Carey: What’s your view about companies like PIXAR? And Dreamworks?

Mike: PIXAR and Dreamworks produce amazing projects. I can’t front, their quality and stories are top notch. Brad Bird is Ill. And it don’t hurt to have the type of budgets them cats be working with! If we had budgets like that [laughs], yo, we’d be outta here! Blokhedz is just the tip of the iceberg, we got mad more shit that will be hitting the masses.

Mark: They get it in, no doubt. The work they create is amazing. It shows you what’s possible with endless amount of time and resources.

Percy Carey: Are there any independent companies that you feel should get more exposure that you would like to bring to the readers’ attention?

Mark: Studio 4c do some sick work. They did a movie called Tekkon Kinkreet which is ridiculous. The amount of detail they put into that film is crazy! Production I.G. is ill too.

Percy Carey: What can we expect from you in the future?

Mark: We’re going to keep pushing our brand of animation, strive to bring something new to the table, and give another perspective that you are not use to seeing. Definitely look out for the RZA collab late this year early next year. And also keep your eyes peeled for some other high profile projects coming in the near future!

Mike: Definitely got more Blokhedz popping off on missionG.com, we going to continue to build the brand as we have been. As we expand, we will continue to bring y’all more fire from the Madtwiinz. We got much more in store. Check for us at Blokhedz.tv to stay up on what we dealing with…

Percy Carey: How can the complex.com readers get in contact with you?

Mike: Complex readers can check us out on all the social networks like myspace.com/blokhedz or on facebook, twitter and all that. Also, email us directly at info@blokhedz.tv. Yo, good looking out on the interview, Grimm, it’s always a pleasure building with you man. Peace.

CLICK NEXT TO SEE PERCY’S NEW RELEASE PICKS OF THE WEEK!

After the incredible response last week to my face to face interview with Mr. Tyrese Gibson about his comic MAYHEM!, I couldn’t wait to confirm with him which one of one of the five publishing companies (DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse, IMAGE Comics or BOOM! Studios) was the official home for his comic book. But for his own reasons, he wanted to wait until this week to actually announce it.

Tyrese kept his promise to me that I would get a second opportunity to interview him face to face, but because of personal matters I needed to attend to, my second interview was unfortunately conducted over the phone and was brief because I only needed to confirm that one unanswered question…that one unanswered question that everyone in the comic book industry demanded me to confirm: What company is MAYHEM! with? I promised to give the Complex.com readers what they wanted (did you see how many people left comments? that’s crazy right?) and once again, Mr. Tyrese Gibson delivered. So here it is: Tyrese Gibson is still causing comic book MAYHEM! Thank you and enjoy the interview below…

Percy Carey: Hello Tyrese

Tyrese Gibson: Hey what up

Percy Carey: I’m good, how was your trip?

Tyrese Gibson: Oh, the trip was wonderful, thank you for asking. How are you?

Percy Carey: I’m good, I can’t really complain. I know you’re a busy man; this will only be a few minutes. I’m going get right to where we left off last time, Tyrese.

Tyrese Gibson: OK, let’s go.

Percy Carey: What is the official company publishing Tyrese Gibson’s MAYHEM!?

Tyrese Gibson: OK, The official Company is Image Comics, but the comic itself was produced through my comic publishing banner XiT ComiX, which is a division of my multi-media company, Headquarter Entertainment.

Percy Carey: Wow, OK. Why couldn’t you say Image to me last time? You know how many phone calls I got because I didn’t get that answer from you? You like building suspense, huh? [Laughs]

Tyrese Gibson: You gotta have mystique, you know? I had to make sure everything was official with the paperwork and stuff. The deal is finalized and now it’s time to bring MAYHEM!

Percy Carey: That’s understandable. My next question is, out of the five names I mentioned, what was it that made you decide to go with Image?

Tyrese Gibson: Image is one of the best companies in the comic world. They have a long history of great titles and I am excited to be apart of their history. They’re also very creator-friendly and have good instincts when it comes to the creative process. I’m really excited about this relationship I’ve built with Image.

Percy Carey: I already expected all of the guys to like MAYHEM!, but you single-handedly increased female comic book readership last week [Laughs]. In the history of feedback to replies here on Complex.com, there has NEVER been that many responses to ANY story….And how does that make you feel to see so many people interested in your comic book debut this early?

Tyrese Gibson: I’m humbled by it, and if anything, I hope I don’t over think about the outcome, ’cause I know so many people are anticipating it. [Laughs]

Percy Carey: Are you trying to make comic books cool? or something because I have never witnessed anything like that in my life, I got emails from about a million women wanting to know if your going to make your self available and have autograph signings at comic book shops? And other retail stores.

Tyrese Gibson: Yes, I’m for real with this MAYHEM! It’s my priority; it’s my child.

Percy Carey: Do you have anything up in coming that you would like the people to know about any signings or events?

Tyrese Gibson: I’m doing an unveiling of MAYHEM! on April 15th in Los Angeles. It’s gonna be crazy. Big red carpet event. I’ve sent invites to all the big local comic talents. I want everyone to come to this.

Percy Carey: Can you send it to me?

Tyrese Gibson: It’s on it’s way.

Percy Carey: Is it OK if I post it for the Complex viewers?

Tyrese Gibson: Of course. Blast off with it!

Percy Carey: I’ll be there. Tyrese, thank you for your time, man, and I guess I’ll see you at the
MAYHEM! Event

Tyrese Gibson: No problem, P.

CLICK NEXT TO READ THE LETTER TYRESE RECENTLY SENT TO COMIC BOOK RETAILERS!

