TALKING TO MIKE ALLRED II: THE MOVIE, OTHER WORK, AND THE FUTURE

[MattBrady]

by Zack Smith

Click here for Part One.

Newsarama: Mike, there’s a new Madman figure out from Marvel Toys. You had a figure out from Graphitti in the 1990s, but this one is getting a much wider distribution. How’s it feel to see Madman in toy stores?

Mike Allred: I guess I'm just a goofy geek, but I get a big lick out of that sort of thing. This year has been the best. I love the Gargantua collection with its all-inclusive – well, except for the three crossovers with Superman, Nexus and the Jam – but other than that, it’s all in there. That right there just has me going, “Wow, what is this?! There’s this wonderful, definitive collection.”

Then, to be able to drag my family to a Toys R Us or a Wal-Mart…and there, on the shelves, is my guy. (laughs) That’s really cool, and they’re planning to do more of my characters, so I’m hoping the line is successful.

Again, this is what we were talking about – here is a mainstream toy line in a mainstream outlet, with in-your-face presentation in major stores, and they’re mainly creator-owned characters!

It’s exciting to see something like that happen, to have a little more mainstream recognition…wow, what more can you ask for? It’s fun. All good.

NRAMA: There’s been talk of a Madman movie for a long time. Do you have
any updates on that?

MA: Well, we’ve just cycled a second draft of the script back. I spent a month in California living at my writing partner’s house. (laughs). Actually, (my partner is) George Huang, who did a terrific movie called Swimming With Sharks, which starred Kevin Spacey George is one of Robert Rodriguez’s oldest friends. He hooked us up. We write pritty pritty well together.

I had done a draft of a Madman screenplay back when (the project) was at Universal, and really thought, “wow, there it is, that’s my best effort.” But when Robert Rodriguez picked it up, I was hesitant to take a stab at a new draft of the screenplay. But after talking with Robert over a long period of time, and hooking up with George – all of the sudden, there was this new spark, and all the enthusiasm I told you about was mixed in there.

It can be a struggle to figure out exactly what the movie should be. It’s where it’s faithful to the original series, but also feels contemporary and in the now. George came up here and we did an outline, which we took to Dimension Pictures, which is going to finance and release the film.

At that point, it was just carving out the time to put the screenplay together. Now, George was getting married in Italy, so it seemed like the perfect time to go to his place. We wrote out the cards, and broke it down scene-by-scene, and then he went to Italy on his honeymoon while I knocked out the screenplay.

Then, when he got back, we were able to go over it together and give it a polish. And during all this, my family was able to come down and have a mini-vacation and, uh…wreck George’s car. Too much information. (laughs). It was a good time. I think the three of us--Robert, George, and myself are very close to sharing our vision for the film with Dimension.

The bottom line is that all the elements I’m excited about are in there, and all the moments that I think the most diehard fans would want are in there.

Right now, we’re waiting on the studio notes, and hopefully we’ll get the green light and be able to start casting and scheduling. Otherwise, we’ll go back for a new polish and start up again. But that’s the exact situation we’re in now.

NRAMA: Do you have any projects you’re working on right now outside of Madman?

MA: The only other thing which I’m doing, other than my Golden Plates project, that I’m really jazzed about is The Next Issue Project. There’s this character called Stardust…

NRAMA: Ah, Fletcher Hanks...

MA: Right! (laughs) Joe Keatinge at Image has written the script for me to draw on this project, where we take Golden Age characters who have fallen into the public domain and do the “next issue” with them. The one they asked me to do, which I’m thrilled about, is this Stardust character, who is really bizarre, and a lot of fun to work on.

I’m really trying to channel all of Fletcher Hanks’ little idiosyncrasies, and also put as much of me as possible in it – otherwise, why do it? So it’ll be this weird combination of me, my script, and what was unique about Stardust from being Fletcher Hanks’ creation. So it’ll be this real kicky blast of comic book love at its finest.

That’s my main pleasant distraction at the moment – right now, so, I’m in holding pattern with the movie, and then there’s this Stardust story…and everything else is Madman Atomic Comics.

NRAMA: Sounds like you’re pretty focused right now.

