Post by Brian Lynch on Aug 28, 2008 15:37:31 GMT -5
Writing ANGEL today (nearing the ennnnnnd of the roooooad) so I thought I'd take this time to answer any questions youse guys have for me. Make it one question for post, if you don't mind! Aaaaaaaaaand axe!
1.) iloveromy: The teleportation that occurs to Angel and Spike in issue 5 and in issue 6 (first night). Is this going to be addressed at some point?
If you can't answer then... the explanation with Angel's tat, as they say on Project Runway... "in or out?"
Brian: Basically whomever sent Angel and gang to hell also shuffled them and put them wherever they wanted.
Angel's tat? Quickly explained in issue 14.
2.) hitnrun017: Will we be seeing more of Lorne or is his part of the story finished?
Brian: You know, I'm not sure. He might pop up in the main story one more time.
3.) Emmie: As Angel: After the Fall is near "the end of the road", what have been some great moments you have enjoyed and what has challenged you the most?
Brian: Oooooh ask me when I'm done. It'll be much easier to look back and talk about it when I'm not in the middle of it. I'm getting there, though! So close!
4.) Illyria's Pet: Are there more surprise characters from "Angel" still going to come?
Brian: Angel's gonna face-off against Nick from MOONLIGHT and beat the crap outta him. He'll spare Nick's best friend because he was so good on VERONICA MARS.
5.) Emmie: Nice! Moonlight/Angel crossover! But even better would be a Veronica Mars/Angel crossover ;D <--- You think Spike would get along with Logan? On the same topic of Spike, what is it about his character that you love so much?
Brian: Spike and Logan would get along, absolutely.
As for writing Spike, yes, obviously I love writing him. But honestly I love writing a bunch of ANGEL characters as much, Angel included.
I think, however, Spike is so much fun because he WANTS to be better, he's always trying to be better, but the last thing he wants is for anyone to know that. Plus, he's sarcastic and funny, which is always a ball. And a hit with women. And charming. And he makes mistakes. See, there's a lot to love about Spike.
6.) henz: Did you like the Dark Knight?
Brian: Thought it was amazing, yeah.
But there's a little movie out there that you guys should check out, called IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS. It cost 25,000 to make, that's it, and it is so funny and heartwarming and romantic and well-acted. Find it, it's worth it.
7.) hitnrun017: Oh, I HAVE to ask this: Issue 11 SPOILER
Why have Gwen betray everyone?! Why, why, why?!
Brian: Gwen doesn't think she's betraying anyone.
8.) kingofcretins: Brian, the Slayer spell was cast about a year before "After the Fall" began for these characters, and we know some Slayers were aware of Angel's ties to W&H from the Season 5 episode "Damage". You have Slayers in "After the Fall".
That said, you have the opportunity to discuss and even settle a ridiculously long-standing argument -- do you think that what Andrew told Angel in "Damage" about Buffy and the whole crew not trusting him because of W&H is true? Is it a topic you think you'll be raising with your Hell-A Slayers?
Brian: We're not addressing it with our LA slayers, but I would think that Buffy would be a bit alarmed that Angel is working with Wolfram & Hart so probably told Andrew to be careful in that sense. But she also trusts Angel, right? As long as he doesn't slap a "us" to his name.
9.) Illyria's Pet: Hey again! Over the course of Issue 10 & 11 I grew to like Nina a lot more then Gwen. Which is weird, because I never liked her character at all. Do you have any plans for her? Or anything important that's going to happen with her?
Brian: Nina has what I think is a wonderful scene in issue (I think...?) 12. It's not a long one, but with Nina I've learned that she's great at stealing little moments in the book. She's got a lot going on in her head, and it's been fun to hint at it.
I don't think Nina is going to rise up and save the day at the end of ATF, but I do think if you like her, and you like what she's had to say thus far, you'll dig the other stuff with her, coming up.
10.) Emmie: Any updates you can share with us on the future projects for the Angelverse at IDW?
Brian: The characters that live on after AFTER THE FALL will continue in AFTERMATH! I think it's retaining the old numbering. Kelley Armstrong is writing.
11.) kingofcretins: Good answer, Brian. I am really pretty thrown by that Gwen answer then... seems, then, that either she never had any genuine feeling or loyalty to Connor to betray, or that she is convinced that she's helping him by helping Gunn. Not a question, just thinkin'
Here's another "fresh from the message board trenches" kind of question, Brian -- without getting into what will happen, since we know you can't tell us... do you think Angel is and would be just as compelling a hero if he stayed human than if he turned back into a vampire? How does it strike you the idea that people think he *has* to be supernatural to still command the same audience interest long term?
Brian: Gwen: you're kinda there, kinda sorta! One of those theories is warm.
Angel being a vampire: I think Angel is such a strong character that he can be a vampire or a human or a sleestak or whatever and he'd still work. That said, eventually, someday, you kinda want to see him be a vampire again, right? I mean, fish has gotta swim. Except telepathic fish. They kinda float.
12.) hitnrun017: Has it dawned on you yet that you're playing a very big role in the history of the Buffyverse?