I was hanging out with my friend the Mayor of Los Angeles Anthony Villaraigosa (pictured above) the other day talking about the economic situation in L.A., and as we discussed how to implement incentives to encourage entrepreneurs (confidentially), we were pinpointing what industries would embrace it; although we compiled a nice list, it made me ask myself a question… I said, “What industry would resist it?” My answer: you guessed it, the comic book industry!

I thought about all of the comic book publishers who would rather go out of business than make some money. I’m not one to disrespect a few who decide to remain micropreneurs, but it feels like 90% of comic book publishers are afraid to allow their companies to grow, and refuse to think outside of their industry.

Most comic book companies also view ways to generate additional revenue as “selling out”. How long can they last just preaching to the choir? Especially when the choir is out for the intermission (nobody is listening) some companies are acting like we’re not in a digital age, and continuing to resist about digital comics. Comic book publishers get upset when high profiled celebrities create comic books, but want them to star in their favorite comic book movie or be on the soundtrack. I must admit some of you guys see the light and are now pushing the envelope to stay afloat don’t worry about your so called peers who laughing because you’re making the proper adjustment with your company. Remember what happen to those who laughed at Noah for building an ark; who’s laughing now?

Stay tuned for the first annual Percy Carey’s Comic Book Corner Power Player’s List. Percy’s Power Player List will be a compiled list of influential people in the comic book, film, television industries; but just to keep it fair I’m going to create two other lists, the second of which will be named “The House Award.” That will consist of companies that are in comas and are now on life support and no one knows what the fuck is wrong with them?

Like Doctor Gregory House, we will figure it out how to save them; but unlike the television show, it can go either way for these companies it just depends on how bad they want to stay alive. The House Award will be a solid gold asthma pump; and the third of the three is The SVU award (Special Victims Unit) for companies that were brutally murdered by their industry (you can be nominated through acts of stubbornness, stupidity, or for just being the sacrificial lamb). We will highlight what went wrong with these companies and hope it brings closure to their grieving families. The award will be a tombstone that states “We’re Closed”. I will give you an official date of the awards next week.

Last but not least I would like to thank Vertigo/DC Comics for including me in the 2009 Vertigo Encyclopedia. I have my own page (pg 162, pictured below). By the way everyone you can talk to me direct on Twitter @percycarey.

CLICK NEXT TO SEE PERCY’S NEW RELEASE PICKS OF THE WEEK!

There is a newsstand that I pass. I must say, being able to roll down the street and pass newsstands is really nice, you don't really see them anymore in Los Angeles, and it makes me feel like being back in New York. One day, I passed the newsstand and spotted something that made me proud and happy. It seems that work and passion will follow you where ever you go. The stand has an old school spinning rack for comic books, and this day, I happen to see that they had begun to carry a series called UTF. Now, you may be wondering why this particular series is so important to me…

Well, UTF was the first series that Arch Enemy Entertainment did as a company. The fact that people outside of comic book stores carry comics, especially the book of the company I now work for, really says something about society today. It really means a lot that our book is being carried, and more so that people want to read comics books more and more. I'm just very proud that UTF and Arch Enemy are at the frontline of the re-emergence of the comic book culture. There's more to come from Arch Enemy, and more ground to be broken.

In case anyone wants to stop by and check out the newsstand, the address is:

Above the Bold Larchmont Newsstand
226 N. Larchmont Blvd.
Los Angeles Ca 90004
323-464-6397

You can also follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/percycarey
Or visit my website www.percycarey.com

Please stop by the newsstand and tell them Percy sent you.

As always, see you next week.

CLICK NEXT TO SEE PERCY’S NEW RELEASE PICKS OF THE WEEK!

Today we examine how anime has injected itself into the veins of popular culture with this week's special guest, Manga.com digital programming manager Steve Sargent. Check out the interview below…

Percy Carey: Steve, you handle Digital Content Programming for Manga.com. What exactly does that entail?

Steve Sargent: The core of what I do is content programming. Basically, pulling clips from our titles, collecting them into the themed channels we have on Manga.com (e.g., Babes, Killshots, etc) as well as on our channels on YouTube, MySpace, Facebook, and other social networking sites. Also, I program the Ani-Monday block on Sci-Fi. I see myself as being a curator of anime. Beyond that, I do all of the editorial: news items, newsletters, promo copy for new titles. I frakkin' love my job.

Percy Carey: Rumor has it that you are the foremost aficionado on all things anime and manga in North America. Is that true?

Steve Sargent: Ha! Not to date myself, but I grew up on Gatchaman and Astro Boy. I'm definitely a fan, but there are probably a 1,000 otakus (a.k.a. anime fans) who could contend for being the foremost. Otakus are the best source of finding out every little tidbit and trivia of anime. I'm constantly learning stuff I never knew from them.

Percy Carey: When I was growing up in the late '80s, mainstream anime was just beginning to make a surge into the American consciousness. Now, twenty years later, it influences everything from movies to games to fashion. To what do you accredit the globalization of the medium?

Steve Sargent: Cartoons have always been big here. However, anime brings with it a whole other philosophical level. Most anime deals with ideas that American animation is only recently beginning to tackle: Meaning of existence, life, death. It has an intellectual aspect that has raised the bar for all animators. Very much like what Alan Moore's Watchmen did for graphic novels. Given the heavily-stylized action you find in anime, I think designers (game and fashion alike) look to it as a window to the future.

Percy Carey: Ani-Mondays, the anime programming block, over at the Sci-Fi Channel brought both classic and new titles to American audiences for the first time on basic cable. How did that deal come together?

Steve Sargent: Our content has a natural appeal to their audience. Sci-Fi was looking to tap our experience in this space. We're pretty much a one-stop shop for them, since we can handle the licensing and programming for them. We're able to put it together in a way that directly speaks to otaku aspect of their demographic.

