Comics focusing on different bands aren’t exactly a new thing. Archie is crossing over with the Ramones, there’s a KISS comic with roughly a million different variants, and probably a few more comics for bands I’ve probably never heard of. The thing is, there’s not quite another band like GWAR. Whether you like their music or not, the mythos built up around the band – that of murderous, destructive aliens who rebelled against their creator and were banished to Earth – is something that’s just perfect for comics. It’s over the top and, frankly, pretty ridiculous, which the best comics often are. It’s a wonder that there hasn’t been a comic before starring the band.
Here’s where Matt Miner and Jonathan Brandon Sawyer come in, though. Along with GWAR, these guys are making a comic about GWAR traveling through time and pretty much influencing all sorts of events on Earth. It’s absolutely ridiculous, but sounds like a lot of fun also. GWAR isn’t just starring in the comic either; individual members are contributing story, backup comics, variant covers, original art, and all kinds of different aspects of the project. Today marks the launch of the Kickstarter to help get this book made. In addition to the book, there’s also all kinds of GWAR props, merch, and original art from members, along with other cool stuff. I hear there’s even tattoos, which is insane.
If none of that sells you, read below as we talk to Matt and Jonathan about how the comic came to be, working with GWAR, and more. Be sure to check out the Kickstarter here.
I have really have to know – how did a GWAR comic come about? Who approached who on that?
Matt Miner: When I got into comics I had this idea that some day, somehow, I wanted to do a GWAR book. I had this goal in mind from the very beginning – the way that a lot of aspiring writers want to write Spider-Man or Batman, I wanted to write GWAR. I’ve been a big fan of the band and the stage show for more than half my life and so after a couple years of making comics I figured I was ready to approach them. I was introduced through a mutual friend and we went from there.
For more on this, check out the video at the Kickstarter page, but that bastard and thorn in GWAR’s side named Sawborg Destructo currently has us tied up and locked in a basement. We’re beaten and bleeding and I’m actually typing this interview up with my foot because I’m handcuffed and taped to a metal folding chair. Sawborg really doesn’t want us making these comics, maybe because they show him for the massive screwup he really is. GWAR’s promised to rescue us if we can raise this money through Kickstarter, so please, folks – help get us out of here and away from this Sawborg lunatic by pledging at GWARkickstarter.com!
Jonathan Brandon Sawyer: The first time I remember Matt mentioning the idea to me was at Salt Lake Comic Con a couple of years ago. We were sharing a table and I was doing a sketch of Oderus hanging out with the girls from Spring Breakers (Matt’s favorite movie) for Matt, and he said “Dude, we should do a GWAR comic together.” After that, he would bring it up every once in awhile, just in that “Man, wouldn’t that be awesome?” kind of way. A few months ago he came to me and said he was legitimately pursuing this and wanted to know if I was on board. Of course I said yes!
What’s the story of “GWAR: Orgasmagedddon” about? What can people expect from it?
MM: Think of it as “GWAR through time” – so it’s like Bill and Ted’s, if Bill and Ted were reckless maniacs who went on a bender, and made tons of inappropriate jokes while they killed everything. The cold, calculating, Mr. Perfect sends GWAR back in time to get them out of the way so he can assimilate Sawborg Destructo in peace – the same way he assimilated poor Oderus Urungus. GWAR’s fighting to get back to the present to kick Mr. Perfect’s butt, but they take their time and trample the human timeline in the process – it explains a lot of what we now know as actual history and how everything we know is really the result of GWAR’s influence. So, you know, the comics are educational. Maybe we can pitch them to elementary schools.
Continued belowGWAR has always had a satirical edge and been full of irreverent social commentary, so it’s really right in my wheelhouse. Gore and bodily fluids and monsters and aliens and robots and dinosaurs, with, you know, a purpose – told with a wink and a smile and tons of middle fingers. The guys in GWAR would probably deny there’s any redeeming social qualities to anything they do, but that’s a lie.
With a band like GWAR, there’s already a pretty big fanbase out there. How are you trying to balance the story to appeal to both those hardcore fans and also those that may not be as familiar with the band and what they do?
MM: I’m writing this in a way that will appeal to everyone, lifelong bohab to “never heard of them before” guy/gal. There’s enough humor, heart, laughs and shocks in the book to appeal to everyone, with fun nods to GWAR’s history and mythos. You know, like in the first X-Men movie when Wolverine jokes about yellow spandex and the comic reading half of the theater laughs, but you don’t have to get that joke or be a megafan to enjoy the film? That kind of thing. Also, the art is friggin’ stunning. Jonathan Brandon Sawyer did Black Mask’s “Critical Hit” with me and I knew he was the right pick to approach about this GWAR book – on colors is Marissa Louise, and her stuff just brings Jonathan’s art next level. The two working together is that good comics-ey kind of magic. The comic’s worth it for the art alone, seriously.
Matt, I know a lot of your previous work has at least some political message to it. Judging that Trump shows up in one of the preview images on the KS page, I think it’s safe to say that’ll be similar here?
MM: GWAR has a history of lampooning and murdering politicians, so I figured it was only right to give that orange clown-goblin his due on the preview pages. Will this book be overtly political? No, it’s a GWAR book – they live to drink and fuck and kill anyone who annoys them, so I’m staying true to that. Since I’m writing it will my voice leak into the pages while bringing out GWAR’s brand of social satire? Of course.
Jonathan, with something like GWAR where all the members are already sporting really cool designs and costumes, how did you go about both capturing those designs and also putting your own sort of spin on it?
JBS: I looked at a lot of reference. Everything from live photos to official artwork and fanart. I just tried to find the things about each character that really stand out and make each of them recognizable. There are certain limitations to what you can do with a stage costume that has to be worn while playing an instrument. With comics, those limitations don’t exist, so I’m able to exaggerate some of the features a bit more. I really try to stay true to the characters and the band has been really cool about letting me add my own flavor to the designs.
Not only is GWAR the focus of the book, but various members are contributing covers and backup comics to the different issues. How does it feel to be able to not just be able to make a comic with GWAR, but have them contributing art and covers and whatnot?
MM: It’s the only way I’d want to do the book – I would only do this comic if the guys from GWAR had ultimate say on the story as well as artistic contributions. This is their world and we’re just fortunate to be allowed to play in it a little. They’re all artists in their own right and they’ve put out comics of short stories called SLAVE PIT FUNNIES on their own before, so it just wouldn’t make sense to not showcase them and their talents in this new book.
Anything else you’d like to add?
MM: Yeah! The kickstarter is at GWARkickstarter.com and it ends November 25th, but pledge now and claim your goods – your credit card won’t get charged until November 25, so don’t put it off. For backers, we have a bunch of rad Kickstarter exclusive variant covers you can flip on eBay, a Kickstarter exclusive GWAR T-shirt to impress your metal nerd friends, tons of signed merch from the band, stage used GWAR props, original art from comic artists and from GWAR guys, and much much more.