MA: Yes. Very. (laughs) Never more so.

NRAMA: You recently did an issue of Madman Atomic Comics (#3) where you rendered Madman in a different style in every panel. What was it like trying to pull off that feat?

MA: It was really, really hard. (laughs) This was an idea that I’ve long toyed around with doing. Somehow, having an opportunity to have an alternate universe where you have these different artistic styles appealed to me, and with the opening of this new series being an existential story, this was the perfect opportunity to try and do that.

Obviously, the challenge is trying to swipe these different styles with my characters. It was by far the most time-consuming of any single issue I’ve done. And yet, it was thrilling, because here I am drowning myself heavily in my favorite artists of all time, and building this thing. And I was getting pumped up for folks to see this thing! And then seeing this thing and getting this warm reaction – I feel like maybe I pulled it off, and that’s very gratifying.

It truly is this giant love letter to everything I love about comic books, all condensed into a single issue. I think it increased my appreciation of the history of comics, both those that came before me, and those working today that inspire me. It was just an energizing thing to do.

NRAMA: Now, your name often comes up in connection with the unpublished Teen Titans project you did with DC. Have there been any developments regarding its publication?

MA: Well, I actually had a good phone conversation with (Dan) DiDio about three weeks ago, and it went very well. He was saying that they might be able to release it as a “lost annual.” So, I’m hopeful that that’s what’s going to happen. Fingers crossed.

It’s amazing to me that that book has sat dormant. It’s completely done – completely done. It’s penciled, inked, colored, lettered – there’s a cover by Nick Cardy! There’s no reason in the world this shouldn’t be out – it’s a one-shot! Let it get out there and let people have it!

I do comic books because I love comic books. It’s not just a paycheck. It’s an opportunity for expression and creation and the final performance in this process is for people to see it! And so, there’s this understanding with the publisher that you want to see this on the stand. And for Bob Haney, he’ll never have that. He’ll never see it on the stands, at least not as a mortal being.

It’s frustrating – maybe I have no tact about this. I’m just the inker on the book, for crying out loud! But it’s just not right that this isn’t out there and available to the public. Even if the publisher were to argue that it isn’t a standard story – well, I can’t object to that. It isn’t typical. It’s near insane! But it’s also brilliant in that way.

And the talent involved – the original Teen Titan creators, along with Jay Stephens, who is one of the great talents, who won an Emmy on his cartoon series…and I got to ink it, and Laura colored it, and our son even did some amazing coloring work on it with Laura, and like I said, Nick Cardy did a cover, a wonderful cover…there it is.

Dan told me he’s going to try to make this happen, and I’m hopeful that he can. So, there we are. I’m on the verge of getting people together and picketing with protest signs outside the DC building (laughs), but I’m trying to be cool about this, and reasonable about this. But it’s been…I don’t know how many years since we finished. And I’m just waiting to see it released.

(sighs) I don’t know. It’s one of the things I just don’t get. I hope one day DC does the right thing and puts this book out. It deserves to be seen

NRAMA: You also did a canceled Metal Men book – have you read the new one Duncan Rouleau’s doing?

MA: Oh yeah! Terrific art. I haven’t read it yet, but it sure looks great. I have no trouble with that, really. It’s a lot harder to argue about it. Evan Dorkin was doing the writing for a series where I did the art, and I don’t totally understand what went wrong. Maybe we were just too slow.

Evan did scripts for the first two issues. I completed pencils for the first issue. I think I inked a page, and Craig Thompson, who’s a friend of mine, inked a page, and that’s really as far as that went. But then, our friend Dan DiDio again (laughs) decided it wasn’t what he wanted, and stopped it.

I thought what Evan was writing was great fun and leading up to something, but we’ll never find out exactly what that was. If it was going to get squashed, better at the beginning, so no raw torn feelings there.

I consider myself very lucky. I’ve always had good relations with my editors and publishers, except for these two instances, and with the Princess Di thing that happened in X-Statix years ago. But that’s all history. Except for Teen Titans, I'm over it.

NRAMA: But I can imagine that, having had those frustrating experiences, it must be very creatively renewing to go back to Madman, and to do it on your own terms.