Percy Carey: Anime, like comics, has often been misconstrued as a genre when in reality it is just another storytelling medium. In Japan, the titles are diverse, consisting of everything from mushy teen soaps to full on adult erotica. But here in the US, only the hyperkinetic shoot ‘em ups and ninja battle royales seem to catch on with fans. Why do you think that is?

Steve Sargent: Isn't that always the way? It seems like it's the action pieces that are the ones that get noticed. I suppose you can thank the Wachowskis for that. The Matrix has a great combination of action and existential ideals.

Percy Carey: What do you think the next big thing in anime will be?

Steve Sargent: Who really knows? That's what makes it exciting. I have noticed a few cool recent trends. One being Motion Comics, essentially manga panels with select elements animated. A good example of this is the series that was produced in anticipation of Will Smith's I Am Legend. Used as trailers, they took the comics that were produced as pre-quels, added voice-over and did simple animations with the panels. I'm seeing more and more of these all the time. TokyoPop has a whole series of them (check out www.manga.com/channels/tokyopop).

Percy Carey: Five years ago, we saw the first wave of superhero comics adapted into summer blockbusters. Then there was a run on big screen remakes of '80s TV shows. Now with Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li hitting theaters and Akira, Ghost in the Shell, and Ninja Scroll in the pipeline, it looks like studios are now fishing in the anime stream for their next hit. Why do you think it’s taken anime to so long to get real interest in Hollywood?

Steve Sargent: The kids that grew up on stuff like Transformers and of the like in the late '80s and early '90s are now heading things up as the Hollywood decision-makers. I really think it's just the old guard handing the reigns over to a new generation. Now that comic/manga-based films have been proven to rake in mad money at the box-office, all the studios are looking to jump on the bandwagon.

Percy Carey: What do you think the next anime title to make the jump to the silver screen will be?

Steve Sargent: I heard Robotech was picked up by Toby Mcguire's company, though Cowboy Bebop is already in production over at Fox. Then there's Leonardo DiCaprio picking up Ninja Scroll. I believe they also picked up Akira. I gotta say, I wish they'd leave Akira alone. Should be interesting to see what they do with Ninja Scroll. By the way, have you seen the trailer for the live-action Blood: The Last Vampire? Gianna Jun as Saya?! Hot!

Percy Carey: Can I get you to sign my petition against a live action version of Pokémon directed by Uwe Boll?

Steve Sargent: Hell yeah!

Percy Carey: Ninja Scroll will always have a special place in my heart. I remember watching a badly dubbed VHS bootleg when I was twelve and still being in awe of the massive geysers of blood and serial beheadings. What is your favorite anime title of all time?

Steve Sargent: I gotta agree with you on this one. It's a close tie with Ghost In The Shell, but I've always fantasized about being a ronin (samurai with no master) like Jubei. I love in the very beginning how he throws his rice ball in the air, takes out 3 guys with his katana, and all in the time it takes for the rice ball to fall back into his hand.

Percy Carey: We all know that dedicated anime fans can be a bit eccentric. You’ve traveled to conventions all over the world. What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen at a convention?

Steve Sargent: Probably, the cosplay. The costumes they put together are simply amazing. No one can knock otaku dedication. It is total and complete.

Percy Carey: Ok, I gotta ask; girls with short skirts and furry tails. What’s up with that?

Steve Sargent: Heh heh, to each his/her own. After seeing some female fans dressed as Gurren Lagann's Yoko at the last anime convention, I'm all for it! Seriously, I think it's great that otakus get so into it. Cosplay has become a huge part of the lifestyle.

Percy Carey: Final question, the one that has divided this great country of ours right down the middle. What is your stance on tentacle porn? Yea or nay?

Steve Sargent: Yoikes. I'll have to abstain and stay in the middle on that one.

All you true otakus out there make sure you stay up on the latest and greatest in anime over at www.manga.com and don't forget to tune in for Ani-Mondays on the Sci-Fi Channel.

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Everyone is aware that Novel’s video “I Am” is tearing through MTV; and it’s miles apart from the so-called competition. When Complex asked me to interview him, I thought this would be an ordinary interview, but I came to find out that not only is Novel a great emcee and an equally great singer/songwriter, but he’s also an avid comic book reader (he knows his shit). Novel breaks the music stereotype that you have to be arrogant when you’re successful at what you do. Novel is by far the most humble down to earth brother I’ve ever met in my entire life, and I look forward to him dominating the entertainment industry (comic books, music, film & TV).

I don’t like many emcees, I don’t listen to emcees; but I do listen to Novel. I admire him as an artist, and I have the utmost respect for him as a man. I will spread the word about him as much as I can, because he deserves it and I’m proud to say I’m a fan (I know Alicia Keys agrees with me on this). Novel is the future of music and the future is now! This started out as an interview, but it ended up being two friends having a conversation, so come sit down at the table and join us as we talk about music and comics…

Percy Carey: Where were you born?

Novel: I was born in Los Angeles, California but I was brought up everywhere because my mother had to moved our family around a lot, mostly on the East Coast'North Carolina, PA, CT. She was a single mother with six kids. At times, we were sometimes homeless and stayed in shelters with friends, pastors, and deacons, so I grew up in many different environments and [it's] difficult to call one particular place my home. But Los Angeles, CA is my birthplace.

Percy Carey: How did you get the name Novel?

Novel: While I was living in a small town on the outskirts of Philadelphia, I was a member in a rap group and I carried around a lyric book and it was the size of one of those family photo albums. I always carried it around and wrote inside of it. I would never let it leave my side and it was of stories and rhymes I had written. My friends would joke around and say I was carrying a novel or that I was writing one, so the name kind of stuck.