Brian: Nah, I'm just trying to tell a good story. Make it fun for the reader.
13.) patxshand: When does Angel ATF 12 come out?
Brian: Not sure, I think I'll know when you guys know.
14.) iloveromy: Have you taken a Myer's Brigg personality test? I'm an INFJ... how about you?
Brian: I have not.
15.) dragonweaver: What character has been the biggest challenge, writing wise, for you and why?
Brian: Angel. I just want to get him right, you know?
16.) Mikey: Would you ever write a totally awesome guy with pink spiky hair into anything? ^_~ Haha
Brian: Then yes!
17.) erock: Brian, when I found out you wrote a Spider-Man story in Spider-Man Unlimited #1, I tore through my back issue box to find it, and I remembered thinking how hilarious it was at the time. I'd love to see what you would do with the Brand New Day Spidey.
My question: Will Party Truck USA ever return?
Brian: Thank you for your kind words about SPIDEY.
And yes, PARTY TRUCK USA will return.
Anyone who doesn't know what we're talking about, go type PARTY TRUCK USA into itunes. ENJOY!
18.) Emmie: What is a dream Buffyverse project you have in your head? Some fantastic notion that didn't fit in the ATF landscape, but you have imagined happening.
Brian: Honestly, I'm not thinking of any BUFFYVERSE ideas other than ATF. I want to do the best job possible, and end better than we started.
19.) Wyndam: Have you had any trouble figuring out how to balance Fred and Illyria, since they are essentially a two-for-one type of character (two characters in one body)? This goes for both Angel: After the Fall and Spike: After the Fall. Any scenes where you wanted Illyria there, but absolutely had to have Fred (the scene in issue #11 where Fred sees Gunn comes to mind)? And vice-versa. I guess this question also applies to Wesley as well, since he has a strong relationship with both characters.
Brian: It all worked out as planned. I love the Fred/Illyria of it all, it's fun to play with both. Wait until you see issues 3 and 4 or SPIKE:ATF for maximum Fred/Illyria goodness!
20.) kingofcretins: Round 3 for me! What do you think is the biggest creative advantage to writing an "Angel" comic in the context of Hell-A over if you were telling a story in the "normal" LA?
Brian: Every hero is more to write when their back is to the wall and the situation is dire. It doesn't get more dire than hell! Plus, the visual aspect of it makes for good comic booking.
21.) patxshand: If it's true that A.) Franco is coming back for #15 and #16? And B.) the series is now 17 issues long?
Brian: Franco is coming back, yessir. And I think ATF is gonna be 17, yes.
Wait, quick update: Franco comes back with issue 15.
21.) santuffy: I have a question for you about after the fall, How the slayers arrived to L.A and most important, if beta georges didn't have a mental control over them, why the slayers didn't killed the army of gunn?
Brian: Not sure I get your question. LA had few girls with slayer abilities before the fall. And they attacked George first as he could get into their heads and that is a bigger threat than 1 vampire.
22.) zyargeikunn: I always wondered why Angel started drinking coffee in the first season of Angel. Does he still drink coffee? Is there even coffee in hell?
Brian: I guess he liked the taste?
And yes, I'm sure he drinks coffee now more than ever, for a pick-me-up.
23.) witcher: Do you have plans to create new main characters for the comics ( ATF or Aftermath ), or to bring more old ones like you did with Nina and Gwen??
Brian: New main characters for ATF, we're kinda far into it to introduce a new lead character. That said, some surprises on the way!
New main characters for AFTERMATH, that's Kelley's call.
24.) platitude: Seeing the future in those time-slips earlier in ATF was cool and interesting, any chance we will ever see future Angel and future Spike again?
Brian: hmmmmmmm. you know I think maybe, however briefly, we just may.
25.) sophie: Which plot development(s) or other story element(s) in BtVS 1-8 and/or AtS 1-5 surprised you the most?
Brian: You are awesome for wanting me to do it!
BUFFY biggest surprise: hmmmmmmm, probably Warren's return?
ANGEL biggest surprise: of joss' ideas, probably the fact that Angel befriended the Dragon?
26.) patxshand: "Angel" is a very emotional show, and the comic definitely continues that. At any time, during scripting the issues, did you ever become misty eyed? (PS: It's the very subtle scene in #4 where Ghost Welsey first comes to Angel and lets him know that Gunn is dead that really gets me).
And uno mas? So far, you've told us there are some awesome extras in the FIRST NIGHT hardcover, and that one of them would be a "Groosablog." Is there any more info about the extras that you can give?
Brian: Holy crap, it's weird you asked that, because I was writing some Gunn dialog recently and it made me really sad. He's slowly becoming one of my favorite characters. Just so pathetic but at the same time admirable because he's still trying to be a hero, even though his instincts are waaay screwed.
Anyway, Gunn has a few moments coming up that are crazy sad. They weren't hard to write, in fact, they were a joy to put onto paper because it came so easily, but man, yes, I got kinda emotional writing it.
Oh, and Connor has a moment in issue 13 that got me all sorts of emotional, too.
Basically the next batch of issues are one big emotional release.