MA: Yeah. (pause) I swear, I never want to take anything for granted. It just feels so good. I’ve never been more excited about the progression our progression. I dig the look and feel of the new series. I love what Laura’s doing with the colors, and the enthusiasm and commitment that Image has with the series, and the response has been very gratifying as well.

Readers will obviously decide for themselves, but I personally feel I’m doing my best work, and it’s being seen. It’s out there and being appreciated at a level that’s beyond what I ever hoped for. It keeps me going. Every day is just a blast.

NRAMA: That seems to reflect what’s happening with Madman in the comic – the first storyline really seems to be about purging, about letting negative feelings go.

MA: Yeah, I would hope so. It’s a theme that I’ve played with before. I’ve never wanted to be viewed as pretentious or artsy in an obnoxious way, and that’s why I’ve always tried to keep the fun elements on the surface. If that’s all anyone takes from the book, I’m good. I want people to have a great time, to get excited each time a new issue comes out.

But if it also provokes a thought or two, if it really connects with anyone on a deeper level, then it’s that much more gratifying for me. I feel like I’ve been playing with the tuning controls for over a decade, and I’ve just now got the right adjustment. Everything just feels right. I’m on the right frequency, and the message is clear, and it’s just a matter of staying on that channel.

[80Pork]

Man, I have been soooo looking forward to a Madman movie for years now, espeically when I heard Robert Rodriguez was linked. After seeing his Spy Kids movies and Sharkboy and Lava Girl, I knew Rodriguez could do some fun, superhero movies.

I agree with Allred...let's get that Teen Titans issue out!! I would love to see Mike's version of TT and see what crazy stuff he has them going through.

It is very very cool to see the Madman toys on the shelf. My son saw the set, recognized Savage Dragon, saw Madman, and said, "Hey, you have one like that"...referring to my Graphitti figure.

Let's hope Marvel Toys decides to do some Red Rocket 7 figures!!!

[stvnhthr]

Man I love Mike's work. I may have disagreements with him on Religion from time to time, but at the end of the day you can't fault the guy's abilities or raw enthusiasm for the medium. The first time I met Mike was years ago at his first Chicagocon, I am so glad I ran into him and he gave me the first issue of Madman (he knew I would read it and be hooked) the next morning I beelined it back to his table and bought the rest of the mini-series. Non-stop great work, Mike has a career to be proud of.

[Billy Tucci]

Mr. Allred is a genius!

That's all I have to say...

Well and I'm a huge fan of his work, who only got to meet him once.

That's it...

No, not quite, he was really, really nice too.

Did I mention that he's a genius?

Well he is, one of the best talents in the business!

[Marius665]

I miss X-Statix, I wish they were all still alive.

[vbartilucci]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

(re Metal Men)...no raw torn feelings there.

Speak for yourself. I have quite torn feelings about not getting to see this book.

[supergeek]

Is Mike Allred a Mormon? If not, has he ever stated why he's adapting the book of mormon to comics?

[npitarra]

Love Mike Allreds work. But I still can't find that new Madman toy at my comic shop! Goodluck with the movie...I know its been a real long road getting it off the ground.

~nick

[npitarra]

Originally Posted by supergeek

Is Mike Allred a Mormon? If not, has he ever stated why he's adapting the book of mormon to comics?

Ya think. Pretty sure he is...from everything I've read...he's really devoted to that project.

[kidvictory]

Great to hear the movie is closer to a reality and that the script keeps improving.

Congrats!

[stvnhthr]

Originally Posted by npitarra

Ya think. Pretty sure he is...from everything I've read...he's really devoted to that project.

He is a Moromon and willing to discuss it to a point on his http://www.comicscommunity.com/boards/allred/ message board, just be respectful.

[dpg]

I met Mike years ago in Pittsburgh. He was a heck of a nice guy. He put up with me gushing over how great he was and signed all my Red Rocket 7s with a smile.

Man I was an idiot that day. I may have actually said: "Dude, you're awesome"
It was like a I stepped out of my body and was able to watch myself act like an ass.

Good lord.