Percy Carey: Who are some of the artists you’ve had an opportunity to work with?

Novel: I’ve worked with, written for, or produced for artist such as Talib Kweli, Joss Stone, Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Robin Thicke, Beyoncé, Leona Lewis, India Arie, Jennifer Hudson, Ben Folds and many others.

Percy Carey: “I Am” is hot song. How did you come up with the concept? And how did you get Talib on the track?

Novel: “I Am” came about from a song I heard from Ben Fold’s album Rocking The Suburbs named “The Luckiest.” I’m a big fan of Ben'he’s a talented musician. This was a record I wanted to flip, but I wanted to respect the art of the original, so I did a rough and added Spree Wilson and sent it to Kweli, who jumped aboard right away'we go back since I was signed to Rawkus Records about 8 years ago. After that, a very good friend of mine sent the record to Ben Folds to see if he would be a part of it as well. Ben Folds loved it, so I had him play piano and sing on the hook along with the sample so the song keeps it’s integrity and the rest is history.

Percy Carey: Tell us about Spree Wilson? And will we hear more from him?

Novel: Spree Wilson is an incredible musician, I met through a friend of mine named Shoden!1. I heard his album and we connected right off the bat. There will be more material coming out on Spree as a solo artist and also, we have a group formed together called “KnivezOut,” which I go under a different alias. It’s a hip hop/electronic group, and you can find some material on us on Itunes and on my own EP Fly Away and a song called “Alright” from the Soundtrack for the motion picture 21. Knivezout is an outside project.

Percy Carey: As a musician, is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?

Novel: I would love to collaborate with Imogen Heap, who’s one of my favorite artist right now. Rufus Wainwright, Jon Brion and Jay Electronica. Those are a few artist and producers I totally admire and respect.

Percy Carey: What is it like working with Alicia Keys?

Novel: Working with Alicia Keys is a pleasure and a blessing. She is talented and a very hard worker; she has lots of energy in the studio and knows exactly what she wants but she’s not afraid to try new things. It was just fascinating to watch her creative process and how it’s very similar to mine. Alicia is like a big sister and I appreciate everything she’s done for me. She’s a brilliant and beautiful human being.

Percy Carey: Could you see her writing a comic book, because of her movie choices and her music?

Novel: I can see Alicia writing a comic book or a graphic novel for sure.

Percy Carey: Who is your favorite comic book character?

Novel: My favorite comic book character would be Morpheous, also known as “The Sandman.” He’s from a book titled The Sandman, written by Neil Gaiman. It’s a series of about 11 books; I’m on #7. It’s about Morpheous, which God created and his purpose is to create and control dreams; his sisters are Desire, Despair and Delirium

The second to the oldest “Death” and the eldest brother “Destiny”; you get the point…[laughs]. You go through his journey in time with family and friends, his trips to heaven, hell, earth, and in the dream world. It’s about how dreams effect people and I find it a pretty deep book. His sister “Death” is very interesting to me as well and to see how the writer perceives death to be'the fact that he made her a woman, how she looks physically'is incredible. You must check it out. Also one of my favorite characters is Dr. Manhattan in the graphic novel The Watchmen, written by Alan Moore. That’s a classic and it’s one of the most celebrated graphic novels of all times.

Percy Carey: How did you find yourself reading comics?

Novel: I kind of just stumbled into reading graphic novels a couple of years back. I was thinking about my childhood and went inside a comic book store. I purchased one comic and then one became two, and then I was hooked [laughs].

Percy Carey: I totally understand [laughs].

Novel: Plus, I watch a lot of movies and independent films and didn’t know a lot of good movies were based off comics or graphic novels, and I’m not just talking about the ones where a guy is wearing tights and a mask. I mean really good stories like the mob Road to Perdition starring Tom Hanks, or History Of Violence, and The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button'they’re all great graphic novels that were adapted into wonderful movies.

Percy Carey: Who is your favorite comic book writer?

Novel: My favorite author is Neil Gaiman.

Percy Carey: Oh yeah?

Novel: Yeah, his style is insane, the man is just brilliant. Then there’s Alan Moore who wrote V for Vendetta and The Watchmen.

Percy Carey: I have to make sure I let Karen Berger know that.

Novel: Who’s Karen?

Percy Carey: Karen Berger’s The Senior VP of Vertigo/DC Comics and basically the editor of every book you mentioned, including mine. She signed me to Vertigo/DC Comics.

Novel: Oh yeah?

Percy Carey: Yeah

Novel: Well then I definitely have to meet her [Laughs].

Percy Carey: [Laughs] I’m going to make sure of that.

Novel: But listen, Brian K. Vaughan is brilliant too; he wrote Pride Of Baghdad. That’s an excellent book.

Percy Carey: Please tell the readers what Pride Of Baghdad is about?

Novel: It’s about the war in Baghdad where a zoo was bombed and 4 lions escaped; you get the perspective of war through the eyes of the animals. It’s deep, you got to read that one. Did you read that one?

Percy Carey: Yes, Brian is actually a very good friend of mine; we talk all the time he schools me about writing, to be honest.

Novel: Yeah? Oh, that’s cool.

Percy Carey: Yeah, Brian’s a good person. Right now he’s the writer and co-executive producer for the television show Lost, so when he has some time from the show, I’m going to get all of us to sit down and talk about comics together.

Novel: Yeah, I’m with that.

Percy Carey: What writers would you recommend to someone who has never read a comic book?

Novel: If you’re new to the comic book world, I would suggest to check out The Pride Of Baghdad; get that one first, it’s a good starter. Or Murder Mysteries by Neil Gaiman'that one will blow your mind. It’s my favorite graphic novel. It’s a must read.

Percy Carey: What are similarities between music and graphic novels?