Hmmmmm, let's see. The Groosablog might be the funniest ANGEL related thing I've ever written. Certainly one of the most fun. The other extras are very informative, I hope people find them interesting.
27.) lostbell: Just out of curiousity, has anyone ever picked up the novel license for Angel yet?
Brian: Not sure who has the rights. I really wanna write a novelization of SPIKE:ASYLUM.
28.) Whedon Fan: Did you ever want to write Angel: Aftermath, if so why didn't you get to do it? And what is your favourite cover so far from SATF, AATF, and Buffy S8?
Brian: Sadly, comics aren't my day job, that's screenwriting and TV writing. So if I want to keep my house I have to go back to that for a bit. Above all that though, I need a break. It's been a year plus of putting a ton of myself into this, I gotta breathe.
Favorite SPIKE:ATF cover: Franco's for 3, Sharp Brothers for 4
Favorite ANGEL and BUFFY covers, too many to mention.
28.) bamph: My question for you is,what is the craziest theory or out there idea you've read or heard from fandom about the first 11 issues of the ATF?
Brian: Hmmmmmmm. Great question. You know what was weird? Wizard Magazine thought Gwen grew really really big at the end of issue 11. And they were fine with it! Like, it's cool if that's never happened, I guess she can also do that. I guess the art on that page was a little wonky.
Also one time, right after it was revealed that Angel was no longer a vamp, I jokingly said something like "but he is a werewolf". And then I got an angry email chiding me for turning him into a werewolf. That was a bit odd.
29.) skytteflickan88: In issue 8, or whichever issue that was featuring Spike's first night, do we see tears in his eyes when he sees that Fred is turning back into Illyria or is that just ambigious coloring?
Brian: I think he got a little misty, yes.
30.) brandonr: If your masses of followers collected collectively into a cohesive group, and wanted to exault upon your awesomness, what name would you wish to be called?
Brian: Oh, not necessary, just enjoy my work and pass it on! And read EVERYBODY'S DEAD, too. And check out all the comics and such at angrynakedpat.com. But beyond that, just be my internet pal.
31.) enisy: This still open? If so...
- Do you have a favourite funny line from the issues of Angel: After the Fall and/or Spike: After the Fall that you've written so far?
Brian: Favorite line: I like a bunch (how egotistical!) but the one that sticks in my head this morning is Groo's wondering if a certain fighting move would be his statue's pose.
- Was very moved by the last scene between Wesley and Illyria in Issue 9. Do those two have any more Big Moments in future issues?
Brian: Thank you for being moved! And yes.
- Is there any scene or plotline that, after reading the feedback, you wish you'd done differently? Like, something that came out unclear or unintentionally controversial?
Brian: Any plotline I'd do differently. yes, absolutely. I'll talk about it more after the series is done. Not because of feedback, just because i wish I had done something a little differently
- I know this is, in all probability, out of your hands, but just out of curiosity: Do you think Buffy, at this point in Season 8, knows Spike is alive?
Brian: She probably does, yes?
- Is there any Angel character that you had been looking forward to writing, but didn't get to? (Not sure if this has been asked before -- if it has, skip it.)
Brian: Oh yes, definitely.
32.) ligeia: Are you going to take part in the "Aftermath" series ? Is Joss supervising it ?
Do you know when the third hardcover is going to be released ? Is a Spike hardcover finally going to be released ?
Brian: I may write some more ANGEL and SPIKE down the line, but I'm not writing the first arc on AFTERMATH. I heard a bunch of Kelley's ideas and they sound stellar.
No idea about the third hardcover. I think a SPIKE:AFTER THE FALL hardcover is coming, too.
33.) platitude: I have always wondered this so just wondering...as an author and all-around creative person, does it bug you how considered we (the fans) are about canon and Joss's involvement in these and future Angel installments? I'm always wondering if our constant questions about that storta stuff is rude (like how we all freaked out when Aftermath was announced)
Brian: Questions about Joss' involvement don't bother me, on account of if I wasn't working on it, I'd want to know too. That said, if I bought the book and loved it and I would love it no matter who was involved. For instance, Stan Lee created HULK, but has anyone read Greg Pak's work with the character? PLANET HULK is crazy amazing. As long as the stories are good, I'm in.
"Canon talk" is something that confuses me to this day. A great story is a great story is a great story.
Brian:
34.) trunktheslayer: So are we ever going to learn the dragon's name or is it going to stick as a running gag of sorts?
Brian: You'll learn it! This I swear!
35.) hawkedup:
- I found it strange in #11 that Nina wouldn’t insist on accompanying Connor, Gwen, and Gunn to go rescue Angel (and Gunn). Was this a logistics decision (Nina just didn’t need to be around, or she was needed at the Hyperion, for story purposes of the next issue) or was there a specific thought/reason on your part as to why Nina didn’t want to go along?
Brian: Angel wanted to protect Fred, so Nina was staying with her to carry that out.
- Will Miss Armstrong be as awesome as you when it comes to interacting with the fans (not what I’d expect you to predict the future). I mean, over at the IDW board, you’ve personally interacted with me and probably everyone else on the board in a non-Q&A way, which is so rare. You probably have no way of answering my question about Miss Armstrong, but I just wanted to let you know how appreciated your fan interaction is.