[npitarra]

Originally Posted by stvnhthr

He is a Moromon and willing to discuss it to a point on his http://www.comicscommunity.com/boards/allred/ message board, just be respectful.

I don't think anyone was being disrepectful...it just seems obvious that if your that passionate about a religous work...you probably belong to that religion. Its cool too...I knew nothing about the book of mormon or the golden plates...and I learned something from him interpreting the book. Mike Allred is one of my all time favorite creators...i'd never disrespect the guy. The street beatniks better be in the movie....or atleast the vomit monster...he was awesome.

~nick

[McEddard]

So DiDio will greenlight hundreds of crappy Countdown one-shots and mini-series, but a Teen Titans story from Allred and the original creators, and a Metal Men series from Dorkin and Allred aren't up to snuff? What the heck is that guy's deal?

[exultant801]

Originally Posted by McEddard

So DiDio will greenlight hundreds of crappy Countdown one-shots and mini-series, but a Teen Titans story from Allred and the original creators, and a Metal Men series from Dorkin and Allred aren't up to snuff? What the heck is that guy's deal?

A M E N!!!

allred's issue of solo was easliy one of the best and my personal favorite.
my dream is to see him do some more New Gods stuff.

[EMeadow]

Originally Posted by McEddard

So DiDio will greenlight hundreds of crappy Countdown one-shots and mini-series, but a Teen Titans story from Allred and the original creators, and a Metal Men series from Dorkin and Allred aren't up to snuff? What the heck is that guy's deal?

It has nothing to do with Allred and Jay Stephens. It probably had more to do with Bob Haney.

Haney Teen Titans stories if you haven't read them are...................VERY era specific. Everything is right out of the 1960's, and seeing that dialouge today is always a bit of a mindblow. Its the same thing with the upcoming Super-Sons trade. Its extremely representative of the 1970's. LOL in my opinion always in a bad way. But that's just me.

Plus, it also has President Kennedy in the story and I woudln't know for sure if that played a part in it as well.

But I do want to see it. Its always deserved to be published and I hope DC follows through finally.

And believe me, I'd be very curious to see what Dorkin had in mind for the Metal Men as well. But there's got to be a good reason. Dorkin's writing style probably just didn't mesh with how DC wanted them represented.

[HNutz]

Ah, so it's not THAT Stardust. Was wondering how Allred was connected to the Gaiman book/movie...

[seamonkey]

Allred is awesome!

[DocBrass]

Originally Posted by McEddard

So DiDio will greenlight hundreds of crappy Countdown one-shots and mini-series, but a Teen Titans story from Allred and the original creators, and a Metal Men series from Dorkin and Allred aren't up to snuff? What the heck is that guy's deal?

I have to agree on that one!
Allred has had a great career. I'll be buying Teen Titans when it finally sees the light of day.

[vbartilucci]

Originally Posted by McEddard

So DiDio will greenlight hundreds of crappy Countdown one-shots and mini-series, but a Teen Titans story from Allred and the original creators, and a Metal Men series from Dorkin and Allred aren't up to snuff? What the heck is that guy's deal?

My best guess is he weighed the potential sales of an Evan Dorkin / Mike Allred Metal Men, and one that he could put Grant Morrison's name on, and made a business decision. Can't say I wouldn't have made the same decision from a business viewpoint.

Can't imagine why he's pass up the Titans book tho. Probably just because there's not enough of a Titans readership to support another special or one-shot I guess.

[ShadeCrowe]

Originally Posted by vbartilucci

My best guess is he weighed the potential sales of an Evan Dorkin / Mike Allred Metal Men, and one that he could put Grant Morrison's name on, and made a business decision. Can't say I wouldn't have made the same decision from a business viewpoint.

Can't imagine why he's pass up the Titans book tho. Probably just because there's not enough of a Titans readership to support another special or one-shot I guess.

Maybe. But it's only a one-shot, and it has creator appeal. Why a Simon Dark ongoing, a much riskier investment, than a Teen Titans one-shot?

Speaking as someone with, generally, no interest in the Metal Men I have to say that just based on the creators alone I might've picked up the first issue. Why not combine a property with a small following with a creator(s) with their own following? One complements the other, could be good business.