Novel: Similarities of music and graphic novels is how creative you can be with a story, whether it’s fact or fiction. If you’re a songwriter, ultimately your point is to tell your story. You’re the author of that song.

Percy Carey: How do they differ?

Novel: They don’t differ that much except in some graphic novels, the story board can be endless where you can really go into details. When you’re writing multiple pages of material for a song, it can be three minutes long and that’s not enough time to go into much detail, so it’s expressed by emotion and how you deliver the song. So people can feel it and hear it. In a graphic novel, it’s about words and pictures. I believe that’s why music has changed so much, because everything is so visual nowadays; people spend less time writing good material and more time being concerned with an image and how they look.

Percy Carey: That was well said. Would you ever consider creating a graphic novel?

Novel: Yes, actually I’m working on one as we speak, but I’m not sure who’s going to publish it at this present time. I’ve talked with William Wilson of Arch Enemy Entertainment about a few ideas, and plus I read your book SENTENCES: THE LIFE OF MF GRIMM, so I expect you to help me get into that world as well [laughs]…I know it’s still premature stage right now, but we’ll work it out. So shout out to William Wilson, he’s a good dude.

Percy Carey: Who would win in a fight: Nightwing or Black Lighting?

Novel: Who would win? [Laughs]…Man, Night Wing would whup Black Lightning’s ass!

Percy Carey: Yeah you think so? What make you say that?

Novel: The man was trained under Batman! I read in a recent comic where Robin almost killed the Green Lantern just by out smarting him; that means all those super powers don’t mean shit! You ever wondered why the Justice League feared Batman, yet respected him so much? And he had no super power? He calculates every move three to four steps in advance, just like chess. Anyone who trained under “The Bat,” I’m rolling with. You should read HUSH Where he takes on Superman…Crazy shit! [Laughs]

Percy Carey: [Laughs] I think Bruce Wayne is crazy.

Novel: [Stops laughing] Yo! By the way…

Percy Carey: [Laughs] Yeah?

Novel: Did you know they killed Batman off?

Percy Carey: [Stops laughing] Whoa..I don’t even know what to say about that right now.

Novel: What the fuck? First Captain America now Batman. What is the world coming to?

Percy Carey: Trust me Novel, I’ll get to the bottom of it if DC Comics ever gets me an interview with Grant Morrison. I’ll also send your interview directly to Grant and see if I can get it done that way. I give you my word.

Novel: Sounds good, because I want to know.

Percy Carey: I would like to thank you for taking the time to bless me with this interview.

Novel: Thank you, and god bless to all of the comic book readers out there.

Left To Right: Chris Rosa of Meltdown Comics, Percy Carey & Novel

Make sure to take the Novel poll and help push “I Am” to number one on MTV. Support that man.

Grant Morrison, if you’re reading this, the people are demanding an interview, so holla at your boy new blood!

May your thought bubbles be filled with wonderful text….This is Percy Carey for Complex.com signing out.

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Who will be crowned 2009’s #1 movie?

The Watchmen has been in the public spotlight for so long due to disagreements and legal battles that it should be renamed Kramer Vs. Kramer 2. The most important question is, Will it satisfy the devoted fans of the graphic novel created by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons? It had better, because loyal fans of the Watchmen are really crazy! (It’s true) Watchmen fans are even crazier than hip-hop fans in violence (such as when a rap show is wack, or the Source Awards). The only thing more violent is an unsatisfied Star Wars nerd (They will kill you), so if the Watchmen movie sucks, the loyal Army of Alan Moore will rip every last theater to shreds and there won’t be a place on earth where director Zack Snyder will be able to hide (not even Doctor Manhattan will be able to save your ass, Zack)…

One element Watchmen has over Transformers 2 so far is a killer theme song, and seeing as the soundtrack for Transformers 2 is in the hands of that #2 agency (I can’t remember the name of it), they’ll probably fuck it up (I hope not). Look, you guys know the story about the graphic novel. The Watchmen, right? If not, then go buy the book'I’m not going to sit here and type it out for you (go to your local comic book store or Barnes & Noble and stop being such a cheap ass…it’s a great read).

I think it’s bold to make a 160 minute film (but I’m also a guy who created an 60 song triple CD, so who am I to talk huh?). And I’m not sure how true this is, but I was informed that Alan Moore refused to allow his his name to be used in connection with the Watchmen movie, and has given his share of his the money made from the film to his graphic novel partner Dave Gibbons (if this is true then Alan Moore is either : (a) The best friend in the whole wide world. (b) Out of his motherfucking mind, or (c) both choices of a and b combined. To play it safe, I’m going to go with choice (c). Anyway, how do you guys think it will match against Transformers 2: The Revenge of The Fallen?

I was just informed that Transformers 2, instead of being released on Friday June 26, 2009, it will be released on Wednesday June 24, 2009 (two day head start). I love the original Transformers animated series and animated movie, so I was very biased going in to see the live action movie. But I was amazed and pleased looking at Megan Fox (excuse me, I meant the special effects), but I must say Shia LeBeouf held his own as Sam Witwicky and since then he’s become one of my favorite actors and a good friend of mine (Shia’s father and I are going to create a rap album together. And yes, he can really flow). The bottom line is that Transformers 1 was a great movie (I don’t have time to sit here and and type it out go to Netflix or Blockbuster and rent it, stop being such a cheap ass). Transformer 2 seems on point, but when the meteors land near the pyramids, I wonder if you were thinking what I was thinking? I’m happy to hear Jetfire is in Transformers 2, but will he be enough to stop the Fallen? We’re about to find out how sweet revenge really is. How do you guys think it will do against The Watchmen? Holla atcha boy
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.
LET US KNOW WHY IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW!