Brian: No idea, sorry. I hope so!
- Are there any specific novel authors (writers of novels) that have inspired your writings in ATF (or any of your other projects) or that you just plain old admire and want to recommend?
Brian: Hmmmmmmm. Geoff Johns work in comics is a huge inspiration, lately.
- Will the L.A. in Hell thing be resolved completely in ATF (meaning, will things go back to “normal” for Aftermath) and will we find out who and what the outside world thinks they are interacting wit? I assume people outside of L.A. have been calling their moms who live in L.A. and are talking to someone, right?
Brian: That would be telling.
- I thought that Groo might play a larger role in ATF, but now I’m not so sure. Will he continue to be a double background character or will he ever come into the forefront of the series (either in ATF or beyond)?
Brian: He's back briefly but awesomely in issue 14. And if I come back to the Whedonverse, Groo comes back to the Whedonverse, it's that simple. I love him. Plus, who knows, maybe Kelley will use him. Fingers crossed!
- I have to ask: I understand that IF that is indeed Fred that she is probably experiencing some shell shock, but to me, when she speaks, she seems very un-Fred-like. My theory is that “Fred” is just Illyria (or Illyria’s subconscious) saying what she thinks Fred might say. Anyway, is Fred’s unlike-Fred-speech on purpose or did I totally just insult your writing skills?
Brian: He's back briefly but awesomely in issue 14. And if I come back to the Whedonverse, Groo comes back to the Whedonverse, it's that simple. I love him. Plus, who knows, maybe Kelley will use him. Fingers crossed!
- Crap. Was I only supposed to ask 1 question?
Brian: Nah.
36.) bentaylor3907: What celebrity would you have to voice Beta George. I know you said we could imagine his voice and accent but what about you? Just wonderin'.
Brian: Michael Keaton or Michael Cera.
37.) vampireinrug: Brian, Just wondering how aware Fred is of Illyria (she knows about the whole Illyria situation right?). Is Fred conscious when Illyrian is "in control" and vica verca? Or is she mostly "asleep" and gets triggered into consciousness when she sees a familar face like Gunn and Wes?
Also, would the First Evil be able to assume Fred's form because she was "dead"?
Brian: The first part of the question is a spoiler, no? No matter how I answer. The second question, sure, I guess the First could, am I right?
38.) henz: Do you have a favourite episode of Angel?
Brian: A ton of them, but I really love WAITING IN THE WINGS. Everyone shines. But OH that last episode, it's amazing.
39.) kingofcretins:
- If Nick Runge, Franco, Stephen Mooney, and everyone else who has worked on "After the Fall" won the Powerball and told you and your mere comic project to take a hike, what are the top three dream artists you'd like to see pencil "After the Fall"?
Brian: Hmmmmmmmm. If they couldn't? Kevin Magiure (JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL), Art Adams (LONGSHOT) and Ethan Van Schriver (GREEN LANTERN). Oh, and Gabe Rodriguez (GREAT AND SECRET SHOW).
- Did you have any ideas for "After the Fall" that Joss just plain nixed when you and he started forming the plot? Care to share?
Brian: YES! And I can't tell right now, because someday I may use'em. Sorry!
40.) narflet: I've been going back over the issues and I just noticed that Urru is listed on the covers for 6&7, First Night parts 1&2, but I can't see that he contributed in any way to this issues - he didn't do a cover and he's not credited for any art work either...Was Urru listed on the cover by mistake? Or is there another, not so apparent, reason?
Brian: That shocked me and was a mistake. Sigh.
41.) skytteflickan88:
- The extras in After the fall director's cut, can they be found in the first hardcover for After the fall?
Brian: Yessir!
- Angel is quite the racist, and I wonder if that will ever be dealt with. I know that you guys don't have that many issues left, and individual character development has to partially take the backseat, but ever since Angel killed that demon-slave in Not Fade Away, I've started to loathe Angel. I could accept Angel's general discrimination against demons, proven evil or not, but when he killed Sebassis' slave, a part of me died. He tortured Merl, killed evil demons and let evil humans live, but killing an potential innocent? Perhaps Angel knew the slave was evil(as in doing evil, not being evil just by being born a demon), and perhaps the demons he drove over in the beginning of After the fall were evil too, but I doubt it, because Angel still seems to a have a problem understanding that you can't judge a book by its cover. But hopefully the demons Angel killed were all dangerous and mean. Either way, I hope you guys will have time to adress this, even if it's just a random character calling Angel a bigot in one frame.
Brian: Angel's gonna have to live through AFTER THE FALL before he starts working on further personal growth.
42.) Whedon Fan: Brian do you think that Buffy was right to turn all the potentials into full slayers? Some people think that she is just as bad as the Shadowmen who forced the power onto the first slayer, although this time it seems worse as she turned over 1500 slayers. What is your take on this?
Brian: Never really thought about it, but I think it was necessary for the moment. Time will tell if it was a good or bad thing.
43.) Ethros: Who is your favourite Goonie?
Brian: Toss up between Data and Chunk.
