Tell us about yourself, are you married, where you from, cats dogs kids?
I originally hail from Surrey, England – the county nestled Southwest of London. I grew up with my parents and my kid sister… Bounced around a little bit, but my home life was warm and I think I was given a lot of freedom to explore what mischief life had to offer.
I moved to Los Angeles at the ripe and clueless age of 18. I was destined for stardom! @$@#$@ years later I am still destined=) Only - now I have the Cuban wife, linebacker kid, and mega mortgage. The perfect American family. (My kid is currently sweeping under my chair and trying to raid my cupboard of heroclix).
Where are your comic book writing roots? Who has formed the influences in your skills and style?
I think I draw upon many influences that range from comic, film, music, and novels. As far as comics go, I was always a big fan of Peter David. His run on the HULK was simply amazing. The HULK was always my favorite, especially for the fact I was a skinny mixed kid growing up in England, the big green was a real hero. A mix of Mr. Burns physique and an Uruk Hai’s temper… not a good combo… Of course Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, and Frank Miller are bloody marvelous – their lyrical quality is always spot on without being contrived. Sublime. Jack Kirby… there are just so many. Film it has to be Akira Kurosawa and his influence, Sergio Leone, Kubrick and Peckinpah. Music is a huge part of my life, just so many legends to mention… Willie Dixon, John and Alice Coltrane, James Brown… Novels – I am a big fan of David Gemmell. His characters are flawed and rich, super visual and often devastating. Influences range from Alex Haley to Tolkein and Feist.
What was your first professional writing credit?
Truth be told I am new to the genre professionally. My first real career out here was in the record business. I released a lot of rare and popular jazz, soul, funk, and blues music from yesteryear. Otis Redding, Miles Davis, and Robert Johnson, these were my biggest influences growing up in various park and pond villages… A ways off from Chicago, New Orleans, and the Delta. Nevertheless, I was very lucky indeed to dance in their shadow and release their music under the label - MVP Records. I licensed the tracks, picked them, and wrote the liner notes… haha… so I guess that could be it.
(My first real job was at a dry cleaners, because Emma Piggott worked there... I lasted 2 weeks when I set off a fire extinguisher - place looked like Christmas. Later that night, I had my wicked way with Emma).
Professionally speaking what are your goals in the comic book industry?
First off, I am pretty honored to be a part of it. I still play Larp… dressing up like an elf (girl)… lame. I will always be a fan so it’s awesome to write outside my weekly table-top session! Okay – the question: I would like to be known as a dude who puts out quality work. I am very lucky to write with acclaimed filmmakers The Polish Brothers, and for a great publisher in Ross Richie of BOOM! Studios. The Polishes are pretty amazing – real visionaries, and BOOM’s titles are engrossing because they are true fans of the comic medium. A perfect scenario. I am learning every day. I have to mention artist, Steph Stamb. We should be enemies… He is French – I am English, but I am willing to look past it=) I think he is going to be a major force due to his beautiful painting skill and his working mind.
Being immersed in fantasy and film, I am developing a few other projects to look out for. I always have the lofty hope that stuff I write will make it to the movies. One in particular, The Untamed, (part of fantasy world, Asunda) is being painted by Peter Bergting, creator of The Portent. The man is a master painter who blows my mind!