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With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we here at the Comic Book Corner have decided to share with you the top five comic book relationships of all time. These are the couples who have managed to stand the test of time despite the constant hassle of conflicting schedules, alien invasions, evil doppelgangers, and in-laws…

#5: Batman (Bruce Wayne) &
Talia al Ghul

Catwoman may be the fans’ choice as the future Mrs. Batman, but true fan boys know that the real woman in Bruce Wayne’s life has always been Talia al Ghul. It’s a true Romeo and Juliet story. Their forbidden love; him being the cape crusader, her being the daughter of his mortal enemy. It’s classic love story. And she’s his baby mama'top that Selina Kyle.
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#4: Swamp Thing (Alec Holland) &
Abigail Arcane Holland

This relationship shows that love is color blind and possibly vegetarian. This is a Beauty and the Beast tale, a gorgeous woman and a horrific creature that’s really just a big teddy bear underneath all the sludge and fungi. In Alan Moore’s classic run, they manage to work around their flora-fauna compatibility issues and make sweet love like only a woman and a vegetable can.
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#3: Reed Richards & Sue Storm Richards

A nuclear family, molded after Ward and June Cleaver, if Ward was a stretchy super genius and Sue was homemaker/sexpot. They’ve been together over fifty years. Infidelity has always been right around corner, but can you blame her really? With Reed being so wrapped up in his work, what girl wouldn’t be swept up by an exotic suitor (Namor, Dr. Doom, etc)? Now they’re working to piece together their relationship after the stress of Civil War. Maybe Johnny and Ben can watch the kids and give these two some much deserved time to themselves.
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#2: Superman & Lois Lane

You can picture the singles ad for this one: Single white female with Type A personality seeks uberpowerful alien boy scout god. Women love a powerful man and it doesn’t get any more powerful than the last son of Krypton. They are Metropolis’s number one power couple. Although I’m sure Lois would rather have a timeshare in Maui than a Fortress of Solitude in the Arctic Circle.
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#1: Scott Summers & Jean Grey

True love never dies, or should I say never stays dead long. C’mon guys, we’ve all been here before. Girl of your dreams turns out to be the living embodiment of evil hell bent on destroying the universe, huh, huh? But you’ll always have a one up on her when she gets on your case about chores around the house or hanging out let with the fellas. “Remember that time you tried to destroy the universe?” should stall any argument before it starts.
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WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COMIC BOOK ROMANCE?
LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW.

If you know anything about me, then you have to know that Arrested Development is my all time favorite television show; and when Fox chose to cancel the show, I found that to be the stupidest move ever by a network (Please give me the name of the jackass who made that executive decision?). Well, after a long period of depression (due to my lack of having the Bluth family to laugh at), I was informed that Arrested Development was going to become an actual full-length featured film. It was rumored there were a few slight hold ups due to negotiations, (that’s expected) but just knowing that there was a chance to see something new from Ron Howard, and the brilliant minds who write and cast on that show, made life a little better for me.

As I was hanging out at Meltdown a few weeks back, I noticed there were a large amount of television shows that were now comic books (which I think is cool), and gave me an idea; I said to myself, What if I transform my favorite television show into a comic book?

Then I thought to myself, How could I make this dream an reality? First, I spoke about it to one of my friends and business partner to get his perspective, and he figured out the best way to approach the situation. So after we came up with our plan, we decided to go sit down at a coffee shop and have some coffee/tea and go over some contracts (you know, executive type stuff). As we sat at our table, I noticed one of the three men at the table next to us resembled Arrested Development’s George “GOB” Bluth II (played by Will Arnett); then when he actually spoke, I knew it was him.

I said to myself, Could this be true? The creator has heard my cries and answered my prayers? I didn’t want to bother Mr. Arnett, because he and the other two gentleman, at his table, were in deep discussion, so I was polite, and did not bother them. I needed to go inside of the coffee shop, and as I went inside, one of the gentleman that was sitting with Mr. Arnett entered inside as well. Since we were both waiting on line, I introduced myself to him, and gave him my credentials in comic books, and then asked him if he was sitting with Will Arnett, and how I’m a big fan of the show Arrested Development; The gentleman replied back “Really? That’s great, I was one of the writer for the show! Why don’t you come join us, I know Will would love to meet you.”

I thought to myself, Writer of the show? …Has the creator heard my cries?… and answered my prayers? I asked the gentleman his name, and he said “Jim” so then Jim and I went back outside and he introduced me to Mr. Arnett, and we discussed a few business ideas (due to confidentiality agreement, I’m not at liberty to discuss the details of our conversation).

The moral to my story is that you never know what life has in store for you, and to never think that your dream is too big to become a reality (if Pinocchio can become a real boy, you can too!). As for the creator finally hearing my cries, and answering my prayers about creating a Arrested Development comic book?…stay tuned. So, I would like to say to Mr. James “Jim” Vallely… you’re a hell of a guy, thank you for everything, and I’ll talk to you soon. And by the way, to all of you Complex readers who keep asking me about how to get my music, you can purchase all MF GRIMM’s music at Itunes..It’s a smart move. See you next week'until then, dream BIG.

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BOOM! Studios was founded in 2005 by Ross Ritchie and Andrew Cosby, the creator of the Sci-fi show Eureka. I must say, they've assembled one hell of a team. I had the opportunity to hang out with them for the entire month of January of 2009 at Meltdown Comics, and I must say I’m very impressed with the entire company from the owners to the chief to the staff…

I normally have trouble with the mind set of the comic book publishers that I’m around because I feel like they don’t have enough brilliant minds to do real business; you’re lucky if you have one or two people who can actually think and are not scared to make a decision on their own. BOOM! is like a family and the closest bond I can think of outside being a marine; they actually care about each other and they also break the golden rule of comic book publishers….Yes ladies and gentleman…they care about their customers!… oh, the nerve of them.