44.) sla: Just for curiosity, Do you think Buffy or someone in Season 8, knows about Angel being human again? maybe Willow?
Brian: No idea.
1.) iloveromy: The teleportation that occurs to Angel and Spike in issue 5 and in issue 6 (first night). Is this going to be addressed at some point?
If you can't answer then... the explanation with Angel's tat, as they say on Project Runway... "in or out?"
Brian: Basically whomever sent Angel and gang to hell also shuffled them and put them wherever they wanted.
Angel's tat? Quickly explained in issue 14.
2.) hitnrun017: Will we be seeing more of Lorne or is his part of the story finished?
Brian: You know, I'm not sure. He might pop up in the main story one more time.
3.) Emmie: As Angel: After the Fall is near "the end of the road", what have been some great moments you have enjoyed and what has challenged you the most?
Brian: Oooooh ask me when I'm done. It'll be much easier to look back and talk about it when I'm not in the middle of it. I'm getting there, though! So close!
4.) Illyria's Pet: Are there more surprise characters from "Angel" still going to come?
Brian: Angel's gonna face-off against Nick from MOONLIGHT and beat the crap outta him. He'll spare Nick's best friend because he was so good on VERONICA MARS.
5.) Emmie: Nice! Moonlight/Angel crossover! But even better would be a Veronica Mars/Angel crossover ;D <--- You think Spike would get along with Logan? On the same topic of Spike, what is it about his character that you love so much?
Brian: Spike and Logan would get along, absolutely.
As for writing Spike, yes, obviously I love writing him. But honestly I love writing a bunch of ANGEL characters as much, Angel included.
I think, however, Spike is so much fun because he WANTS to be better, he's always trying to be better, but the last thing he wants is for anyone to know that. Plus, he's sarcastic and funny, which is always a ball. And a hit with women. And charming. And he makes mistakes. See, there's a lot to love about Spike.
6.) henz: Did you like the Dark Knight?
Brian: Thought it was amazing, yeah.
But there's a little movie out there that you guys should check out, called IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS. It cost 25,000 to make, that's it, and it is so funny and heartwarming and romantic and well-acted. Find it, it's worth it.
7.) hitnrun017: Oh, I HAVE to ask this: Issue 11 SPOILER
Why have Gwen betray everyone?! Why, why, why?!
Brian: Gwen doesn't think she's betraying anyone.
8.) kingofcretins: Brian, the Slayer spell was cast about a year before "After the Fall" began for these characters, and we know some Slayers were aware of Angel's ties to W&H from the Season 5 episode "Damage". You have Slayers in "After the Fall".
That said, you have the opportunity to discuss and even settle a ridiculously long-standing argument -- do you think that what Andrew told Angel in "Damage" about Buffy and the whole crew not trusting him because of W&H is true? Is it a topic you think you'll be raising with your Hell-A Slayers?
Brian: We're not addressing it with our LA slayers, but I would think that Buffy would be a bit alarmed that Angel is working with Wolfram & Hart so probably told Andrew to be careful in that sense. But she also trusts Angel, right? As long as he doesn't slap a "us" to his name.
9.) Illyria's Pet: Hey again! Over the course of Issue 10 & 11 I grew to like Nina a lot more then Gwen. Which is weird, because I never liked her character at all. Do you have any plans for her? Or anything important that's going to happen with her?
Brian: Nina has what I think is a wonderful scene in issue (I think...?) 12. It's not a long one, but with Nina I've learned that she's great at stealing little moments in the book. She's got a lot going on in her head, and it's been fun to hint at it.
I don't think Nina is going to rise up and save the day at the end of ATF, but I do think if you like her, and you like what she's had to say thus far, you'll dig the other stuff with her, coming up.
10.) Emmie: Any updates you can share with us on the future projects for the Angelverse at IDW?
Brian: The characters that live on after AFTER THE FALL will continue in AFTERMATH! I think it's retaining the old numbering. Kelley Armstrong is writing.
11.) kingofcretins: Good answer, Brian. I am really pretty thrown by that Gwen answer then... seems, then, that either she never had any genuine feeling or loyalty to Connor to betray, or that she is convinced that she's helping him by helping Gunn. Not a question, just thinkin'
Here's another "fresh from the message board trenches" kind of question, Brian -- without getting into what will happen, since we know you can't tell us... do you think Angel is and would be just as compelling a hero if he stayed human than if he turned back into a vampire? How does it strike you the idea that people think he *has* to be supernatural to still command the same audience interest long term?
Brian: Gwen: you're kinda there, kinda sorta! One of those theories is warm.
Angel being a vampire: I think Angel is such a strong character that he can be a vampire or a human or a sleestak or whatever and he'd still work. That said, eventually, someday, you kinda want to see him be a vampire again, right? I mean, fish has gotta swim. Except telepathic fish. They kinda float.
12.) hitnrun017: Has it dawned on you yet that you're playing a very big role in the history of the Buffyverse?
Brian: Nah, I'm just trying to tell a good story. Make it fun for the reader.
13.) patxshand: When does Angel ATF 12 come out?
Brian: Not sure, I think I'll know when you guys know.