Yes, in the age of comics where most disrespect the reader, and separate the company from the consumers who put money in their pocket, BOOM! actually cares about what the customer thinks and even goes the extra mile to meet and greet customers at local comic book stores to discuss comic books (or even sports if you like). I’m talking about from the owners of BOOM! to every last employee. To tell you the truth, I despise the majority of comic book publishing companies because they’re run by fake people that are so out of touch with today's reader that they’re bound to go out of business sooner than later.

As you see what’s going on in the market lately, most of them are saying bye bye, but not BOOM!. Especially with marketing grandmaster Chip Mosher; Chip is the real deal and the most down to earth person you’ll ever have the chance to meet in the comic book industry. Chip has the ability to stay many steps ahead of the market and still has time to teach others. One other thing about BOOM! Is that they all have a background in retail…no wonder they’re so good at that thing called um…what is called again?…oh yeah, business! Business is like Bigfoot in the comic book industry, always heard of it but never actually seen it.

As for Mark Waid, what can you say? I was like a little kid around him. I had the chance to talk one on one about the planet Krypton and everything Superman with him, the only person with the title Brainiac 6; and anyone who knows me knows that it was a dream come true. I’m proud to call them a comic book publishing company and I’m a loyal supporter. Matt, Paul, Ian, Mark, Ross, Chip and the rest of the crew, thank you for making me feel like part of The BOOM! Family and keep up the good work. By the way, it is true'Mark Waid is Evil!

But find out for yourself, go to his website he will tell you why I said it. www.markwaid.com www.boom-studios.com

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Percy Carey: How long have you been writing for Geek Monthly?

Jeremiah Griffey: I first picked up the magazine in February of 2007. They had Kristen Bell on the cover and I have a massive crush on her, so I bought the magazine with no reservations. I flipped through and noticed they only had one CD review in the whole magazine before realizing it was only their second issue ever. I emailed somebody and [Editor-in-Chief] Jeff Bond emailed me back. I did the CD reviews for issue four and have been handling the majority of music interviews and reviews ever since.

After the magazine was purchased by Fusion, I was pretty concerned that I might lose my position as Music Editor, and for about two issues I did to some guy who wrote for Play, but I snuck back in there and have since interviewed the likes of Liars, Method Man, Les Savy Fav, Animal Collective, TV on the Radio, Islands, The Melvins, Mike Patton, and Moby.

Percy Carey: In your own opinion, who does Geek appeal to and why?

Jeremiah Griffey: The magazine appeals to anyone with passion for anything, whether that passion be for music'my geekdom of choice'movies, anime, video games, strange new candy or comic books or television.

Percy Carey: 
You seem to have the perfect balance of multiple mediums'comic books, 
film, television, music. What is your formula for success?

Jeremiah Griffey: I think we've sought out the correct kinds of geeks to write for the magazine. Jeff Bond has been around the film industry for years. Jeff Renaud has connections I can only dream of. I've got an insatiable hunger for new sounds. That's just a small sampling of the people directly involved, but Jeff really keeps the magazine afloat by trusting his writers. For instance, he hasn't heard of any of the smaller bands I cover, but he believes in me.



Percy Carey: What qualities does Geek look for when considering a cover story?

Jeremiah Griffey: Anyone with whom we can get a photo shoot! In all seriousness, the cover stories tend to be actors or directors involved in projects with some form of geek appeal. Primarily we aim for film actors, but also dip into the likes of Heroes and Lost, occasionally.

Percy Carey: 
Name one of your all time favorite interviews in Geek Monthly.

Jeremiah Griffey: If you're asking for an interview I've conducted, I've got to say Maynard James Keenan from Tool. I've been a Tool fan since I was about 16, so actually speaking with him was probably as intimidating as it gets. I don't get star struck, but I do have mental blocks about speaking with people I know are more intelligent than I am. For this reason, I'd have a lot of difficulty interviewing Thomas Pynchon, David Lynch or Salman Rushdie. Maynard ended up being a pretty nice guy. If I asked a question he didn't care for, he gave a four-word answer. If I asked a question he was into, he talked for minutes. It all worked out.

If you're asking for an interview I've read in the magazine, there are almost too many to count. I'm jealous that I didn't get to interview John Goodman, that's for sure.


Percy Carey: Who is your favorite comic book writer and why?

Jeremiah Griffey: Interestingly, I only recently got into comic books. I grew up in a part of rural Upstate New York where comic books weren't popular at all, and even though I knew I'd like comic books, there was no one to share the experience with. I'm still plugging my way through the classics'The Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns, etc. I do however know that Ben Templesmith, who I learned about in Geek, is my favorite artist, bar none.

Percy Carey: 
What comic book would you like to see made into a movie?


Jeremiah Griffey: I think Y: The Last Man would make an excellent HBO or Showtime show.


Percy Carey: What are your thoughts regarding the current state of the industry (comic books/film television/music)? Do you see room for growth?

Jeremiah Griffey: I'm going to serialize this answer:

Comic Books: I think their ability to tell divisive and unique stories is endless.

Film: I think film's golden age ended long ago, for the reason below:

Television: This is the best era of television ever. TV shows have the ability to tell more expansive stories than movies ever will be able to tell. When I was reading the first four books of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, I couldn't help but think, “This is amazing, and it could never be a movie.” Then HBO bought the rights, and I got giddy. Dexter, Lost and The Shield are just a couple of the great active TV shows available for human consumption.

Back to Film: Big budget action flicks like Iron Man will always be there, but film cannot compete with raw, well-crafted television.