14.) iloveromy: Have you taken a Myer's Brigg personality test? I'm an INFJ... how about you?
Brian: I have not.
15.) dragonweaver: What character has been the biggest challenge, writing wise, for you and why?
Brian: Angel. I just want to get him right, you know?
16.) Mikey: Would you ever write a totally awesome guy with pink spiky hair into anything? ^_~ Haha
Brian: Then yes!
17.) erock: Brian, when I found out you wrote a Spider-Man story in Spider-Man Unlimited #1, I tore through my back issue box to find it, and I remembered thinking how hilarious it was at the time. I'd love to see what you would do with the Brand New Day Spidey.
My question: Will Party Truck USA ever return?
Brian: Thank you for your kind words about SPIDEY.
And yes, PARTY TRUCK USA will return.
Anyone who doesn't know what we're talking about, go type PARTY TRUCK USA into itunes. ENJOY!
18.) Emmie: What is a dream Buffyverse project you have in your head? Some fantastic notion that didn't fit in the ATF landscape, but you have imagined happening.
Brian: Honestly, I'm not thinking of any BUFFYVERSE ideas other than ATF. I want to do the best job possible, and end better than we started.
19.) Wyndam: Have you had any trouble figuring out how to balance Fred and Illyria, since they are essentially a two-for-one type of character (two characters in one body)? This goes for both Angel: After the Fall and Spike: After the Fall. Any scenes where you wanted Illyria there, but absolutely had to have Fred (the scene in issue #11 where Fred sees Gunn comes to mind)? And vice-versa. I guess this question also applies to Wesley as well, since he has a strong relationship with both characters.
Brian: It all worked out as planned. I love the Fred/Illyria of it all, it's fun to play with both. Wait until you see issues 3 and 4 or SPIKE:ATF for maximum Fred/Illyria goodness!
20.) kingofcretins: Round 3 for me! What do you think is the biggest creative advantage to writing an "Angel" comic in the context of Hell-A over if you were telling a story in the "normal" LA?
Brian: Every hero is more to write when their back is to the wall and the situation is dire. It doesn't get more dire than hell! Plus, the visual aspect of it makes for good comic booking.
21.) patxshand: If it's true that A.) Franco is coming back for #15 and #16? And B.) the series is now 17 issues long?
Brian: Franco is coming back, yessir. And I think ATF is gonna be 17, yes.
Wait, quick update: Franco comes back with issue 15.
21.) santuffy: I have a question for you about after the fall, How the slayers arrived to L.A and most important, if beta georges didn't have a mental control over them, why the slayers didn't killed the army of gunn?
Brian: Not sure I get your question. LA had few girls with slayer abilities before the fall. And they attacked George first as he could get into their heads and that is a bigger threat than 1 vampire.
22.) zyargeikunn: I always wondered why Angel started drinking coffee in the first season of Angel. Does he still drink coffee? Is there even coffee in hell?
Brian: I guess he liked the taste?
And yes, I'm sure he drinks coffee now more than ever, for a pick-me-up.
23.) witcher: Do you have plans to create new main characters for the comics ( ATF or Aftermath ), or to bring more old ones like you did with Nina and Gwen??
Brian: New main characters for ATF, we're kinda far into it to introduce a new lead character. That said, some surprises on the way!
New main characters for AFTERMATH, that's Kelley's call.
24.) platitude: Seeing the future in those time-slips earlier in ATF was cool and interesting, any chance we will ever see future Angel and future Spike again?
Brian: hmmmmmmm. you know I think maybe, however briefly, we just may.
25.) sophie: Which plot development(s) or other story element(s) in BtVS 1-8 and/or AtS 1-5 surprised you the most?
Brian: You are awesome for wanting me to do it!
BUFFY biggest surprise: hmmmmmmm, probably Warren's return?
ANGEL biggest surprise: of joss' ideas, probably the fact that Angel befriended the Dragon?
26.) patxshand: "Angel" is a very emotional show, and the comic definitely continues that. At any time, during scripting the issues, did you ever become misty eyed? (PS: It's the very subtle scene in #4 where Ghost Welsey first comes to Angel and lets him know that Gunn is dead that really gets me).
And uno mas? So far, you've told us there are some awesome extras in the FIRST NIGHT hardcover, and that one of them would be a "Groosablog." Is there any more info about the extras that you can give?
Brian: Holy crap, it's weird you asked that, because I was writing some Gunn dialog recently and it made me really sad. He's slowly becoming one of my favorite characters. Just so pathetic but at the same time admirable because he's still trying to be a hero, even though his instincts are waaay screwed.
Anyway, Gunn has a few moments coming up that are crazy sad. They weren't hard to write, in fact, they were a joy to put onto paper because it came so easily, but man, yes, I got kinda emotional writing it.
Oh, and Connor has a moment in issue 13 that got me all sorts of emotional, too.
Basically the next batch of issues are one big emotional release.
Hmmmmm, let's see. The Groosablog might be the funniest ANGEL related thing I've ever written. Certainly one of the most fun. The other extras are very informative, I hope people find them interesting.
27.) lostbell: Just out of curiousity, has anyone ever picked up the novel license for Angel yet?
Brian: Not sure who has the rights. I really wanna write a novelization of SPIKE:ASYLUM.
28.) Whedon Fan: Did you ever want to write Angel: Aftermath, if so why didn't you get to do it? And what is your favourite cover so far from SATF, AATF, and Buffy S8?
Brian: Sadly, comics aren't my day job, that's screenwriting and TV writing. So if I want to keep my house I have to go back to that for a bit. Above all that though, I need a break. It's been a year plus of putting a ton of myself into this, I gotta breathe.
Favorite SPIKE:ATF cover: Franco's for 3, Sharp Brothers for 4
Favorite ANGEL and BUFFY covers, too many to mention.
28.) bamph: My question for you is,what is the craziest theory or out there idea you've read or heard from fandom about the first 11 issues of the ATF?
Brian: Hmmmmmmm. Great question. You know what was weird? Wizard Magazine thought Gwen grew really really big at the end of issue 11. And they were fine with it! Like, it's cool if that's never happened, I guess she can also do that. I guess the art on that page was a little wonky.
Also one time, right after it was revealed that Angel was no longer a vamp, I jokingly said something like "but he is a werewolf". And then I got an angry email chiding me for turning him into a werewolf. That was a bit odd.
29.) skytteflickan88: In issue 8, or whichever issue that was featuring Spike's first night, do we see tears in his eyes when he sees that Fred is turning back into Illyria or is that just ambigious coloring?
Brian: I think he got a little misty, yes.
30.) brandonr: If your masses of followers collected collectively into a cohesive group, and wanted to exault upon your awesomness, what name would you wish to be called?
Brian: Oh, not necessary, just enjoy my work and pass it on! And read EVERYBODY'S DEAD, too. And check out all the comics and such at angrynakedpat.com. But beyond that, just be my internet pal.
31.) enisy: This still open? If so...
- Do you have a favourite funny line from the issues of Angel: After the Fall and/or Spike: After the Fall that you've written so far?
Brian: Favorite line: I like a bunch (how egotistical!) but the one that sticks in my head this morning is Groo's wondering if a certain fighting move would be his statue's pose.
- Was very moved by the last scene between Wesley and Illyria in Issue 9. Do those two have any more Big Moments in future issues?
Brian: Thank you for being moved! And yes.
- Is there any scene or plotline that, after reading the feedback, you wish you'd done differently? Like, something that came out unclear or unintentionally controversial?
Brian: Any plotline I'd do differently. yes, absolutely. I'll talk about it more after the series is done. Not because of feedback, just because i wish I had done something a little differently
- I know this is, in all probability, out of your hands, but just out of curiosity: Do you think Buffy, at this point in Season 8, knows Spike is alive?
Brian: She probably does, yes?
- Is there any Angel character that you had been looking forward to writing, but didn't get to? (Not sure if this has been asked before -- if it has, skip it.)
Brian: Oh yes, definitely.
32.) ligeia: Are you going to take part in the "Aftermath" series ? Is Joss supervising it ?
Do you know when the third hardcover is going to be released ? Is a Spike hardcover finally going to be released ?
Brian: I may write some more ANGEL and SPIKE down the line, but I'm not writing the first arc on AFTERMATH. I heard a bunch of Kelley's ideas and they sound stellar.
No idea about the third hardcover. I think a SPIKE:AFTER THE FALL hardcover is coming, too.
33.) platitude: I have always wondered this so just wondering...as an author and all-around creative person, does it bug you how considered we (the fans) are about canon and Joss's involvement in these and future Angel installments? I'm always wondering if our constant questions about that storta stuff is rude (like how we all freaked out when Aftermath was announced)
Brian: Questions about Joss' involvement don't bother me, on account of if I wasn't working on it, I'd want to know too. That said, if I bought the book and loved it and I would love it no matter who was involved. For instance, Stan Lee created HULK, but has anyone read Greg Pak's work with the character? PLANET HULK is crazy amazing. As long as the stories are good, I'm in.
"Canon talk" is something that confuses me to this day. A great story is a great story is a great story.
Brian:
34.) trunktheslayer: So are we ever going to learn the dragon's name or is it going to stick as a running gag of sorts?
Brian: You'll learn it! This I swear!
35.) hawkedup:
- I found it strange in #11 that Nina wouldn’t insist on accompanying Connor, Gwen, and Gunn to go rescue Angel (and Gunn). Was this a logistics decision (Nina just didn’t need to be around, or she was needed at the Hyperion, for story purposes of the next issue) or was there a specific thought/reason on your part as to why Nina didn’t want to go along?
Brian: Angel wanted to protect Fred, so Nina was staying with her to carry that out.
- Will Miss Armstrong be as awesome as you when it comes to interacting with the fans (not what I’d expect you to predict the future). I mean, over at the IDW board, you’ve personally interacted with me and probably everyone else on the board in a non-Q&A way, which is so rare. You probably have no way of answering my question about Miss Armstrong, but I just wanted to let you know how appreciated your fan interaction is.
Brian: No idea, sorry. I hope so!