Music: Music's always exciting. It seems to have gone back to the regionality that ruled during the '80s, when bands like Mission of Burma, Dinosaur Jr., The Melvins, Fugazi, Sonic Youth and others decided to buck pop formulas. There are a ton of great scenes, from Portland to Montreal and Rhode Island to Los Angeles. Each scene has something very different and very aesthetically pleasing to offer. Music fans just have to seek them out, rather than wait for the radio to tell them what to listen to, because they won't get satisfied. It's like drinking an energy drink, rather than exercising. I'm also loving the return to vinyl…


Percy Carey: What advice would you give to other aspiring journalists and bloggers who are devoted to spreading the gospel of comic books and graphic novels?


Jeremiah Griffey: Don't expect to make any money and only cover what you want. If you're writing for a publication that wants you to cover things you don't believe in, quit, unless you want to make a living writing about The Hills and Kim Kardashian. I'm so fortunate that Geek allows me the freedom to cover music I believe people should be exposed to, rather than making me cover drivel that sells albums.


Percy Carey: What can we expect from Geek in the future?

Jeremiah Griffey: In the music section, you can expect me to continue to try to write about a nice mix of established and up-and-coming, slightly left-of-center music. As for the magazine as a whole, it's tougher for me to say. I hope we get some more ladies on the cover (Rosario Dawson…Where you at??). I also hope Conan O'Brien gets his wish and makes it onto the cover.


Percy Carey: What impact do you think musicians/artists like Method Man, GZA, and myself bring to comics?


Jeremiah Griffey: Hip-hop culture has been directly influenced by Geekdom for years. I should amend that'good hip-hop culture has been directly influenced by Geekdom for years. However, the obscure references by artists such as the Wu-Tang Clan, Subtitle, Busdriver, Cadence Weapon, Mr. Lif, Aesop Rock and others get overlooked by the contrived T&A, bling, drugs and violence of contemporary mainstream hip-hop. Perhaps, with real rappers making real comic books, some kids will notice and embrace the connection.

Percy Carey: In the movie John Solo: Secret Agent, who would you like to see play the roll of John Solo? George Clooney or Brad Pitt?

Jeremiah Griffey: Is it bad that I had to Google John Solo to know what this question means?

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I wanted to take the time to thank all of my friends and family who helped me every step of the way to overcome the obstacles that were put in front of me throughout my life. I know the majority of the trials and tribulations were self inflicted, due to me giving into temptations and attempting to be something I wasn’t put on this planet to be…

It took a long time for me to wake up and accept the responsibility of being a positive role model to all of the babies and children here and around the world. I now understand that I have the ability to teach them that even though you've made mistakes in the past, you can learn from them. You can teach others not to make those same choices. I've come to realize that we’re all responsible for each other.

My sister Inez Williams passed away from cancer last year right before my book was released. I was devastated, and went into a form of depression that was not healthy for me, nor the ones who were around me and cared about me. I began to feel sorry for myself. Life without my sister made me want to die. When I felt I couldn’t go any further, I found myself around some amazing children who lifted my spirit. They showed me that I must continue to live for myself and to inspire others, to never give up no matter how much the odds are against me.

My biggest concern was my book being viewed as me glorifying the many dark moments within my life that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I think that’s why I was chosen to endure then so other children won’t have to. People at CNN, TIME magazine, NPR, LA Times, ABC News with Charles Gibson, MTV and so many others felt my book could be used to help others, and I am humbled and extremely honored that so many look at my story and instead of seeing the dark, see how it can help.

I’m honored to have my book entered in the New York State public library system. I’m honored that New Mexico State made sure to add Sentences to their college reading list; I was taken back when I saw my book right next to Malcolm X. I didn’t read about Malcolm X until I was incarcerated (better late than never). Learning about Malcolm X and many others who gave their lives to make sure a knucklehead like me had an equal opportunity to achieve greatness within this country made me pause, made the breath catch in my throat. I had always known to some degree what people had done, but never really understood. Not everyone may think so, not everyone may agree, but the fact that at least one person thinks my story belongs in the same category as Malcolm and some of the other stories, is the most humbling thought. I cannot say just how honored and grateful I truly feel to be in such company.

I will be in the Washington D.C. in the summertime to talk to children and young adults who are incarcerated, and let them know how powerful they are and explain they all have a responsibility as well. My friend Nick Conway who teaches Hip Hop asked me to join him and talk to the future of America and the world about my perspective of Hip hop. I’m looking forward to that, because my perspective has changed, and I want to share it. I don’t want you to buy my book, instead realize that we’re all superheroes and have the abilities to help those in need.

Right now there are so many children in need. I was in south central at “A Place Called Home” and so much joy ran through me as I watched all of the children play, study, sing, and just be in a safe environment away from gang violence. The children even started their own comic book class, which DC comics and Arch Enemy Entertainment have assisted by donating materials and time to improve the comic book class there. I ask you to please learn more about “A Place Called Home” and if you can, give a donation. Spend some time with children and others in need this holiday, and all year round. There are babies dying everyday from their situation, we can control that, even stop it, if we work together. [Click here for more info on "A Place Called Home"]

With great power comes great responsibility. I’m not going to be the one to prove Stan Lee wrong, because I believe it too. I hope you can forgive me for my past mistakes, but I’m on a new path and the sun is shining in my face. The 2008 Glyph award is the greatest achievement of my life and I’m ready to help others achieve greatness as well. Thank you all for loving me unconditionally.

This year, I received a card from DC comics, and I would like to thank everyone over there for thinking of me, and wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

P.S. President Barack Obama I look forward meeting you at the White House in 2009. I’ll see you soon.

Percy Carey will be a presenter at the 2009 Glyph Awards in May. Click here for more info on the awards.

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