- Are there any specific novel authors (writers of novels) that have inspired your writings in ATF (or any of your other projects) or that you just plain old admire and want to recommend?
Brian: Hmmmmmmm. Geoff Johns work in comics is a huge inspiration, lately.
- Will the L.A. in Hell thing be resolved completely in ATF (meaning, will things go back to “normal” for Aftermath) and will we find out who and what the outside world thinks they are interacting wit? I assume people outside of L.A. have been calling their moms who live in L.A. and are talking to someone, right?
Brian: That would be telling.
- I thought that Groo might play a larger role in ATF, but now I’m not so sure. Will he continue to be a double background character or will he ever come into the forefront of the series (either in ATF or beyond)?
Brian: He's back briefly but awesomely in issue 14. And if I come back to the Whedonverse, Groo comes back to the Whedonverse, it's that simple. I love him. Plus, who knows, maybe Kelley will use him. Fingers crossed!
- I have to ask: I understand that IF that is indeed Fred that she is probably experiencing some shell shock, but to me, when she speaks, she seems very un-Fred-like. My theory is that “Fred” is just Illyria (or Illyria’s subconscious) saying what she thinks Fred might say. Anyway, is Fred’s unlike-Fred-speech on purpose or did I totally just insult your writing skills?
Brian: He's back briefly but awesomely in issue 14. And if I come back to the Whedonverse, Groo comes back to the Whedonverse, it's that simple. I love him. Plus, who knows, maybe Kelley will use him. Fingers crossed!
- Crap. Was I only supposed to ask 1 question?
Brian: Nah.
36.) bentaylor3907: What celebrity would you have to voice Beta George. I know you said we could imagine his voice and accent but what about you? Just wonderin'.
Brian: Michael Keaton or Michael Cera.
37.) vampireinrug: Brian, Just wondering how aware Fred is of Illyria (she knows about the whole Illyria situation right?). Is Fred conscious when Illyrian is "in control" and vica verca? Or is she mostly "asleep" and gets triggered into consciousness when she sees a familar face like Gunn and Wes?
Also, would the First Evil be able to assume Fred's form because she was "dead"?
Brian: The first part of the question is a spoiler, no? No matter how I answer. The second question, sure, I guess the First could, am I right?
38.) henz: Do you have a favourite episode of Angel?
Brian: A ton of them, but I really love WAITING IN THE WINGS. Everyone shines. But OH that last episode, it's amazing.
39.) kingofcretins:
- If Nick Runge, Franco, Stephen Mooney, and everyone else who has worked on "After the Fall" won the Powerball and told you and your mere comic project to take a hike, what are the top three dream artists you'd like to see pencil "After the Fall"?
Brian: Hmmmmmmmm. If they couldn't? Kevin Magiure (JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL), Art Adams (LONGSHOT) and Ethan Van Schriver (GREEN LANTERN). Oh, and Gabe Rodriguez (GREAT AND SECRET SHOW).
- Did you have any ideas for "After the Fall" that Joss just plain nixed when you and he started forming the plot? Care to share?
Brian: YES! And I can't tell right now, because someday I may use'em. Sorry!
40.) narflet: I've been going back over the issues and I just noticed that Urru is listed on the covers for 6&7, First Night parts 1&2, but I can't see that he contributed in any way to this issues - he didn't do a cover and he's not credited for any art work either...Was Urru listed on the cover by mistake? Or is there another, not so apparent, reason?
Brian: That shocked me and was a mistake. Sigh.
41.) skytteflickan88:
- The extras in After the fall director's cut, can they be found in the first hardcover for After the fall?
Brian: Yessir!
- Angel is quite the racist, and I wonder if that will ever be dealt with. I know that you guys don't have that many issues left, and individual character development has to partially take the backseat, but ever since Angel killed that demon-slave in Not Fade Away, I've started to loathe Angel. I could accept Angel's general discrimination against demons, proven evil or not, but when he killed Sebassis' slave, a part of me died. He tortured Merl, killed evil demons and let evil humans live, but killing an potential innocent? Perhaps Angel knew the slave was evil(as in doing evil, not being evil just by being born a demon), and perhaps the demons he drove over in the beginning of After the fall were evil too, but I doubt it, because Angel still seems to a have a problem understanding that you can't judge a book by its cover. But hopefully the demons Angel killed were all dangerous and mean. Either way, I hope you guys will have time to adress this, even if it's just a random character calling Angel a bigot in one frame.
Brian: Angel's gonna have to live through AFTER THE FALL before he starts working on further personal growth.
42.) Whedon Fan: Brian do you think that Buffy was right to turn all the potentials into full slayers? Some people think that she is just as bad as the Shadowmen who forced the power onto the first slayer, although this time it seems worse as she turned over 1500 slayers. What is your take on this?
Brian: Never really thought about it, but I think it was necessary for the moment. Time will tell if it was a good or bad thing.
43.) Ethros: Who is your favourite Goonie?
Brian: Toss up between Data and Chunk.
44.) sla: Just for curiosity, Do you think Buffy or someone in Season 8, knows about Angel being human again? maybe Willow?
Brian: No idea.